Tika the Iggy, the celebrity Italian Greyhound with a flair for fashion and a huge internet following, has passed away.
Tika, who has over 1.6 million followers on Instagram, succumbed to her death after undergoing an operation to remove tumors in her liver, per TMZ.
Tika’s owner, Thomas Shapiro, shared a heartfelt tribute for his beloved dog, whom he considered his own daughter.
“Tika, I really thought you were going to live forever,” Shapiro wrote. “I thought we had more time, but there are things we cannot control. Our hearts are shattered.”
What Happened to Tika the Iggy?
Shapiro went on to detail the final days of Tika. He revealed that she had two tumors in her liver and had surgery to remove them.
Although the surgery “went very well” and the tumors were successfully removed, Tika’s health soon took a turn for the worse.
“We were so happy to have you home. But after your second day home, something had changed,” Shapiro recalled. “You looked so tired, not quite yourself, yet peaceful.”
Initially, vets thought it was just lethargy from painkillers. However, it turned out to be far more serious than that.
“We soon found out that it was your body that was slowly giving up, and we were told that there wasn’t anything we could have done that day to prevent it from happening,” the grieving fur parent added. “It is sadly a risk that comes with surgery on senior dogs.”
Tika spent her last moments at home, held by her “favorite dads.”
“We wish you were still here. You were supposed to prance through your golden years. We just hope you know how deeply you were loved, Tika. By us, but also by so many others who came to know you. You truly loved meeting new friends, and you were larger than life.”
Fans Mourn Tika’s Passing
Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to mourn the loss of Tika, sharing heartfelt tributes and memories of the fashionista dog.
One fan wrote, “I’m pretty sure she’s now wearing the most beautiful gown made by clouds with all the colors of the sunset while she uses the rainbow bridge as a runway.”
Another commented, “What a special lady Tika was to have warmed so many hearts and souls. I thank you all for sharing this marvelous pupper. “
Someone added, “The tiniest dog, the biggest heart. She will be missed by millions. Sending love.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo also wrote, “The joy and happiness she gave us all. Thank you for sharing her w us. She was loved beyond measure and she knew that. You were and are the most loving dads. So sorry for your loss.”
