Derek Hough Supported Julianne Hough After the Death of Her Dogs in 2019 (Exclusive) ArticlePure

Derek Hough is there for Julianne Hough when times get tough.

The Dancing with the Stars judge, 39, revealed how he supported Julianne when she was going through a difficult time following the sudden deaths of her two beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniels in 2019.

“I think just like in any family situation, you rally, you know? You always come together,” he told PEOPLE while discussing his new partnership with Greenies. 

“So when that happened, we all rallied behind her, and we [were] there for her,” he added.

Julianne shared in an emotional interview on The Jamie Kern Lima Show that Derek and several of their other family members “flew out” to comfort her after she found out her dogs Lexi and Harley were killed by coyotes in 2019. Derek told PEOPLE that it was the least he could do.

“Families are always the ones that are there for you in difficult times, you know? And I think it’s in those moments you realize how wonderful family is,” he explained.

“I was talking to this doctor, and he said he’s been at the bedside of thousands of patients basically on their deathbed. And none of them ask for their awards… accolades or their money… they ask for their loved ones, and it’s a good reminder,” he continued. “… Family’s so important”

Derek — who shares four pets, dogs Romi and Luna, and cats Palo and Lily, with wife Hayley Erbert — also noted that he and Julianne consider their pets part of the family and said that when one of their pets dies, it is similar to the death of a loved one.

“I think anybody who really has had a pet that they’ve loved fully [understands] that,” he told PEOPLE. “So that’s why you always want the best for them… you always want the best for them and look out for them and take care of them.”

Julianne previously shared details about Lexi and Harley’s funerals. She revealed that there was one moment with Derek that stuck with her while they traveled to cremate the dogs’ bodies.

“I was laying 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 recalled. 

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

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In July, Julianne revealed she became a dog mom again after welcoming a puppy named Sunny. She shared a sweet Instagram clip showing a montage of moments with her new canine. 

“Sunny, you have brought so much love and literal sunshine into my life ??I can’t remember a time without you,” she captioned the post, in part.

“Lexi & Harley would have loved and played with you every day, 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,” she added.