Vanessa Hudgens Mourns Death of Beloved Dog Darla: “One of the Hardest Things I’ve Ever Had to Do”

Vanessa Hudgens is mourning the loss of her beloved dog, Darla.

The actress, 37, shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, February 10, revealing that she had to say goodbye to her longtime companion.

“Anyone that knows me knew Darla. She went everywhere with me. Traveled the world. Was there for me every single step of the way,” Hudgens wrote alongside a series of photos capturing their life together. “She was the smartest little lady I’ve ever known. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog. I am beyond heartbroken today.”

Hudgens explained that making the decision to put Darla down was incredibly painful but necessary.

“Putting her down was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but her little body was failing her and it was her time,” she shared. “I already miss the pitter patter of her little paws in the house. If you have your own fur baby, squeeze them extra for me. Rest in peace my sweet girl.”

The tribute included sweet snapshots from over the years — from poolside moments and playful dress-up sessions to a final tender image of Hudgens comforting Darla as she received medical care.

Friends and fans quickly filled the comments with messages of love and support. Hudgens’ High School Musical costar Bart Johnson wrote, “Ooooooh man that’s so hard. RIP Darla. Sorry for losing your ole friend 💔💔.”

Actor Max Clayton also offered heartfelt condolences, writing, “When I think of you, I think of sweet Darla too. What a lucky pup she was to have you by her side every step of the way.”

Later that day, Hudgens shared a second post featuring photos from her December 2023 wedding to Cole Tucker in Tulum, Mexico. Darla had a special role in the ceremony, walking down the aisle in a silk dress adorned with flowers.

“Darla didn’t like men. I think she was abused by one when she was a wittle thing before I met her,” Hudgens wrote. “But the moment she met my husband she was in love. Cuddled up on him and trusted him immediately. I knew from that point he was my guy.”

She added that Darla proudly watched the couple exchange vows. “She walked down the aisle in our wedding and watched our vows intently. She was so proud. I’ll never forget it.”

Hudgens and Tucker have built a growing family in recent years. After tying the knot in Mexico, the couple welcomed their first child in November 2024. Hudgens later announced she was pregnant with their second child in July 2025, and they shared the arrival of baby No. 2 in November 2025.

“Well… I did it. Had another baby!!!” Hudgens wrote at the time. “What a wild ride labor is. Big shout out to all the moms. It’s truly incredible what our bodies can do.”

Now, as she navigates life as a mother of two, Hudgens is also grieving the loss of the loyal companion who stood by her through every chapter.

For Hudgens, Darla wasn’t just a pet — she was family.