Vanessa Hudgens Mourns Death of Dog Darla

Fans question Hudgens' tribute, noting dog was originally rescued by ex-boyfriend Austin Butler's mother.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Actress Vanessa Hudgens shared a heartbreaking post revealing that her beloved dog, Darla, has died. Hudgens said she is "beyond heartbroken" and that putting Darla down was "one of the hardest things" she's ever had to do. However, some fans pointed out that Darla originally belonged to Hudgens' ex-boyfriend Austin Butler's mother, Lori Butler, who rescued the dog years ago.

Why it matters

Hudgens' tribute to Darla sparked a discussion among fans about the dog's origins and the relationship between Hudgens and her ex-boyfriend Butler, with some feeling Hudgens did not properly acknowledge Lori Butler's role in rescuing the dog.

The details

Vanessa Hudgens revealed that Darla was originally rescued by her ex-boyfriend Austin Butler's mother, Lori Butler, who found the dog neglected on a neighbor's balcony. After Lori passed away in 2014, Hudgens and Butler took in Darla. Hudgens said Darla "didn't like men" at first but immediately bonded with her current husband, Cole Tucker, on their wedding day.

  • Vanessa Hudgens shared the heartbreaking news of Darla's death on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Lori Butler rescued Darla the dog years ago, before her passing in 2014.

The players

Vanessa Hudgens

An American actress who shared a tribute to her late dog Darla on Instagram.

Austin Butler

Vanessa Hudgens' ex-boyfriend, whose mother Lori Butler originally rescued the dog Darla.

Lori Butler

The mother of Vanessa Hudgens' ex-boyfriend Austin Butler, who rescued the dog Darla years ago.

Cole Tucker

Vanessa Hudgens' current husband, who Darla the dog immediately bonded with on their wedding day.

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The takeaway

Vanessa Hudgens' tribute to her late dog Darla sparked a discussion among fans about the dog's origins and the relationship between Hudgens and her ex-boyfriend Austin Butler, with some feeling Hudgens did not properly acknowledge the role of Butler's mother Lori in rescuing the dog years ago.