Dog Who Played 'Duke' In Bush's Beans Commercials Dies

APOPKA, FL — Bush's Beans has confirmed that one of the dogs who played Duke in the company's commercials has died. Sam, who lived in Apopka just north of Orlando, was put down last week after battling an aggressive cancer, according to David Odom, a friend of Sam's owner.

The baked bean producer told Patch in a statement it is was "saddened" by the news of Sam's death and was grateful that he depicted the real Duke. The company has worked closely with several dogs who portrayed Duke in its commercials. Sam hasn't been in any for a "number of years."

"As you are aware, the relationship between Jay and his beloved dog Duke is the embodiment of the BUSH’S brand, and has been a part of our family story for more than 20 years," the statement said.

The company didn't answer a question about when Sam was last in a commercial.

Odom said in a Facebook post — since shared more than 82,000 times — that Sam's owner, identified only as Susan, trains animals to work in commercials.

"Not just hers but others as well," he said.

He added that the owner is "heartbroken by Sam's death.

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