Tika the Iggy dies at 14 after surgery complications

Tika the Iggy, the Italian Greyhound who became one of the most beloved fashion influencers on social media, has died at the age of 14, her owners confirmed in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday.

According to her owners, Thomas Shapiro and his husband Louis, Tika passed away shortly after undergoing surgery to remove two tumors from her liver. Despite initial optimism following the operation, the couple shared that Tika’s health rapidly declined in the days after the procedure.

“I really thought you were going to live forever. I thought we had more time, but there are things we cannot control. Our hearts are shattered,” Shapiro wrote in an emotional caption. He explained that veterinarians had recommended the surgery even though Tika was a senior dog, as she remained active and cheerful at the time.

Tika became an online sensation with over 1.6 million Instagram followers, celebrated for her playful and fashion-forward outfits curated by her owners. The stylish pooch even counted late fashion icon Iris Apfel among her admirers. Known more for her whimsical costumes than haute couture, Tika most recently appeared dressed as the Eye of Sauron during a family “Lord of the Rings”-themed Halloween celebration.

Shapiro shared that Tika spent her final moments at home, surrounded by love. “You spent your last moments at home, held by your favorite dads,” he wrote. “We feel numb and lost now that you are gone, but we are so grateful you were surrounded by your family during your last moments.”

He concluded his post by asking followers to be kind in the comments as he and Louis mourn their loss, saying they were “extremely hurt” by the passing of their cherished companion.