One of Instagram’s most famous and beloved dogs, Toast, has passed away.
The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, who was rescued from a puppymill, won hearts the world over with her trademark tongue, which flopped out of the side of her mouth, a result of her being left with no teeth.
Toast’s owner, and fellow Instagram star, Katie Sturino, 37, who lives in New York, took to the social media site on Friday to share the heart-breaking news of her pet pooch’s passing, penning a touching tribute to the adorable dog and her ‘exceptional life’.
Loss: Instagram-famous dog Toast, known online as Toast Meets World, has died
Heartbroken: Toast’s owner, blogger Katie Sturino, known online as The 12ish Style, shared two tribute posts to her beloved dog on Instagram, on her own account, and on the pooch’s
Trademark: The sweet dog became famous online thanks to her floppy tongue, which hung out of the side of her mouth because she had been left with no teeth
Katie posted a heartbreaking caption on Toast’s Instagram, which boasted more than 377,000 followers, giving away little detail about the cause of her death, but urging her fans to share their fondest memories of her beloved bed.
The 12ish Style fashion blogger – who was once married to online comedian Josh Ostrovsky, aka The Fat Jewish – also shared some of Toast’s biggest successes, which included releasing a book, starring in a campaign for designer Karen Walker, and starring on billboards in different locations across the country.
‘Heaven has a new star tonight,’ she wrote. ‘We’re heartbroken to share the news that Toast has passed. This puppymill rescue had an exceptional life.
‘She wrote a book, had a televised wedding, appears on billboards across the country promoting rescue and modeled for an international eye-wear campaign.
‘But above all, she was a best friend, a world champion little spoon…but she was far from being an angel.
‘Toast was often a little devil. Grabbing rolls of toilet paper off and dragging them into the living room for a snack. Peeing whenever/wherever she wanted to. Pretending not to be able to jump on the couch because she just wanted a ride. And snoring like a 400lb trucker.
‘In the next few weeks we will be doing tributes for her. If Toast has inspired you or taught you about rescue please consider donating to the link in the bio. 100% of the donations will go to her three favorite charities.
Fashion icon: Toast experienced a huge amount of success throughout her life, including landing a campaign for designer Karen Walker
Diva: The dog’s sassy attitude won her hundreds of thousands of followers
Going for a ride! Toast would often feature in images with her owner Katie
‘If you would like to show your love for Toast and the tongue that will never be forgotten, please post a photo using #ToastMeetsHeaven so we can see. Toast loved meeting fans at meet ups and on the streets.
‘She knew she was loved and adored by people around the globe and we are so grateful to have known her. Our hearts will eventually heal knowing that she will live on forever in people’s hearts.’
Katie also shared a photo of herself and the adorable puppy on her own Instagram, praising the dog for making such a remarkable difference in her life.
‘Toast changed my life. Not in a “Who Rescued Who Way”, but in a real life altering way,’ she explained.
‘I started Toast’s account because she was literally the cutest dog I’d ever seen, but soon I realized she was destined for fame.’
The fashion blogger went on to reveal how her dog’s success actually helped to inspire her own online career, explaining how working on all of Toast’s projects enabled her to overcome her insecurities and shyness.
‘As a shy person, she provided me a way to showcase my creativity without putting myself on display,’ Katie wrote.
Tres chic: Katie urged Toast’s fans to share their favorite memories of the dog online
Sharing the love: Hundreds of people posted sweet comments on Toast’s Instagram, sharing heartfelt messages for Katie
Gone but not forgotten: ‘Our hearts will eventually heal knowing that she will live on forever in people’s hearts,’ Katie said of her sweet dog
‘I was able to help dogs and live out my crazy dog fantasies and eventually make a living from that.
‘But when Toast was invited to do a shoot with the @manrepeller I met Amelia Diamond. And she asked to do a style profile on me.
‘That story was the reason I launched the12ishstyle and then eventually @megababe Toast was not just a pet to me, she was an inspiration.
‘I found myself through that journey and I have never felt more at peace with myself.
‘I’m devastated but I am so grateful for this toothless angel. Please consider donating in the link in the bio to Toasts favorite charities. #toastmeetsheaven’
Once people found out about the dog’s death on social media, they couldn’t stop sharing their sympathy and sorrow.
Hundreds of people responded to the heart-wrenching post about Toast’s passing, with many sharing heartfelt words of sympathy, as well as fond memories of the sweet pooch.
‘We are so sorry, we love toast but know she will be furever with us!’ one person wrote, while another added: ‘She was such a special little girl. Her legacy will live on and we are all sending you our love.’
One person chimed in: ‘Spunky Toast will be incredibly missed but never forgotten.’