Heavy/Getty Ryan and Trista Sutter grieve their dog's death.
“The Bachelorette” stars Ryan and Trista Sutter have been open in recent months about some real-life challenges their family has been navigating. Now, they are mourning a loss they fervently hoped would not come so soon.
Ryan and Trista fell in love during the first season of “The Bachelorette.” As People noted, they married in an elaborate televised wedding in December 2003. They have raised two children together, Maxwell and Blakesley, and they spent most of their relationship living in Vail Valley, Colorado, where Ryan worked as a firefighter.
In recent months, Trista and Ryan have shared bits of information about a difficult move they decided to make. In September, Trista posted a tribute to Ryan for his birthday on Instagram. In her caption, she mentioned how they “made a decision to invest in our kids and their future.”
As much as the Sutter family loved Vail Valley, they decided to relocate to Denver, Colorado. While Trista and Ryan have believed the move was the right decision for their family, it has not been an easy process. Now, both Ryan and Trista have shared a devastating update on their family dog.
Here’s what you need to know:
Ryan & Trista Sutter’s Dog Sophie Died
In mid-October, both Trista and Ryan posted on Instagram about their “Sophie Bear” and her sudden medical concerns. After rushing her to a veterinarian, “The Bachelorette” stars were devastated to learn their beloved pup had cancer.
On October 17, Ryan explained in an Instagram post that Sophie had surgery to take out “her spleen and a large mass surrounding it.” After her surgery, she returned home to her family, but Ryan noted, “There is fear [the mass] may have spread to her liver.”
Just days later, on October 21, Ryan posted a close-up photo of Sophie on Instagram. “If you’ve got an extra, Sophie could use a few prayers,” he wrote in the caption.
The next day, he provided another Instagram update. “Left Sophie as she heads into another surgery not knowing if this might have been the last time I see her… There are no words for this,” he captioned the post.
Sadly, just hours later, Ryan revealed Sophie had died. He shared a beautiful photo of Sophie on a ski hill on his Instagram page. “Rest in Peace Sophie Bear. I wish we’d had more time but I’m grateful for the time we had. You will be forever missed and remembered.”
Sophie Had Been With the ‘Bachelorette’ Star’s Family for 8 Years
Trista posted about Sophie’s death the same day. Her Instagram post included highlights of sweet moments from Sophie’s life.
“The Bachelorette” star wrote a lengthy caption as she mourned the family dog’s death. “I can’t believe she’s gone,” Trista began. “For 8 years, our Sophie Bear, low-rider Golden, silly butt mutt, good girl, presh Sophes gave us an unconditional love unlike any other.”
Trista shared memories of how wonderful Sophie was and the photos and videos included in the post show how loved the dog was.
The former reality television star wrote, “She was one of the brightest lights of my life and although I’m feeling all the sad/angry/confused/disbelief feels, I’m trying to focus on that light and how blessed we are that we got to call her our fur baby.”
‘Bachelorette’ Fans & Veterans Offered the Family Love & Support
The Instagram posts shared by Ryan and Trista were flooded with comments from Bachelor Nation alums and fans.
“This tears up my heart, sending your family some hugs. You have the best fur angel now,” wrote “The Bachelorette” star Becca Kufrin.
Another previous “Bachelorette” lead, Andi Dorfman, added, “Awwww Trista I’m so sorry for this loss! Sending you and the family hugs and love!”
Former “Bachelor” Bob Guiney commented, “I am so sincerely, sorry. God bless you Sophie.”
“I don’t know you but you [are] in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your amazing puppy with us. What a sweetie,” a supporter wrote.
“The easiest hello and the hardest goodbye 🌈 🐾 💔,” a comment on Ryan’s post read.