It's still somewhat clear. Kraft Lunchables on the table, Capri-sun held with grip, and movie on screen. For me these objects were stimulus that signified "Disney movie at Grandmother" time. There was the street rat Aladdin and his magic carpet, the highly imaginative ""Halloween town", movies about kids overcoming bullies, movies about kids overcoming themselves, parents, and other obstacles. When Air Buddy appeared in his first feature film, the game was changed. 8 year old children had a new favorite Disney actor and it wasn't Lindsey Lohan.
Air Bud was the story of an abused Golden Retriever who escapes into the arms of a teen dealing with his fathers death, and acting as therapeutic agent by promoting the teen's eagerness to play sports via his own ability to excel at sports despite being an animal.
So, Where is he now? Sadly, Air Buddy was put to sleep to end his battle with synovial cell sarcoma cancer February 8, 1998. Previously an abandoned dog, he was adopted by his owner Kevin di Ciccio and trained to play various sports. It was after acquiring these skill-sets that the dog actor would rise to stardom, putting all Golden Retrievers on the map.
Fact You May Not Know: Air Buddy stared on Full House as Comet the dog for multiple seasons, won America's funniest home videos, and appeared on David Letterman's Stupid pet tricks segment.