Vanessa Hudgens had sad news to announce on Tuesday, as she revealed her beloved dog Darla had died.
'I am beyond heartbroken today,' the 37-year-old actress said on Instagram with a montage of images of her late pet.
The Salinas, California-born actress, who played Gabriella Montez in High School Musical, said Darla accompanied her all over the place.
'Anyone that knows me knew Darla,' said the actress, who played Gabriella Montez in High School Musical. 'She went everywhere with me.
'Traveled the world. Was there for me every single step of the way.'
Hudgens said that Darla 'was the smartest little lady I've ever known' and that she 'couldn't have asked for a better dog.'
The Spring Breakers star said it took an emotional toll on her to put the canine to sleep amid ongoing illnesses Darla was battling.
The Spring Breakers star, who is mother to two children with her spouse Cole Tucker, 29, said it took an emotional toll on her to put the canine to sleep amid ongoing illnesses Darla was battling.
'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,' the Bad Boys: Ride or Die actress said. 'I already miss the pitter patter of her little paws in the house.'
Hudgens ended the emotional statement in saying, 'If you have your own fur baby squeeze them extra for me. Rest in peace my sweet girl.'
Among the pictures of Darla in the montage included a shots of the dog seated at a table with Hudgens; wearing sunglasses; and bundled up in a blanket.
Tucker, a professional baseball player who's played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels organizations, posted a tribute to the late dog on his Instagram Stories.
Tucker shared a shot of Darla posed in front of a drink, declaring, 'We lost one of the all time greats today.'
Hudgens also received condolences from her support circle in the wake of the painful passing.
Dancing With the Stars' Julianne Hough wrote to Hudgens, 'Wrapping you in so much love - I hope Darla is with Lexi and and Harley running around in their spiritual rainbow garden watching over us.'
Hough continued, 'Nothing can prepare you for the grief but know that she ... is now looking after your family with love and protection - love you Darla.'
Actor Max Clayton wrote, 'Oh I am just so so sorry Vanessa. When I think of you, I think of sweet Darla too.'
He continued: 'What a lucky pup she was to have you by her side every step of the way. I love you so much.'
Photographer Emilynn Rose said, 'Sorry for your [loss] V, Darla was so loved by you and your family. Rest in peace Darla.'
Said podcaster Adam Cobb, 'Sweet Darla, that would fetch those tiny balls 1,000 times or more, as many times as I would throw it.
'The connection that you both shared was unmatched. Sending love, big hug and prayer.'
Darla was initially obtained as a rescue dog by Lori Butler, the late mother of Hudgens ex Austin Butler.
Hudgens told Collider in August of 2018 of the circumstances that led to her and her ex adopting the dog.
'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,' said Hudgens.
Hudgens described the adversity Darla was living through at the time: '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.'
Hudgens and the Oscar-nominated actor adopted the canine following Lori's tragic death from cancer in September of 2014.
'When she passed away, me and Austin took Darla in, and she's just been our little angel,' said Hudgens. '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.'
In the 2018 interview, Hudgens explained what being a dog owner meant to her personally.
'I feel like having a dog really brings a great sense of responsibility because they're honestly like children, except that you can leave them on their own for a few hours and they'll be okay,' she said. 'I feel like she sees the best in me, which helps me see the best in myself as well.'