Reality television personality and entrepreneur Kristin Cavallari has shared the sad news of her family dog's passing in an emotional episode of her podcast, Let's Be Honest.
A Loyal Companion and Protector
The 39-year-old founder of Uncommon James revealed that her beloved German Shepherd, named Kona, died recently. The dog was 12 years old, which Cavallari noted is a 'great' lifespan for the breed, as the average is around ten years. She explained that Kona's health only began to decline significantly in the final six months of her life, during which she lost both her eyesight and her hearing.
Cavallari described the difficult decision to euthanise Kona as 'heartbreaking'. 'God, it is so hard, the physical act of putting a dog down,' she told her listeners. 'If you guys haven't experienced this before, it's intense. I was laying there with her, and I was petting her.'
The family originally adopted Kona in 2017. At the time, her then-husband, retired NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, was playing for the Miami Dolphins, and Cavallari felt she needed protection for their three young children at their home in Tennessee. She recalled an instant bond, saying Kona was immediately sweet with her son Jaxon. 'I immediately was just like, "This is my dog, man,"' Cavallari said. 'Kona would follow me everywhere, and she always had eyes on me.'
Family Grieves a 'Bada**' Guardian
Cavallari fondly remembered how Kona eventually took up a protective position at the top of the staircase, which gave the mother a profound sense of security. 'It was the best feeling in the entire world,' she said, calling Kona 'the most bada**, amazing dog on the planet.'
The loss has deeply affected Cavallari's children. While her 11-year-old son Jaxon and 10-year-old daughter Saylor were upset, her 13-year-old son Camden was particularly devastated. Cavallari explained that Camden texted her from school, writing, 'I can't be here. Can you please come get me?' She collected him, and he broke down in tears in the car. 'Seeing Camden so sad, oh my god, it just wrecked me,' she shared. 'This is like the first big death for them.'
Moving Forward After a Loss
The Uncommon James founder still has two other dogs, aged three and two. However, she plans to eventually welcome another German Shepherd into her home after she has scattered Kona's ashes in their garden.
In other personal updates, Cavallari confirmed she has quit reality television for good, stating that the stress of being on a TV show is no longer part of her 'normal life.' This means fans should not expect a second season of her E! Network show, Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour.
Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Jay Cutler, who shares custody of their three children, made headlines in August 2024 after cutting a plea deal following a DUI and gun possession arrest. His blood alcohol content was reported to be three times the legal limit.
