HGTV’s Eilyn and Ray Jimenez Say Their Dog Was Cremated Without Consent After Sitter ‘Fabricated’ Death Story: “We Trusted the Wrong Person”
HGTV stars Eilyn and Ray Jimenez are devastated after their beloved dog, Aria, died under shocking and mysterious circumstances while in the care of a pet sitter. The Divided By Design couple, known for their Miami-based design firm and their show on HGTV, took to Instagram on Tuesday, October 22, to share the heartbreaking news that their furry family member had not only died unexpectedly but was also cremated without their consent.
According to the couple, they had entrusted Aria’s care to a sitter booked through Rover, a popular pet-sitting platform, while they were away. But what was supposed to be a routine pet stay turned into a nightmare. “We were told our dog died and was cremated before we were even informed,” the couple wrote in a joint statement. “We didn’t get the chance to say goodbye, and we didn’t give consent for her to be cremated. We’re completely heartbroken.”
Eilyn and Ray, who are loved by HGTV fans for their warm personalities and inspiring relationship, said the sitter gave them an inconsistent and suspicious story about what had happened. “The details didn’t add up,” they continued. “We started asking questions and quickly realized the person caring for her was fabricating parts of the story.”
In their emotional post, the couple described how Aria was more than just a pet — she was family. “Aria was our baby. She brought so much joy to our lives, especially during tough times. Losing her this way, with no answers and no closure, feels cruel and unfair.” They added that they felt betrayed by someone they had trusted to care for their beloved companion, expressing deep frustration with how the situation was handled.
Rover, the platform used to connect pet owners with sitters, has since issued a response stating that they are conducting an investigation and have suspended the sitter involved pending the outcome. “We are deeply saddened to hear about what happened to Aria,” a Rover spokesperson told People. “Our hearts go out to Eilyn and Ray during this incredibly difficult time. We are taking this matter seriously and are working with the family to ensure they receive support and answers.”
The Jimenezes say they are pursuing accountability, not for publicity, but to ensure no one else goes through the same pain. “We trusted this person because the app said they were verified and reviewed. But no amount of stars or positive feedback can replace the safety of your loved one,” Eilyn shared.
Friends and fans flooded the couple’s Instagram with messages of support, sharing condolences and stories of their own pets. “As dog parents, this breaks our hearts,” one follower wrote. “You didn’t deserve this.”
The couple also thanked their followers for the overwhelming outpouring of love. “Your messages mean more than you know,” Ray added in his Instagram story. “We’re trying to stay strong and remember the good memories with Aria — her energy, her cuddles, her funny personality. That’s what we’ll hold on to.”
The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about pet care safety, accountability in sitter platforms, and the emotional bonds between owners and their pets. While the investigation continues, Eilyn and Ray are reminding fellow pet parents to trust their instincts and always double-check the credentials and references of anyone caring for their animals.
As they grieve, the couple says they’re focusing on honoring Aria’s memory. “We want people to know her name,” Eilyn wrote. “She wasn’t just a dog. She was our family, and she deserved so much better.”
