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17 Feb 2026 8:31
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Vanessa Hudgens is heartbroken after her dog Darla had to be put down

    The 37-year-old actress has posted an emotional tribute to her beloved furry friend - who she described as "the smart little lady" - as she revealed the poor pooch's body had been "failing her".


    Alongside a carousel of pictures, Vanessa wrote: "Anyone that knows me knew Darla.

    "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.

    "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.

    "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."

    In another post, the High School Musical star also opened up on the bond Daria shared with Vanessa's husband Cole Tucker, despite not really liking men.

    She said: "Darla didn't like men. 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.

    "She walked down the aisle in our wedding and watched our vows intently. She was so proud. I'll never forget it."

    Baseball star Cole shared his own tribute to Darla on his Instagram Story.

    Alongside a photo of Darla posing with a drink, he wrote: "We lost one of the all time greats today."

    Vanessa and her ex Austin Butler adopted the dog after his late mother Lori welcomed her as a rescue dog.

    Back in 2018, she told Collider: "What happened is that my boyfriend's mom lived in an apartment building and, in the thick of summer, day in and day out, she would see, on her neighbor's balcony, a little dog.

    "There was no food or water for her, and she was out there for hours on end. Finally, she knocked on their door and was like, 'If you guys can't take care of the dog, let me take care of it,' and they gave her the dog.

    "So, when she passed away, me and Austin took Darla in, and she's just been our little angel. I've gotten to see her come out of her shell. When we first met her, she wouldn't even let us touch her, and now she's just the ultimate snuggle bug."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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