In the past few months, Vanessa Hudgens has shared incredibly happy updates with her fans. After announcing her second pregnancy with her husband Cole Tucker in July of last year, she later welcomed her second baby in November 2025.
But while her past year has been filled with many highs, the former Disney star just revealed that her beloved dog Darla has sadly passed away. In a gallery post on Instagram, Hudgens announced the news, and shared some adorable pictures of Darla over the years.
Vanessa Hudgens Says Darla Was the ‘Smartest Little Lady’
Alongside pictures of Darla through the years, including ones of her in sunglasses and in a pink princess dress, Hudgens shared a tribute to her longtime dog. “Anyone that knows me knew Darla,” she wrote in the caption. “She went everywhere with me. Traveled the world. Was there for me every single step of the way. She was the smartest little lady I’ve ever known. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog.”
“I am beyond heart broken today,” she continued. “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.”
Of course, not having her around anymore is already deeply felt by Hudgens. “I already miss the pitter patter of her little paws in the house,” she wrote. “If you have your own fur baby squeeze them extra for me,” the actress asked of her followers. “Rest in peace my sweet girl.”
Vanessa Hudgens Reveals Darla Gave Cole Tucker Her Stamp of Approval
GettyIn another post on Instagram, the “High School Musical” alum looked back at one of her favorite memories with Darla.
“Darla didn’t like men,” she wrote in the caption alongside pictures of Darla and her wedding to Tucker on December 2, 2023. “I think she was abused by one when she was a wittle ting before I met her but the moment she met my husband she was in love. Cuddled up on him and trusted him immediately.”
“I knew from that point that point he was my guy,” Hudgens said of Tucker, who she met in 2020. “She walked down the aisle in our wedding and watched our vows intently. She was so proud. I’ll never forget it. Wanted to share ❤️.”
In the comments, friends and fans of Hudgens are pouring in support for her during this difficult time. “Ooooooh man that’s so hard,” wrote fellow “High School Musical” star Bart Johnson. “RIP Darla. Sorry for losing your ole friend 💔💔.” “the sweetest baby girl to ever live ❤️,” wrote Hudgens’ younger sister, Stella.
