Captain Sandy Yawn Is “Heartbroken” Following the Sudden Loss of Her Dog, Bailey

Sadly, Below Deck Mediterranean’s Captain Sandy Yawn and her girlfriend, Leah Shafer, are in the midst of grieving their beloved pet. The couple recently lost their dog, Bailey, in a wholly unexpected way. And as they process the tragedy, they’re getting love and support from Sandy’s fellow Bravolebrities.

This isn’t the first time the animal-loving captain has had to contend with the death of a pet. In 2017, the boating pro posted an emotional tribute to her dog Mason, who had recently passed away. In her post, Sandy called the dog her “friend,” her “champion,” and her “rock.” She added: “Know how much I love you, [and] how grateful I am to you.”

In the intervening years, Sandy and Leah adopted another sweet pooch, this one named Bailey. Sandy told Vacationer that one of her favorite things to do when she wasn’t traveling was take walks with Bailey and Leah in “the coolest dog park” near their Denver home.

Alas, it was after a recent walk that Leah reported a turn of events for Bailey. See her emotional Instagram update, and read Sandy’s heartfelt reaction, below.

Captain Sandy Yawn and Leah Shafer on Bailey’s Passing

In a September 2 Instagram post, Leah shared this heartbreaking update: “I’m beyond heartbroken tonight! I came home, walked our pup Bailey, everything was fine, and as she was walking back into [the] house she fell over and had a massive heart attack.”

Captain Sandy Yawn posts a photo of girlfriend Leah Shafer with their dog Bailey to her Instagram account on September 3, 2023. Photo: Captain Sandy Yawn/Instagram

Leah’s post continued: “I drove 100mph to animal emergency but she was gone. I am devastated!! And Lolo is just soooooo sad. That was her comfort dog since childhood. I facetimed sandy screaming ‘bailey isn’t breathing!!!’ She was shocked and so heartbroken as well. It’s all just sooooo sad.”

Leah added: “Bailey i’ll miss your smiles each morning, you were the best dog ever.”

In the comments, Sandy wrote: “Heartbroken, I’m so sorry my love.”

The captain also shared her own post devoted to Bailey, writing, “Our animals are our family. We are heartbroken. Bailey I will miss your sweet hugs and your playful spirit.”

Bravolebrities show their support for Captain Sandy Yawn and Leah Shafer

Several Bravolebrities commented on Leah’s sad post to offer condolences. Below Deck’s Kate Chastain wrote: “Oh my god Leah I am so so heartbroken for you. I’m so sorry. Sending you so many hugs and prayers.”

Captain Sandy Yawn Just Revealed the Sweetest Update on Her Relationship with Leah Shafer

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Dorit Kemsley wrote, “Leah, I’m so sorry!! Sending you strength and love in this difficult time,” while her castmate Garcelle Beauvais commented “Oh no” with several prayer hand emojis.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles agent Tracy Tutor also showed her love, writing, “Oh honey, I’m so sorry for you. Sending you so much love.”

The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Margaret Josephs added her condolences as well, writing, “So sorry for your loss, I am so heartbroken for you all. Sending you love and hugs.”