Vanessa Hudgens Mourns the Loss of Her Beloved Dog Darla in Heartfelt Tribute

Vanessa Hudgens is grieving the loss of her treasured family dog, Darla.

“Anyone who knows me knew Darla. She accompanied me everywhere. We traveled the world together and she supported me through every moment,” Hudgens, 37, wrote in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Tuesday, February 10. “She was the smartest little lady I’ve ever known. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog. My heart is shattered today. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make, but her little body was failing her, and it was time.”

She concluded her message with, “I already miss the sound of her little paws around the house. If you have your own fur baby, please give them an extra squeeze for me. Rest in peace, my sweet girl.”

Hudgens’ touching tribute included pictures of her and Darla throughout their time together, from poolside fun to playful dress-ups. The last image showed Hudgens comforting Darla while she was connected to an IV and wearing a mask around her snout.

Following her tribute, Hudgens received support from her High School Musical co-star Bart Johnson, who commented, “Ooooooh man that’s so hard. RIP Darla. I’m sorry for your loss 💔💔.”

Another follower expressed, “Vanessa ……. Baby I’m so sorry. Anyone who has watched you grow and evolve knows how much Darla meant to you. Please take your time healing. Sending you so much love ❤️.”

“Oh, I am so sorry, Vanessa. Whenever I think of you, I also think of sweet Darla. What a lucky pup she was to have you by her side. Love you so much. ❤️,” wrote actor Max Clayton.

In a second post on Tuesday, Hudgens shared photos from her wedding to Cole Tucker, where Darla was also present. One of Hudgens’ bridesmaids held Darla’s leash, as she wore a silk dress adorned with flowers around her collar while her parents exchanged vows.

“Darla wasn’t fond of men. I think she had been abused by one when she was little, before I met her. But from the moment she met my husband, she fell in love,” Hudgens wrote in her post. “She cuddled up to him and trusted him immediately. I knew then that he was the one. She walked down the aisle on our wedding day and watched our vows with pride. I’ll never forget it. I wanted to share ❤️.”

The second post also drew heartfelt messages and condolences from her followers.

“I believe she waited to go to heaven until she knew you had someone to protect you. She knew she couldn’t leave until that someone was there. Aww ❤️,” one follower wrote, while another added, “I’m so sorry, Vanessa. It must be a tough day for you. It’s beautiful to see all the moments you shared with her; she will forever be your guardian angel.”

Hudgens and Tucker, 29, tied the knot in Tulum, Mexico, in December 2023. The Princess Switch actress and the former MLB player welcomed their first child together in November 2024. Hudgens announced her second pregnancy in July 2025.

“Round two!!!!” she captioned a series of maternity photos with Tucker at that time.

The couple announced the birth of their second child in November 2025.

“Well…. I did it. Had another baby!!!” she shared on Instagram that month. “What a wild ride labor is. Big shout out to all the moms. It’s truly amazing what our bodies can do ❤️.”