Julianne Hough talks about the tragic death of two dogs

Julianne Hough has spoken for the first time about the tragic death of her two dogs.

Back in October 2019, the TV personality announced that her beloved pets Lexi and Harley had died the previous month.

Julianne did not provide details at the time, but revealed during an appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show that aired Tuesday that the dogs had been killed by coyotes.

“I woke up before my phone even rang, and I knew. I picked up the phone and my assistant at the time was just screaming,” she recalled, stressing that she had “never had coyotes in her yard before” and that the property was fenced in.

Additionally, Julianne described how the loss of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels came at a particularly difficult time in her life, as she had just separated from her longtime assistant, started the lifestyle company Kinrgy, and separated from her husband Brooks Laich after three years of marriage.

“I had asked for a separation. And then, ten days later, my dogs were killed by coyotes,” the 36-year-old continued, noting that she became “so emotional” when she thought back to that time. “I felt so unintegrated or out of sync. My dogs, who embodied unconditional love and security – gone.”

For Julianne, however, it is a small consolation that Lexi and Harley died together.

“They left together, I'm so grateful they left together,” she added. “I'm grateful that it usually happens very quickly and that we got their bodies. But at the time I thought, 'Oh, that was the dissolving of the absolute security of unconditional love.'”

Earlier this year, Julianne shared in an Instagram post that she had welcomed a new dog named Sunny into her home.

“Sunny, you brought so much love and literal sunshine into my life,” the Dancing with the Stars pro wrote alongside some sweet snaps of the pup. “I can't remember a time without you. Lexi and Harley would have loved and played with you every day and I know they sent you to me, but it wasn't until I was ready to open my heart and love again – you opened me up, darling.”

Julianne and NHL player Brooks finalized their divorce in February 2022.