“I could tell he was in a lot of pain and really wasn’t feeling good. We ultimately had to make the very difficult decision to let Tate go.”
@taylor_hill, Instagram, July 5 2023
June was a rollercoaster of a month for model Taylor Hill. Her beloved Labradoodle, Tate, suddenly fell ill, got diagnosed with lymphoma, and then recovered enough to attend her wedding. Then on July 5th, Hill had to break the tragic news that Tate had passed away at the age of 9. After taking the poor pooch to the ICU because he was having trouble breathing, the doctors found his chemotherapy wasn’t helping, and his kidneys were failing…
Last Wednesday we took Tate back to the emergency room because he seemed to be feeling pretty sick again. He was very lethargic, not moving and it seemed like he was having difficulty breathing. They admitted him back into the ICU and his doctors told us the cancer was progressing despite his chemotherapy treatments. His kidneys took another big hit and continuing with his treatment was no longer an option. He wasn’t strong enough and regardless of the cancer, because of his kidneys, he was not able to go on. I could tell he was in a lot of pain and really wasn’t feeling good. We ultimately had to make the very difficult decision to let Tate go. We checked him out of the hospital on Thursday and took him home so we could be with him and we were able to have a doctor come over to our apartment on Friday to help us say goodbye in a safe space where Tate knew he was only with the people who love him most. Tate to me is more than just dog, we had a very special bond as I’m sure so many people can relate to. This experience with cancer and having to say goodbye to Tate so soon and so quickly has been pretty devastating. I’m so grateful to him for pushing through for our wedding and really trying to get better, he gave us another month together and I cherish that time immensely. I know Tate was loved by so many people and I can feel that love everyday and it makes me still feel close to him. I miss him so much, I still call out his name sometimes thinking he’s there. He was truly apart of me and I feel like I’m missing a body part without him. Thank you to everyone at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York for fighting for Tate and taking such good care of him. I wouldn’t have gotten the time I had with him if it wasn’t for them. And thank you to everyone for loving Tate so strongly for the wonderful 9 years he was with us. He will always live on forever because he’s in the hearts of so many people. Rest in peace my beautiful little angel. You are the goodest boy
@taylor_hill, Instagram, July 5 2023
Taylor Hill’s followers along with her celebrity and model friends have been looking for updates on Tate’s health as the weeks went on. And when she broke the news, many of them left kind words for Hill, her family, and her late fur baby. Fashion influencer and model Chiara Ferragni said, “So sorry for your loss,” and Bella Hadid said, “I’m so sorry Tay I know how much you have loved and cherished Tate sending you so much love and the biggest hug.” Hailey Bieber said, “I’m so sorry Taylor,” and Lucy Hale said, “Sending you so much love. There is nothing like the companionship of a dog. I am sorry for this loss and know Tate will show up in beautiful ways in your life. Energy goes on and on.” Lily Collins said, “Oh Taylor I’m sending you the most love ever. I’m so so sorry. He will forever be there with you,” and Dove Cameron said, “oh taylor. shedding many tears reading this. sending so much love and holding space.” Kate Bosworth said, “Oh sweet girl. They say an animal feels safe to depart when someone else has come into your life as a guardian they trust. The timing of Tate departing right after experiencing you exchanging vows with another suggests this to be true. He feels safe knowing you feel safe. Love you and holding you tight xo.” Ashley Benson said, “So so sorry Taylor sending so much love,” Sara Sampaio said, “I’m so sorry Taylor sending you my love.”, and Winnie Harlow said, “I’m so sorry T sending you lots of love! All dogs go the heaven especially sweet Tate”
But Taylor and her celebrity pet had many good memories that she shared on Instagram, including Tate being a very handsome boy at her wedding.