Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has become “numb over the loss” of his dog. The beloved French bulldog had been part of the actor’s family for nearly a decade, creating a profound bond with everyone in the household.
The 52-year-old actor — who is married to Lauren Hashian and has Jasmine, 9, as well as 6-year-old Tiana with her — took to social media on Tuesday, Feb. 25, to reveal the news that his pooch Hobbs had passed away. His emotional post received more than 2 million likes within hours, showing the widespread support from fans worldwide.
“I’ve been numb over this loss, but we’re so grateful for every ounce of pure love he gave our entire family and we’re so grateful he didn’t suffer long as he quietly and bravely left in the night,” he wrote on Instagram. Studies show that pet loss can trigger genuine grief responses similar to losing a human family member, with many people experiencing physical and emotional symptoms.
The former WWE star, who also has Simone, 23, with ex-wife Dany Garcia, decided to add the George Strait track “Whats Going On In Your World” with the track because it felt “appropriate” and while he isn’t sure how things work in terms of the afterlife, he begged his canine companion to “come back and visit” in the future. The country ballad, released in 1989, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remains one of Strait’s most beloved songs.
“Lately, there’s been a lot that’s too big to talk about. Lonesome, lonely, heard it’s all the same,” he quoted from the lyrics. “One of my favorite songs felt appropriate here, as I wonder what’s going on his new world, because I know what it’s like in mine. Not sure how spirits work but come back and visit every once in a while so we can get in trouble and laugh again.”
The French bulldog was adopted by the Moana star in 2015 and was named after his Fast & Furious character. French bulldogs have become increasingly popular pets in recent years, ranking as the second-most popular dog breed in the United States according to American Kennel Club statistics.
At the time, he also adopted Brutus but he passed away that same year after ingesting a toxic mushroom and Dwayne later cast Hobbs in his movie Hobbs and Shaw. The 2019 film, a spin-off of the Fast & Furious franchise, grossed more than $760 million worldwide and featured the beloved pet in a cameo role.
“As producer of @hobbsandshaw, I thought it was the right thing to do to actually cast my French bulldog in our movie. Nepotism shmepotism,” he said. “Three years ago we brought puppy Hobbs and his baby brother, Brutus home to become our ‘ohana.’ (The Hawaiian term “ohana” means family in an extended sense, emphasizing that family members are bound together with shared responsibility.) Sadly, we lost puppy Brutus a few months later. Broke our hearts, but this little beast Hobbs goes on to live his best life daily and I’m quite proud of his performance in our movie.”
Johnson has frequently shared photos and videos of Hobbs on social media over the years, documenting their special relationship. The actor, known for his tough-guy persona, has never shied away from showing his softer side when it comes to his pets and family.
Veterinary experts note that French bulldogs typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years, making Hobbs’ nearly 10 years with the Johnson family a full life for the breed. The dogs are known for their playful personalities and strong bonds with their human families.
Fans and fellow celebrities have flooded Johnson’s post with condolences and shared stories of their own pet losses. The universal experience of pet grief has created a supportive community around the star during this difficult time.
Animal behaviorists often point out that dogs like Hobbs become deeply integrated into family systems, with research showing they can recognize family members’ emotional states and respond with comfort and affection. This emotional intelligence creates particularly strong bonds between humans and their canine companions.
Johnson‘s vulnerability in sharing his grief publicly highlights the changing perception of pet loss in society, where the emotional impact is increasingly recognized as a significant form of bereavement requiring support and understanding.
