Striper, Neil Stein's beloved dog, dies at age 10
Striper, restaurateur Neil Stein's beloved Boxer, arguably the most popular dog in Philadelphia, died over the weekend. He was 10-years-old and lived in Old City.
Striper, Neil Stein's beloved dog, dies at age 10
Dan Gross
“He’s been an amazing part of my life,” Stein tearfully shared with us this afternoon. “He was the most lovable thing,” Stein recalls. For years, Striper was a fixture at Stein’s restaurant Rouge (205 S. 18th) which is owned by his daughter Maggie Wasserman and her husband Rob Wasserman and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Recently Striper had been suffering from severe arthritis and his paws were bleeding from dragging a hind leg. He was euthanized over the weekend at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, which also handled his burial. Striper’s health woes were related to his weight, a whopping 115 pounds. Stein says Striper who “never lost his appetite,” was partial to the Rouge cheeseburger.
Stein has been fielding calls of support from friends and family members, who all knew how much he loved the dog, who almost never left his side. When Stein spent 14 months in federal prison on tax evasion charges, a handful of Stein’s trusted friends cared for Striper. Striper came to Stein when he was seven-weeks-old from LaRae Derr, of Blue Star Farms Specialty Meat, who also raises Boxers on her Lancaster County farm. Stein said yesterday that photos of Striper were displayed outside of Rouge and that he planned to install a plaque there as well as possibly sponsor a bench in Rittenhouse Square in memory of his dog, whom he called “an icon.” He was named after Stein’s other baby, Striped Bass (15th & Walnut) which Stein co-founded and owned for years. It is now owned by Stephen Starr.
Photo: Jessica Griffin/Daily News
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I mean, most of us like dogs and all....but really? The editor ok'd this?— IrishEagle- Good reporting by Dan. Wish I could say for the same about Attytood...— shoeshineboy
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- I think it was Alycia Lane that killed him.— misterpet
- i feel for neil. striper was a loyal friend. that's what's so great about dogs, nothing but unconditional love.— frenval
- 115 LBS!!! If he really loved the dog, he would have treated him better and not let him get so heavy. He could have extended his time with the dog by just feeding him better. Dogs don't need cheeseburgers.— thebaron
- oh the humanity— ChrissMari
- How many calls did you put out to make sure the "lovable" label really stuck? This dog's cuddliness doesn't seem to be corroborated by many reliable sources. DAMN IT, GROSS! WE NEED SOLID REPORTING! I'LL NEVER KNOW THE DIRT ON THIS DOG!— mikey mike
more important that reporting about who ate where?— dpcoz- Comment removed.
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- I have two Boxers at home. They're great dogs. Boxers everywhere will be in mourning for the loss of their dog idol. He was a world class crotch sniffer. Something for every dog to look up to. He will be missed.— MVKrum
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- There are more compassionate ways to say these things. Neil loved him more than anything, regardless of his tendency to be indulgent. Why be heartless about loss? Or addiction?— jade
