Overview
- Tika underwent surgery to remove two liver tumors on veterinarians' advice, according to owner Thomas Shapiro.
- Shapiro says the operation was reported as successful, Tika was discharged without complications, and she ate her favorite chicken her first night home.
- By the second day post-surgery, she appeared unusually tired, and vets initially suspected medication effects before concluding her body was failing.
- Shapiro says Tika died at home in the company of her human family, which he described in a public tribute.
- The internet-famous dog had more than 1.6 million Instagram followers, and fans and celebrities, including Ellen Pompeo, shared condolences.