Ariana Madix doesn't seem to be planning on giving up custody of her dog, adopted with ex Tom Sandoval, amid their recent split. The couple, who dated for nine years, called it quits in March 2023. Ariana reportedly initiated the split after discovering Tom was cheating on her.
The then couple adopted the dog together back in 2020. Since the cheating scandal has come to light, two sources have apparently told People that Ariana will be keeping the dog, Mya.
“They got the dog together, but Ariana is more of a dog person,” says one source. “It’s more Ariana’s than Tom’s. I can’t see her letting Tom take the dog or giving it away.”
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Mya has her own Instagram account, with her bio making a proud mention of Madix being her mom: "✨ pittie mix rescue also known as miranda hobbs madix, toots mcgee, miss piggy, and moonie ✨ my mom is @arianamadix ✨."
It was revealed that Tom cheated on Ariana with Raquel Leviss. The three of them are all stars on Vanderpump Rules, a reality TV show that's been on air since 2013. Raquel, 28, was previously engaged to James Kennedy. The two split in 2021.
The affair between Tom and Raquel allegedly had been going on for at least six months. Many Vanderpump Rules cast members and fans are completely devastated for Ariana, even going as far as to boycott Tom's Hollywood restaurant and leaving negative Yelp reviews.
Tom shared a post on Instagram just days after news of the cheating scandal was brought to light. He expressed his apologies for hurting Ariana, among their families and friends. "Most of all, I want to apologize to Ariana," he said. "I made mistakes, I was selfish, and make reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically and publicly."
Raquel also shared an Instagram post on the same day, expressing her apologies to everyone affected by their affair. "There is no excuse, I am not a victim, and I must own my actions. I deeply regret hurting Ariana," she said. She went on to add, "I don't expect sympathy, understanding or forgiveness. Right now I must focus on my own health and well being and as I strive to be a better person moving forward, I will prioritize my mental health and learn from my mistakes."
Raquel went on to share another Instagram post the next day, giving more detail into her and Tom's relationship. "Besides the indefensible circumstances of our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship," she explained. "I care for Tom and I don't want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal."
Ariana made a public remark about the situation about a week later: "hi. where to begin? i want to express my most sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support i have received from friends, family, and people i’ve never even met in the last two weeks."
She went on to express how she is lucky she's not alone in the grieving process of such a loss: "what doesn’t kill me better run."
It has been confirmed that Vanderpump Rules filmed a reunion to discuss the cheating scandal. A rep of Sandoval's has also confirmed that he and Ariana are both still living in the house they own together: "What happens next with the property will take time to sort out. This isn’t something that’s going to be decided in a weekend."
