Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app.
A beloved English bulldog from New Hyde Park who last year appeared doing the limbo on the Tonight Show died suddenly after a trip to Citi Field for a Mets game last week.
Tonka was only 3 years old.
“Daddy and I went to the Mets game on Wednesday night and as we were leaving I collapsed in the parking lot on they way to the truck,” his owner wrote in a tearful farewell on Tonka’s popular Instagram page.
The adorable pup’s page has 145,000 loyal followers. Photos and videos of Tonka would often get likes and shares that amounted into the tens of thousands.
“Please celebrate my life and don’t be sad,” Tonka’s owner further wrote. “Daddy is sad enough for everyone. Daddy won’t be responding to comments until he feels like he can do it. #RIPTonkaTheBulldog99
Tonka 9/9/19-5/31/23
That didn’t stop the tributes from pouring in. That included one from another famous bulldog whose 154,000 followers get a glimpse into his life near-daily at @wontonthebulldog on Instagram.
“Tonka was one of our best friends,” the post reads. “He was one of the most incredible dogs we’ve ever known. He brought so many smiles to everyone. We miss him so much already. My heart is with his dad and I hope he will get through this hard time someday. Thank you for sharing Tonka’s moments for us.
“Until we meet again Tonka … someday somewhere …❤️❤️❤️🌈 @tonkathebulldog99“
Tonka appeared in a “What’s Up Dog?” segment with Jimmy Fallon in March of 2022.
Photo: @tonkathebulldog99 on Instagram
