Nothing Compares to Family
Cesar Millan
A professional dog trainer, Cesar Millan, is best known for his television series on National Geographic, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, which is currently in its fifth season and airs in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Millan co-authored the best selling books Cesar's Way, Be the Pack Leader and A Member of the Family. He also founded and built the Dog Psychology Center in South Los Angeles, a facility designed to house abused and neglected dogs undergoing rehabilitation. In 2007, Cesar and his wife Ilusion, founded the Cesar and Ilusion Milan Foundation “to provide financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters throughout the United States.”

Born in Mexico, Cesar Millan moved the US in 1990. Even though he spoke little English at the time, he was able to hold a variety of jobs, including being a dog groomer—which is where people noticed that he was adept at handling and calming what were considered aggressive or problem dogs. When he moved to Los Angeles, he changed his dream of becoming a Hollywood dog trainer to one of rehabilitating abused and neglected dogs, and opened the Pacific Point Canine Academy. His client list grew via word of mouth and eventually included celebrities and prominent names in the industry. After a 2002 profile in the Los Angeles Times, he was approached by Hollywood producers to develop what would eventually become Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. Not only did the show become National Geographic’s number 1 show in its first season, but it also was nominated in 2007 and 2008 for an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program.

Dedicated to his family and to giving back to the community, Cesar Millan is a perfect match for SKECHERS’ “Nothing Compares to Family” campaign. He appears in the ad with his wife, Ilusion, two sons, Andre and Calvin, and their dogs, Angel, Minnie, Coco, Daddy, Junior and Mr. President.

The Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation
In 2007, Cesar and Ilusion created the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, "a national, non-profit foundation designed to aid and support the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and abandoned dogs." Initial funding for the non-profit was provided out-of-pocket by the Millans. The Foundation's stated primary goal is “to provide financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters throughout the United States, better enabling them to maintain the highest standards of care and assistance to animals under their protection.”

Another objective of the Cesar and Ilusion Foundation is to educate people about canine behavior. To that end, the Foundation created CesarMillanKids.com, "a safe and easily navigable place for kids to experience the internet and learn about their canine companions, with special emphasis placed on learning to safely interact with dogs and provide what they need to live a happy and balanced life."

Since its inception, the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation has funded 65 shelters and rescues across the country, including donating $10,000 to L.A. Animal Services' East Valley Animal Care Center. The Foundation has also given over 90 shelter and rescue groups Cesar’s Mastering Leadership DVDs to help educate staff, volunteers, new caretakers, and potential adopters.