Dog Names Meaning Hope

In November 2016, a video went viral on social media of a German Shepherd mix who was housed at the Downy Animal Center in California. The dog is seen watching the approach of some people at the shelter. At first, the viewers can see the look of hope on the animal's face exploding into happiness as she recognizes her owners. She is wagging her tail in sheer joy as she anxiously hopes her owners will be taking her home soon. Unfortunately, the owners showed no interest in her and ignored her hopeful happiness. They went on to tell the shelter staff that they had let the dog run away because the canine had been depressed over the death of the owner's father. The dog's depression and grief had made her less than a desirable pet.  The old owners announced they were not there to bring ZuZu home but instead were seeking a replacement dog that was more fun. ZuZu was left abandoned at the shelter.  

The Daily Mail reports, 'With her fast wagging tail seeing her owners Zuzu lit up like a Christmas Tree. She looked like the happiest dog. Yeah, she's going home,' wrote shelter worker Desi Lara on Facebook. 'But no. Talking to her owners they told me they were not here to reclaim her, they were getting another dog. Their solutions for her unhappiness was just leaving her here! And go get another dog.'

The video of ZuZu went viral. She was transferred to a local no-kill shelter. Many people who saw the moving video contacted the shelter seeking to adopt ZuZu and give her a forever home. 

The Russo family's beloved dog,' Dinky,' had died within hours of them learning of ZuZu's search for a home and watching her video. They were so moved by the dog that they decided to try to adopt her.  

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mr. Russo says, 'I’m not sure why Dinky decided on that day of all days to take a new journey with his soul and to move on, but he did, and at that moment I knew that whatever we needed to do, whatever we could do, we needed to try to adopt ZuZu.' 

The Russo's adoption of ZuZu was slightly delayed as the pooch recovered from a whipworm infestation. Once she was healthy, Mr. and Mrs. Russo gladly welcomed the Shepherd mix into their home where they are providing her with a loving environment.  ZuZu is thriving in her new home and clearly a happy dog. ZuZu means "sweet" in Yiddish, and the sweet hope that ZuZu had was found with this loving family.