Julianne Hough Shares Emotional Tribute to Her 2 Dogs Killed by Coyotes: ‘I Love You Lexi and Harley’

Julianne Hough is remembering her beloved dogs Lexi and Harley on the five-year anniversary of their deaths.

In an Instagram post dedicated to the canines, the Dancing with the Stars host, 36, shared an intimate look at the funeral she held for them and reminisced about some of the happier times they spent together.

Hough started off her post with somber pictures taken on the day she bid farewell to the two dogs. She could be seen lying next to Lexi and Harley’s bodies, wrapped up in blankets. A trail of white roses and lavender was arranged next to them, and their collars were displayed.

The Safe Haven star also shared a family snapshot, which appeared to have been taken the day of the funeral, which featured her brother Derek Hough, parents Marianne and Bruce Hough and her ex-husband Brooks Laich. 

The dancer and actress also included throwback photos of herself traveling around the world with the two pups, as well as some at-home moments snuggling with the animals. She also showed a video of the first time the dogs rode in a small toy convertible and shots of them making funny faces at the camera.

“September 28th, 2019 🕊️,” she captioned the Instagram post. “I love you Lexi and Harley ❤️. Hard to believe it’s been 5 years without you in this 3D world.”

Hough previously opened up about the pets’ funeral on the Aug. 27 episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show after revealing that they were killed by coyotes. She said that she had been at a bachelorette party when she found out the news and immediately jumped on a plane back to Los Angeles.

“When I got [back], they had cleaned [the dogs] up, and they made an altar, and I was able to be with them and their bodies at least for like a day and a half before I went and cremated them,” she recalled.

Hough said she had sprayed lavender on the dogs ahead of the funeral, and while on the way to cremate them, she had a moment in the car when she felt connected with Lexi and Harley again.

“I was lying in my car… and there’s the song from Gladiator at the very end when he passes on, and he goes into the heavens with his family — that song played,” she explained. 

“My brother just stopped the car, and the sun was pouring in, and I was totally feeling them,” she continued. “They were kissing me and I was with them, and I felt their souls so, so clearly. And that was beautiful.”

Over the summer, the America’s Got Talent judge revealed that she became a dog mom again, welcoming a new pup named Sunny. She announced the news on Instagram at the time, writing, “Lexi & Harley would have loved and played with you everyday and I know that they sent you to me, only when I was ready to open my heart and love again – you cracked me open sweetheart.”