Beloved golden retriever and social media mega star, Tucker Budzyn, unexpectedly died this past week, his heartbroken owner has announced.
Courtney Budzyn only revealed that Tucker had been diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer a few weeks ago on Sunday, August 30.
She said her adorable eight-and-half-year-old dog was reacting well to treatment and had already entered partial remission, ending her message with optimism that it would be the last ‘sad video’ she has to post for a while.
However, Tucker died two days later on Wednesday, September 2, as undetected cancer in his intestines led to an infection.
Announcing the news in an video on Saturday, September 5, a devastated Courtney broke the news to Tucker’s gigantic fanbase.
Tucker has died after a short battle with cancer (Instagram/tuckerbudzyn)
Fighting through tears, she said: “I’m so sorry, I thought that was the last sad video I was going to make but it’s not. Tucker’s gone.
“I’m so sorry.
“Tucker passed away on Wednesday, unexpectedly. He was doing really well. The treatment.”
Tucker was a handsome chap (Instagram/tuckerbudzyn)
She explained how Tucker suddenly and rapidly deteriorated.
“But we didn’t know that he had lymphoma in his intestines,” Courtney said. “Since the chemo was working so good and he was going into remission, it left a hole in his intestine where the cancer was.
“He got an infection that seemed to hit him overnight. We woke up and we rushed him. We thought we were going to beat the infection.”
Courtney and the vets did what they could to save Tucker, but were unable to do so.
Courtney has been left heartbroken (Instagram/tuckerbudzyn)
She continued in a gut-wrenching speech: “He was so weak. We got him on antibiotics and fluids, but it was too late. We tried to save him but we couldn’t save him.
“I want you to know I tried to do everything I could. I did everything. His temperature kept raising and nothing was changing it. We had to let him go. Tucker, I love you so much. You saved my life.
“There was nothing in this world I wouldn’t have done for him, he was literally part of me. He was part of my soul. It feels like I lost a body part.”
Tributes have flooded in for Tucker
Tucker amassed a gigantic 4.4 million followers on Instagram and has even ‘wrote’ a book, which is due to release on November 17.
Though nothing could compare to the obvious grief tearing Courtney apart, Tucker’s adoring followers have also expressed their sadness with his passing and have poured into the comments to offer their condolences and tributes.
Iconic social media account @weratedogs said: “we’re so so sorry. he was the best. thank you for sharing him.”
Tucker and his son Todd (Instagram/tuckerbudzyn)
While animal news publication, The Dodo, replied: “Absolutely heartbroken.
“We are so sorry and sending you the biggest hug. There are just no words for the pain of such a sudden, huge loss. We hope you find moments of comfort in the joy you and Tucker brought to millions. RIP sweet Tucker.”
There have been over 231,000 comments on the post in just 15 hours.
Tucker is survived by his son, Todd.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Tucker Budzyn