Rocket the Raccoon prototype from Guardians of the Galaxy dies at age 9

Oreo, the real-life prototype of Rocket the Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy, died today. The cute little 9-year-old was announced online by his official keeper. According to reports, Oreo died peacefully after a "short illness." No other details were provided, but everyone who lived with him was shocked.

Oreo is the prototype of the rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy and has walked the red carpet with director James Gunn. The following is the original statement released by its breeder on Facebook:

"Oreo, you made so many people's lives happier and you were an amazing raccoon ambassador. You loved everyone and all the other animals. When you were on the red carpet as Rocket, or visiting sick kids at the shelter, or whatever, you never got distracted. You just loved everything around you and acted well. You seemed to have an innate sense of when to calm down and when to cheer up, and we never worried that you would do something wrong because you never did. You were the perfect raccoon."

Oreo was taken away by keepers to be raised when he was just two days old because his mother couldn't produce milk. Since then, Oreo has been a very loyal and gentle companion who brings a lot of love and joy to other people's lives.

The first "Guardians of the Galaxy" began production about 6 years ago. Oreo was the only domesticated raccoon near the filming location at the time. By chance, he became the prototype of Rocket. In the film, with Oreo's appearance, Sean Gunn's motion capture and Bradley Cooper's voiceover, we have the Rocket that everyone loves today. Currently, Rocket is the only surviving member of the Guardians of the Galaxy after "Avengers 3".