August 2007

I'm an Earth guy. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought about traveling to space. It blew my mind to find out that someone out there was watching my TV show and reading my book–my biggest fan outside Earth's atmosphere, astronaut Sunita Williams.

Suni launched on Space Shuttle Discovery on December 7, 2006, and she won't return to Earth until she completes a six month stay on the International Space Station. She brought a copy of Cesar's Way with her and receives Dog Whisperer episodes weekly via electronic uplink. When asked what she misses most, she always mentions her Jack Russell Terrier Gorby.

Talking to Suni via satellite was humbling. The two things I enjoyed most were seeing Earth from her window–what an amazing view–and being able to share the experience with my son, Andre. He has expressed an interest in one day following in Suni's footsteps and becoming an astronomer. We were both fascinated to watch Suni, with her hair straight up, explain what it was like for her to do everyday things like eat and sleep.

I really admire people who go to outer space. They put their lives at risk to do research which benefits humankind.  You have to be a smart, brave, and selfless person. Suni is all that and more; she is, pardon the expression, down-to-earth and what I would call "happy-go-lucky". I really respect the sacrifice she makes, and I hope watching my show, in a way, keeps Suni a little closer to Earth.

Stay calm and assertive!

Cesar Millan