Toast, the rescue dog and social media darling, has died

Toast was a puppy-mill rescue dog that was adopted by its owner, Katie Sturino, in 2011. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was famous for posing with her tongue out. Sturino recently announced on Instagram that her adorable dog had died. “Heaven has a new star tonight. We’re heartbroken to share the news that Toast has passed. This puppy mill rescue had an exceptional life.” Toast was a social media sensation, with more than 380,000 followers on Instagram. She melted fans’ hearts with her supercute photos. Sturino would dress her up in costumes, and Toast didn’t seem to mind one bit. The pair used their fame to get the word out about the nation’s puppy-mill problem. Sturino has set up a website, Toast Meets Heaven, where fans can make donations and also share their stories. All the funds collected will go entirely to animal rescue groups.