Bethenny Frankel Reflects on Dennis Shields’ Passing One Year After His Death

Bethenny Frankel's on-again, off-again boyfriend Dennis Shields passed away on August 10, 2018. Following his death, Bethenny wrote, "It’s hard to breathe" and added, "It’s excruciating-sudden death is no closure & constant [questions] & memories."

Now The Real Housewives of New York City cast member is reflecting on her late love's passing one year later.

"One year ago today, I woke up to a beautiful sunny day with [dogs Biggy and Smallz] by the pool, and my world crumbled and turned upside down in an instant," she wrote in an Instagram post on August 10. "A man Dennis, who I loved and respected, who was in my life for 30 years unexpectedly passed away."

Alongside a photo of Dennis and her two dogs, Bethenny explained their connection. "Dennis insisted we adopt biggy AND smallz for my daughter Peanut. He simply couldn’t imagine separating them. We racked our brains staying up late coming up with the perfect name for two dogs from the same litter with very different body types. Thing 1 & Thing 2 was an option but Peanut found it degrading. Lenny & Squiggy was a good one but I knew it would only appeal to the over 40 set. Then at 5am, Dennis was waiting for me to wake up and in his stronger than Tequila New Yawk accent said 'BIGGY AND SMALLZ' and two stars were born. He loved these dogs and the feelings were mutual. They were particularly fond of his salty bald head."

She continued, "At times, it seemed like he and they spoke the same language and they were the only ones who understood him. He was a loving, sweet, gentle, brilliant, complicated, hilarious, creative and supportive man. He is missed terribly by so many but lives on in his friends and family and furry loved ones. I am a different person and in a different emotional place than I was a year ago, and the wounds have begun to heal but the scar will remain on my heart forever. RIP, August 10."

Following Dennis' passing, Bethenny revealed that the two had been engaged. She has since found love again with boyfriend Paul, but continues to pay tribute to Dennis. On Father's Day, she posted, "Happy Father’s Day. In memory of Dennis, a man who was a father of five beautiful children and a beautiful influence in my daughter’s life."

Bethenny also opened up about the day she lost Dennis in Season 11 of RHONY; see that moment below.

Bethenny Frankel Is Still Reeling From Dennis Shields' Death