Reality Star James Kennedy and Raquel Leviss Surprise Fans by Renaming Their Beloved Dog Graham to Hippie After Rehoming - Must Read!

James Kennedy is giving a fresh beginning to Graham the dog as he chooses to rename him "Hippie." This heartfelt tribute is in honor of his late godfather, George Michael's beloved pup who was a constant presence during James' childhood.

Kennedy's father, Andros Georgiou, was a dear friend of Michael's until the musician's passing in December 2016. He expressed, "Even though George and hippie are now together in heaven, I believe they are still looking out for me as a proud doggy dad! ️" In an earlier Instagram Story, Kennedy posted a lovely picture of himself and his dog going for a walk, labeling it "Best Friends Forever."

Kennedy and ex-fiancée Raquel Leviss shared the toy Goldendoodle. They got the dog in 2018, three years prior to announcing their separation. In the aftermath of their breakup, Leviss, 28, remained the primary owner of the dog.

Courtesy of James Kennedy/Instagram

"I have missed Graham more than Raquel," Kennedy shared candidly with the cameras during a heated conversation with his ex on a February episode of the Bravo show. "Honestly, this is messed up. It would mean a lot to me if I could see him just once. I really miss him."

During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in December 2021, Kennedy revealed that Graham Cracker was originally given to them as a "graduation present" from Leviss' mother. "Technically, he is her dog even though we raised him together," he explained. "I will always have love for that little guy, and I genuinely miss him right now. ... There hasn't been any major argument or anything, so I don't understand why I can't spend time with Graham Cracker."

Earlier this month, Kennedy announced that he and the dog had finally been reunited. "Look who found his way back home, back into my life," he exclaimed in a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, July 19. "I will cherish you forever, and my love for you knows no bounds."

James Kennedy and Raquel Leviss Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Fans of Pump Rules were thrilled for Kennedy, but the happy moment quickly took an unexpected twist. Laura Leviss, Leviss' mother, spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the reported behavioral problems of the dog and the choice to find him a new home as her daughter sought mental health treatment. (Earlier this year, Raquel had entered a facility following the aftermath of her scandalous affair with Tom Sandoval.)

Laura reported to the outlet on Friday, July 21, that the doodle had previously bitten multiple individuals and required training. She stated, "When Rachel went into the mental health facility, she requested us to take care of Graham as we have done many times before. However, while taking care of him, he bit me severely, causing serious damage." Laura used her daughter's legal name in her statement.

Laura stated that the family sought assistance from Lisa Vanderpump and her Vanderpump Dogs Rescue organization in finding a new home for the dog after he allegedly bit two trainers at California Doodle Rescue. She emphasized, "Neither my daughter nor I abandoned Graham, and we only want the best for him."

Raquel has maintained silence regarding the dog controversy unlike Kennedy and their fellow cast members who have been busy shooting season 11 of Vanderpump Rules. Recently, Raquel was seen visiting her family in Tuscon, Arizona, following her departure from a mental health facility as per reports.