This is Zuzu, a 2-year-old German Shepherd who was given up by her family and now lives in the Downey Animal Care Center in California, US.
Zuzu is described as “beautiful and loving” by shelter volunteers, but sadly Zuzu’s former owners didn’t see her that way.
The family gave up the precious pup after she started crying constantly following the death of her father and, when Zuzu jumped a fence into a neighbor’s yard, the family called animal control.
Shelter volunteers assumed Zuzu was a stray, so when her former owners showed up at the shelter, they were overjoyed to think that Zuzu and her humans would be reunited.
“Doing dog intros, we got interrupted by an overly excited Zuzu,” said volunteer Desi, “With her fast tail wagging, seeing her owners [made] Zuzu light up like a Christmas tree. She looked like the happiest dog.”
You can see Zuzu’s reaction in the video below.
But, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Zuzu did not go home with her old family. They had arrived at the shelter to adopt another dog instead.
Understandably, people were outraged.
“Their reason [for giving Zuzu up] was because she was crying and sad since her father passed away. She wasn’t a happy dog anymore,” explained Desi, “Their solution for her unhappiness was just leaving her here. And to go get another dog.”
But Desi — like many others following the story — decided that it was best Zuzu didn’t go home with a family who could treat her so cruelly.
“I was honestly sad, but glad. I knew the rescues who come here would find a good home where she would be a family member.”
We hope this gorgeous pooch finds a better, loving home away from people who think a “sad” dog isn’t worth their time.
You can keep up with Zuzu on Facebook, or check out her ShelterMe profile here.