Social media helps us connect with people from all around the world. It gives us glimpses into their lives and daily adventures, and that is how we see that we’re really not that different. We even get to connect with other pets across the world. We absolutely love seeing happy dogs in our social media feeds, so when one of the animals that we love to follow passes away, it really feels like we’ve lost a friend.
And currently, the world is mourning the loss of the adorable Shih Tzu named Marnie. Marnie was an internet sensation, gaining 1.8 million followers who loved her for her abnormally long tongue and tilted head. She passed away at the age of 18.
The pet influencer “passed away painlessly & peacefully” as her owner, Shirley Braha, assured her millions of followers. In the emotional post, Shirley explained Marnie had died after her “comfort had been notably declining over the past few days.”
Added that the famous Marnie had “let me know she had had enough” and “enjoyed her chicken until the very end.”
Prior to being adopted, Marnie had been called “Stinky” due to her smell before getting rescued. According to The New York Times, when Shirley rescued her, she had no idea that her beloved Marnie would go on to become a social media celebrity or live to be almost 20 years old.
As Shirley explained, not only did Marnie become beloved for all, but she actually helped to influence many others to choose adoption – particularly changing views on adopting older dogs.
“Most of all, I’m amazed that the sweet little hot mess of a pup that I picked up from a shelter at age 11, who at first didn’t seem like she would be around very long at all, has managed to inspire others to adopt senior dogs,” Shirley posted to Instagram.
She added, “When I hear from people that Marnie has made them adopt their senior dogs it’s truly the most beautiful legacy she and I could hope to leave in this world.”
Marnie got to enjoy a lot of perks of fame, such as getting to meet some celebrities, including, Betty White, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Tina Fey.
Marnie even managed to snag herself a book deal. And, in 2015, the New Yorker called her the Most Famous American Dog on Instagram.
Even though Shirley is dealing with the loss of Marnie, she still shared, “All I can feel right now is loss but beneath that I have so much gratitude. I’m grateful to the universe for entrusting me with her beautiful soul and providing me with the perfect best friend and companion. I’m grateful I was able to give this magical creature the fun and deeply loving life she wanted and deserved.”
Adding, “I’m thankful I was chosen to be the conduit for Marnie to bring joy into the world. And I’m thankful for all the human and dog friends Marnie and I made along the way, and the strangers on the streets and on the internet, who have shown us so much love.”
According to the post by Shirley, Marnie will be buried in a pet cemetery in her hometown of Los Angeles.
