Reason Rescue Puppy Always 'Full of Paint' Melts Hearts Online

A puppy named Zora has melted hearts all over the internet after a video showing how "in love" she is with a painter doing work in her house went viral on social media.

The video was shared on TikTok on Saturday by the dog's foster family, under the username Saracarstens. The rescue pup can be seen jumping all over the painter, asking to be stroked, while getting paint all over her fur.

The heartwarming post comes with a caption that reads: "Our new rescue puppy is in love with our painter." All through the video, the poster can be heard saying: "She loves you. Wow! Are you full of paint? Are you a painter dog?"

Later, the poster also explained that the puppy has been adopted and will have a new family soon. Zora, a mixed Labrador retriever breed, was rescued from the streets.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), around 3.1 million companion dogs enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. About 710,000 dogs who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners, and around 2 million shelter canines are adopted annually.

Moreover, each year, around 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized but, recently, the number has declined. This is thanks to an increase in the percentage of animals adopted and in the number of stray animals successfully returned to their owners.

Sara Carstens, who shared the video, told Newsweek that she and her family have been active in animal rescue for 15 years now, and they're independent and self-finance everything privately, because it's their passion project.

She said: "Since we started, we have rescued, spayed/ neutered, nursed to health, and re-homed thousands of animals in need. Zora being our most recent rescue. My mom found Zora on the street at just 7 weeks old. Zora's mother was unfortunately found dead, so we took Zora in. As per usual, we did a vet check, getting all tests done, deworming, vaccinations—making sure she's a healthy baby girl.

"Our 14 other rescues, that currently live with us as well, quickly accepted and integrated her in their pack. As we are renovating my parents house at the moment, Zora got to know our painter and fell in love at first sight. Zora is a very loving, playful puppy and our painter quickly reciprocated her love. Our goal is to find loving forever homes for our rescues. Families who can give them as much time and attention as possible."

Carstens said that since Zora is a puppy, she requires permanent supervision and care. Unfortunately, although a strong bond was established between Zora and their painter Tomas, he works 12-hour days and cannot take on the responsibility of a baby dog, even though Tomas was very fond of Zora and gave her daily kisses and cuddles!

"Zora has been happily adopted by a wonderful family who fulfills all of her desires and needs (we always make sure to do home checkups & stay in contact with the adoptees)! Tomas has also finalized his renovating work with us, but will miss Zora very much. He also had the chance to say goodbye and wish Zora well in her new life. He even shed a tear... We continue to send Tomas frequent updates of how Zora is doing and how lovely she's growing! We're so glad that the video did so well on my page and that my rescues are finally getting the attention I believe they deserve. I post regular content involving our passion project, but haven't yet received as much love as for this video," she said.

The TikTok video quickly gained popularity on social media, attracting animal lovers from across the platform. It has so far received almost 615,000 views and nearly 100,000 likes.

User ecu commented: "marry the painter." And kelkelcas posted: "Lifetime movie in the making! So cute!" Cast wrote: "The tail wiggles cannot be contained."

Dianna commented: "This pup is adorable but the painter." And gabi added: "i am also in love with the new painter." Julie said: "Awww I wish he adopted her." And fishnchips100 added: "I hope so, because she has chosen him."

Another user, Bubba, commented: "Animals are like this with my husband, they gravitate to him and that is because animals can sense kind people." And Jorjahoward2008 wrote: "Maybe she was a painter in her life."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Update, 03/10/23, 10:51 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Sara Carstens.