Fashion Influencer Dog Tika the Iggy Passes Away at 14 Following Surgery

Beloved dog influencer Tika the Iggy has passed away at the age of 14, her owners have revealed.

“Tika, I genuinely believed you would live forever. I thought we had more time, but there are aspects beyond our control. Our hearts are broken,” owner Thomas Shapiro shared via Instagram on Tuesday, November 4. “We had recently discovered you had two tumors in your liver. It was shocking, as you were still so vibrant, jumping, running, and doing everything as usual. However, we learned that those tumors would quickly grow and impact your fragile body, so we followed the guidance of your wonderful vets and proceeded with surgery to remove them.”

After a successful surgery to remove the tumors, Tika was able to return home.

Just two days later, Shapiro noted “something had shifted” and saw that his dog “looked so weary, not quite herself, yet at peace.”

“Initially, the vets thought it was the effects of the pain medication, but we soon learned that your body was gradually giving out, and we were told there was nothing we could have done to avert that outcome,” Shapiro wrote. “Sadly, this is a risk that accompanies surgery in older dogs.”

Shapiro, residing in Montreal, reminisced about how Tika spent her last days surrounded by her family.

Now that Tika has passed, Shapiro expressed feeling “numb” yet is still seeking moments of gratitude.

“We wish you were still here. You were meant to roam through your golden years,” he wrote. “We hope you know how deeply you were loved, Tika. By us, and by so many who came to know you. You adored meeting new friends, and you were larger than life. Rest peacefully, our sweet Tika. We will always remember you.”

Following the announcement of Tika’s passing, numerous dog influencer accounts offered their condolences to Shapiro and his family.

“Oh my goodness. We are heartbroken. Crying tears with you,” Doug the Pug’s official account commented. “Tika was incredibly special and will never be forgotten. We will cherish the memories of dancing to Dolly Parton together; it was a privilege to meet such an extraordinary girl. We are here for you 💔.”

Maxine the Fluffy Corgi’s account added, “Sending all our love to you and Louis and the kids, Tommy. We’re here for you. Rest in Peace to a true queen. We’ll miss you forever, Tika. You were a force.”

Tika was a beloved figure online, boasting 1.6 million followers on her Instagram account alone. Vogue once referred to the Italian greyhound as “a new fashion it girl,” while The Dogist hailed her as “The Anna Wintour of Dogs.”

During her lifetime, Tika mingled with celebrities like Lizzo and Drew Barrymore. She made a notable appearance on The View and even had a cameo in the Netflix series Geek Girl.

“To all of Tika’s friends, please be kind in the comments. We wish to be open with you all because we know how much you loved Tika, but we are deeply hurt by our loss,” Shapiro expressed. “We kindly ask for your compassion during this difficult time. Thank you, and as my sweet old lady Tika would say, bisous.”