Last week, we lost the original OG of dog influencers.
Marnie, the senior shit tzu who captured the hearts of millions, passed away on Thursday at the age of 18.
Her dog mom, Shirley Braha, shared the news to her 1.8 million Instagram followers on Saturday, thanking everyone for loving Marnie so much.
“Thank you for joining me on an unexpected journey with the ultimate love of my life. 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. 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 was adopted at age 11 by Braha from a Connecticut shelter. Braha, who never had a dog, felt a strong connection to the senior immediately, according The New York Times. She, along with Marnie, went on to be huge advocates for adopting senior dogs, who are often overlooked at shelters.
“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 said in the post. “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.”
Related: 10 Reasons Why Senior Dogs Are So Unbelievably Awesome
Marnie made a name for herself after Braha lost her job at MTV and was looking for an outlet.
“I was just doubtful anyone would care,” Braha told The Times. “There is so much content online and it’s almost like the aspiration of fame seems so trite that it just didn’t appeal to me.”
But before she knew it, she was getting more followers.
“Once I started doing it, I realized that I was having a lot of fun and she was enjoying it,” Braha said.
People from all over the world started following Marnie and her popularity quickly grew. Celebrities including Demi Lovato, Tina Fey, Betty White and Katy Perry were some of her fans. Marnie came out with a book, Marnie the Dog: I’m a Book, partnered with a number of big-name brands and released an app. It was even reported she was too big of a name to attend the World Dog Awards and accept an award. The type of diva we love, and she was coined, “the most famous American dog on Instagram,” by Braha.
She will surely be missed. Her impact on helping senior dogs get adopted was huge, and her legacy will carry on.
Related: Why a Senior Dog May Be Absolutely Perfect for You
Many took to Instagram to share their own special stories of Marnie.
Rest in peace sweet girl.