Julianne Hough, the renowned dancer and actress, recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her two beloved dogs, Lexi and Harley, who tragically died in 2019 due to a coyote attack. During a poignant interview on The Jamie Kern Lima Show released on September 24, 2024, Hough shared the emotional turmoil she experienced after receiving the devastating news.
At the time of the incident, Hough was attending a bachelorette party in the picturesque Lake Tahoe area. Upon learning about the attack from her assistant, she described her frantic return to Los Angeles, recalling, “I don’t even know how I got from Tahoe to L.A. I blacked out completely.” She emphasized the deep bond she shared with her dogs, referring to them as her children who accompanied her everywhere.
Upon her arrival back home, Hough was able to spend precious moments with Lexi and Harley before their cremation. She expressed gratitude for the care taken in preparing her dogs, noting, “They had cleaned them 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.” This time allowed her to process her grief surrounded by family, including her brother, Derek Hough, who flew in to support her during this challenging period.
Reflecting on the outpouring of love from her family, Hough remarked, “There was so much love there as I was going through a tough time.” She expressed her relief that both dogs passed together and appreciated the quick nature of the coyote attack, which spared them from prolonged suffering.
Julianne described her reunion with her dogs’ bodies as a profoundly beautiful experience. To honor them, she sprayed lavender on their bodies to mask the scent of death, creating a serene atmosphere for the farewell. During the journey to the cremation, Hough felt an overwhelming connection to her dogs. “I had their collars and, like, a little piece of their hair on my heart,” she shared, recalling a moment of deep reflection in the car.
As she sat in the vehicle, a song from the film Gladiator began to play, further deepening her emotional connection. “My brother just stopped the car, and the sun was pouring in, and I was totally feeling them,” she recounted. This moment of serenity allowed her to feel the presence of Lexi and Harley, bringing a sense of peace amidst her grief.
Hough’s candid sharing about her pets’ funeral sheds light on the profound bond between humans and their pets, illustrating how these relationships can profoundly impact our lives. Her story resonates with many pet owners who understand the heartache of losing a beloved animal companion. Through her experience, Hough not only honors the memory of Lexi and Harley but also emphasizes the importance of cherishing the time spent with our furry friends.
The emotional journey that Hough has shared serves as a reminder of the love and joy that pets bring into our lives, as well as the pain of their loss. As she continues to navigate her grief, Hough’s story encourages others to celebrate the memories of their pets and find solace in the love they shared.
