Marnie The Instagram-Famous Dog Has Died
The world is mourning the loss of Marnie, the pet influencer known around the world for being a precious Shih Tzu with an abnormally long tongue and tilted head. She passed away at the old age of 18.
Shirley Braha, Marnie’s owner, posted an announcement to Marnie’s 1.8 million followers that the Shih Tzu had “passed away painlessly & peacefully” after her “comfort had been notably declining over the past few days.” Shirley shared with the followers that Marnie “let me know she had had enough” and “enjoyed her chicken until the very end.”
Prior to being rescued, Marnie was previously called “Stinky” because of her smell. According to The New York Times, Shirley had no idea that she would be getting a dog that would become a social media celebrity, or that she would live to be almost 20 years old.
Besides making a huge impact on the hearts of millions of followers, Shirley explained that Marnie made a huge difference in changing attitudes towards senior dogs getting adopted.
Shirley wrote on Instagram, “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.”
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 proved that you’re never too old to achieve your dreams – having become a viral sensation at the senior age of 12. Given her celebrity status, Marnie got the chance to meet tons of other celebrities, such as Betty White, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Tina Fey.
The little four-legged influencer even managed to get a book deal! And in 2015, the New Yorker named her the Most Famous American Dog on Instagram.
Even though Shirley is sad over the loss over Marnie, she said, “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.”
Shirley also added, “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.”
Marnie is set to be buried in a pet cemetery in Los Angeles, but given the current worry over COVID-19, Shirley hopes to hold a “public memorial gathering whenever safe.”
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