Zappa, a 15-year-old Italian greyhound, is an almost impossibly cute, toothless dog who has catapulted to Instagram celebrity status. This pooch, who rocks out with her tongue out, loves to be the center of attention and can't get enough of being photographed.
Whether Zappa is going for a walk, snuggling in bed, or dressing up for Sunday brunch, this pup is always ready for her close-up. Rosalie Millen captures and uploads every precious moment to share with the world. This unique-looking dog even has some strange and unlikely pals — like Pickles, her hairless guinea pig friend.
Millen's parents got Zappa 15 years ago in Milwaukee.
"Her parents and siblings were show dogs, but Zappa was rejected because she didn't meet show dog standards. Even though she was not 'perfect,' my parents immediately fell in love," Millen exclusively told LittleThings.
This greyhound, who is owned by Millen's parents, is truly living the posh life with her human family. What's made this dog so unique is that she always has her tongue hanging out.
"Zappa's tongue only started hanging out as she got older. Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental problems, and Zappa has had many of her teeth removed over the years. The first few times we saw her stick her tongue out, we ran to get a camera to capture it. We soon realized the tongue was here to stay!" Millen said.
Zappa reminds us a lot of another Instagram star, Toast, whose floppy tongue is always hanging out, too. Zappa's owners decided to make her an Instagram just to share with family and friends, but soon discovered she had a big following.
"She is very good at making people smile. We decided to make her an Instagram mostly for our friends, but also with the hope that she would make other people just as happy. We never thought she would get this many followers! It feels amazing when someone contacts us on social media and says that Zappa's picture made their day. We love connecting with fellow dog lovers from all over the world. Zappa's sisters (Dylan and Bazinga) are a little jealous of all the attention she gets!" Millen said.
This gal is being treated like a queen in her old age. According to her owner, Zappa has arthritis in her spine, so they take her to get laser treatments because it helps with inflammation and pain. In addition, this spoiled senior pup gets to go boating with her family, visit sandy beaches, and attend special doggie events around the world.
"One thing we hope to show is the joy that senior dogs can bring to people's lives. Caring for a senior dog has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our family. Zappa is a sweet, wonderful dog, and her 'flaws' only make her more beautiful to us," Millen added.
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Zappa is a 15 year old Italian Greyhound who is always rocking out with her tongue out.
Zappa gives modeling a try, demanding, "Draw me like one of your French girls."
Zappa is ready to snuggle in bed.
For Sunday brunch, Zappa is dressed to the nines.
Zappa hangs out with Pickles, her hairless guinea pig friend.
Zappa shows off her new favorite outfit.
