MIAMI, FL - In a heart-wrenching turn of events, HGTV celebrities Eilyn and Ray Jimenez are accusing a pet-sitter from Rover.com of covering up the true cause of their dog's death. Their 12-year-old Shih Tzu, Aria, allegedly met a tragic end due to an attack by a larger dog, under the care of the sitter's unapproved partner.

The sitter, who has been permanently banned from Rover following the incident on August 29, initially told the devastated owners that Aria had died of a heart attack in her sleep. This claim was supposedly verified by a veterinarian friend. However, the Jimenezes contend that this story was a complete fabrication.

Doubting the sitter’s account, the couple investigated further. Their suspicions deepened upon discovering that Aria’s body was handled under dubious circumstances at the cremation center. Records suggested that the staff was informed that Aria was attacked by a larger animal, contradicting the sitter’s narrative of a peaceful death.

Compounding the tragedy, the couple learned that the sitter was not even present in Miami at the time of Aria’s supposed death. Instead, her partner, who allegedly had aggressive dogs, was left in charge. The unauthorized cremation of Aria proceeded without the Jimenezes' consent, and the existence of the so-called veterinarian friend could not be verified.

This case is poised to test Florida’s civil negligence laws as it touches on issues of pet-sitter liability and misrepresentation. Beyond the claims of negligence, the actions described could lead to charges of fraudulent concealment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Legal experts suggest that while pets are often seen legally as personal property, the emotional bond they represent shifts this perspective in the courtroom. "Our legal system is beginning to acknowledge the profound emotional loss when a companion animal is negligently killed," stated Attorney Adam Karp, a veteran in animal law.

Rover.com has responded to the incident, stating their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement investigations and emphasizing that the implicated sitter has been removed from their platform. This case highlights the potential risks involved in using online platforms for pet care and the importance of thorough vetting and clear communication between pet owners and caregivers.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Jimenezes are calling for accountability and changes in how pet sitters are regulated online. They hope that their fight for justice for Aria will pave the way for safer pet-sitting practices and prevent such tragedies in the future.