The former Disney star, 19, shared a sweet snap of her furry family friend Midnight on Instagram.com late on Monday as she broke the news of her loss to fans.

"My baby went to heaven today," she wrote. "Thank you for being one of the most loyal men in my life, for loving me unconditionally and for cuddling me when ever I needed.

"I don't know if you ever understood me when I told you but I love you more than you'll ever know. We've been together since I was 8 and I'm not really sure how to get use (sic) to a house without your cute paws clinking around... but thank you for every second of love you gave us."