Bodhi, the immensely popular Shiba Inu known as the 'Menswear Dog,' has passed away at the age of 15. His owner, Yena Kim, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, announcing his death on November 25, 2024. Bodhi's unique charm and style made him not just an ordinary pet, but a phenomenon who stepped confidently onto the fashion stage, dominating social media and leaving paw prints on the hearts of many.
Yena Kim, who is also a fashion designer, took to social media to express her grief, saying, "I lost my soul dog. Nothing and no one can prepare you for this moment: I was in denial for the first few days - I didn't want to see his bed, now empty. Each of his toys held beautiful but excruciated memories of the oblivious, light-hearted joy." She emphasized how Bodhi was pivotal not just in her life but also to her career. "He was my heart, my centre, my everything," she added.
Bodhi first rose to fame back in 2013, when Kim whimsically decided to dress him up as part of her fashion exploration, never expecting it to become such an iconic brand. Soon after posting images of Bodhi sporting stylish fits, including herringbone overcoats and cashmere vests, he caught the attention of GQ magazine, launching his unexpected career as one of the top canine influencers.
His regal appearance and effortless style turned Bodhi not just backdrops to cute snapshots, but icons of sophisticated canine fashion. He was renowned for his love for bow ties, tortoiseshell glasses, and perfectly fitted outfits, often rivaling those chosen by human models at regularly held fashion events. Bodhi's Instagram account amassed over 374,000 followers, reflecting his status as one of the most fashionable pets worldwide.
According to Kim, the decision to dress Bodhi was made casually, "I fully expected him to not be OK with it. But he just kind of sat there and smiled at me," illustrating how Bodhi had no reservations about stepping out of the traditional role of dogs. The remarkable bond they shared transformed Kim’s life entirely, giving her new direction at pivotal moments.
Throughout his lifetime, Bodhi participated in numerous fashion shows and ad campaigns, being part of collaborations with big-name brands like Coach, Ted Baker, and Brooks Brothers. His influence expanded far beyond Instagram, impacting the fashion industry and altering perceptions of pet fashion, underlining the capability of social media to propel even dogs to superstardom.
Even as Bodhi reached the later stages of his life, where he battled health issues including kidney illness and spinal troubles, he remained a source of warmth and comfort for Kim. She recalls the way he would lean against her, signaling how integral he was to her existence. "Even as he experienced cognitive decline, he would find me, his little body leaning and pressing against my leg. He was my place of comfort, my ultimate peace," Kim shared fondly.
Fans and followers from around the globe flooded social media with tributes following the news of Bodhi’s passing. Many expressed their love for him, noting how his presence brought joy to their lives. Popular accounts like We Rate Dogs posted messages reflecting on Bodhi's legacy, stating, "He was a legend. Rest easy Bodhi." Brooks Brothers, the American clothing company, described how much they appreciated their collaborations with him and conveyed sentiments of loss from the whole fashion community.
Kim named Bodhi after the character portrayed by Patrick Swayze in the beloved movie Point Break, but the Shiba Inu became more than just another pet. He was bound to her heart; he was family. Reflecting on Bodhi’s incredible life, Kim emphasized just how integral he was not only to her but also to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. "He forged an irreplaceable bond with everyone around him. You see, his real superpower was creating magic links of serendipity to bring people together. He gave us meaning, and purpose," she reflected.
Bodhi not only inspired great fondness as the 'Menswear Dog'; he also possesses the identity as the first canine to truly redefine what it meant to be stylish. A fitting tribute for Bodhi might well come from Lawrence Schlossman, co-host of the fashion podcast Throwing Fits, who once noted, "Listen, he wore it well. It was always the right Oxford, the right knit tie, and always a beautiful raincoat with the collar popped."
While Bodhi as 'Menswear Dog' may be gone, his legacy as the dapper Shiba Inu will surely remain, capturing hearts, igniting creativity, and inspiring dog lovers around the world for years to come. This unique pup truly was the essence of style and charisma, proving time and again just how far personality can go beyond the ordinary life of our four-legged companions. He will be sorely missed.
