In Norfolk, "The Dog Whisperer" will teach philosophy of serene strength

The headquarters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is in downtown Norfolk, just a few blocks from Chrysler Hall.

Millan said he believes that PETA would approve of his presentation.

"I think they're going to like it," he said. "If they come, they're going to like the message. In the show, we concentrate on what my grandfather told me: Never work against mother nature. I came from a country where nobody uses a leash and no collar.

"It doesn't get more humane than that."

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According to Millan's own website, he's a native of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, who "jumped the border" to enter the United States in 1990. After a two months of homelessness, he scored a job as a dog groomer and walker.

His reputation around Los Angeles spread and, in 1994, he met Jada Pinkett, the actress who would go on to marry actor-rapper Will Smith. Pinkett became Millan's champion, paying for a year's tutoring to help the immigrant improve his English.

After a profile of Millan ran in the Los Angeles Times, he was approached by several companies about developing a TV show. "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan" debuted in 2004 and Millan became an American citizen five years later.

"The beauty of an immigrant is we only see forward — we have no other choice," Millan said. "When you have so much hunger, when you have so much necessity, your energy, your intensity, it's very powerful ... The first border you jump is the physical one. Then you get to the immigration one, this political border. But it really fades ... When you bring something good to a country, eventually they embrace you.

"The energy in every country is different and this country is really about opportunity. If you have a good idea, you can make it happen."

Want to go?

Who: Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, presents secrets on how to transform dogs and their owners.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 7

Where: Chrysler Hall, Norfolk

Tickets: $35.75 and $45.75 from Ticketmaster

More information:, 757-664-6464