Eilyn Jimenez and Ray Jimenez, stars of HGTV’s Divided by Design, said their dog sitter deceived them about their pet’s cause of death and had her cremated without their consent. 

Eilyn Jimenez and Ray Jimenez are grappling with a confusing loss. 

The stars of HGTV’s Divided by Design recently shared the news that their dog Aria died earlier this summer, alleging the tragedy occurred under the care of a local pet sitter in Miami, who lied about her cause of death. 

“On August 29, 2025, while we were away, our 12-year-old Shih Tzu, Aria, died,” the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post Oct. 21. “When we returned home two days later, the sitter came to our door crying, saying Aria ‘passed peacefully in her sleep.’”

Indeed, the couple alleged that their sitter, who they hired through Rover, told them that their pet had died of a heart attack, which was corroborated by someone who the sitter claimed was a close friend and vet. 

“Every part of that story was fabricated,” the couple alleged. “Cremation records show Aria’s body was brought in the same day she died with a rush request.”

When Eilyn and Ray requested more information from the crematorium, they said crematorium records claimed the sitter’s partner, who brought in Aria, said that she was “killed by a larger dog.”

“They described visible trauma: her scalp detached, one eye bulging—injuries impossible to confuse with a peaceful passing,” the pair continued. “They cremated Aria without our consent—erasing evidence and concealing what happened.”

The HGTV stars said that in the months since the incident, they had given the people responsible “every opportunity” to clarify what happened to their pup, but they have not yet taken accountability. 

“Mistakes can happen,” they added. “But fabricating a story this elaborate to avoid accountability is not a mistake—it’s deception. Aria deserved better. All we want is the truth, and accountability for the life that was lost.”

Shortly after Eilyn and Ray shared their story, a representative for Rover told people that the company “can only imagine the heartbreak Aria’s family is going through.”

“Upon learning of this incident, Rover’s 24/7 Trust & Safety team conducted a thorough investigation into Aria’s passing,” the company added in a statement, per People. “The sitter involved has been deactivated from our platform without the option to appeal, meaning she cannot communicate or book new stays with pet parents via Rover.”

The company also noted that they had been “in contact” with the reality stars regarding the loss of their pet, adding, “We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation should they become involved.”

Rover concluded their statement, “Safety is a top priority at Rover, and we are taking Aria’s passing extremely seriously.”

E! News has reached out to Rover regarding the incident but has not yet heard back.

Source: www.eonline.com