Beloved Fashion Dog Influencer Tika the Iggy Passes Away at 14

Tika the Iggy, a highly popular Italian Greyhound known for her fashionable wardrobe, passed away on Monday at the age of 14 due to complications from surgery. Her owner, Thomas Shapiro, shared the heartbreaking news on Tika’s Instagram account, where the dog had garnered 1.6 million followers. Additionally, Tika was a sensation on TikTok, boasting 3.1 million followers.

In his emotional tribute, Shapiro expressed his disbelief and sadness over Tika’s passing. “Tika, I really thought you were going to live forever,” he wrote. “I thought we had more time, but there are things we cannot control. Our hearts are shattered.” Tika underwent surgery to remove two tumors from her liver, which initially appeared successful. However, her health declined after she returned home.

Shapiro described Tika’s condition after surgery, stating, “You looked so tired, not quite yourself, yet peaceful.” He later learned that her body was “slowly giving up,” a reality that he noted is a sad risk associated with surgery on senior dogs. Tika spent her final moments surrounded by love at home with Shapiro and his husband, Louis.

Tika’s Impact on Fashion and Social Media

Tika the Iggy was not just a pet; she was a fashion icon in the canine community. The prestigious magazine Vogue once referred to her as “a new fashion It girl.” Her influence extended to popular culture, with the TikTok creator known as The Dogist dubbing her “The Anna Wintour of Dogs.”

The news of Tika’s death has led to an outpouring of condolences from the online pet community. The account for We Rate Dogs commented, “Our team is devastated over here. Thank you for sharing her with the world ❤️ rest easy Tika.” Similarly, the account for Doug the Pug expressed their sorrow, stating they were “beyond sorry” and “crying tears with [you].”

Shapiro’s heartfelt tribute highlighted the joy that Tika brought into their lives and to her many followers. “We just hope you know how deeply you were loved, Tika. By us, but also by so many others who came to know you,” he wrote. “You truly loved meeting new friends, and you were larger than life.”

Tika the Iggy’s legacy as a beloved fashion figure and influencer will undoubtedly live on, as she touched the hearts of many during her remarkable life.