Just a few short weeks ago, we were delighted to bring you the news that a new “world’s ugliest dog” had been crowned: a nine-year-old nine-year-old English bulldog aptly named “Zsa Zsa” after golden Hollywood screen legend Zsa Zsa Gabor. Sadly, Zsa Zsa’s time in the spotlight was short-lived, as her owner Megan Brainard confirmed that she passed away early Tuesday morning.
Zsa Zsa died in her sleep while she was staying with Brainard’s father. However, Brainard, her husband Jesse, and 15-month-old daughter Mareslie were still able to say their goodbyes to their famous and beloved pet. “I’m still in shock … It’s kind of like when she won (the World’s Ugliest Dog contest). It’s been two weeks and I still don’t believe it. It’s probably going to be the same with her passing,” Brainard said, according to Today.
“I picked Zsa Zsa up and took her outside and laid her down in the grass,” Brainard told the publication. “We were all saying our goodbyes and Mareslie went right over and gave her a kiss. It was sweet. She was waving at her.”
Brainard and her family are not alone in mourning Zsa Zsa, as the sad news of her passing swept the internet late Tuesday.
https://twitter.com/smervosh/status/1016857743909584896
I was supposed to pet Zsa Zsa on Saturday. My family and I send our condolences to Zsa Zsa’s family. I am very sad to hear that she died. Zsa Zsa was adorable. 🐶❤️😢https://t.co/BvyBtx4msq
— I’ve Pet That Dog (@IvePetThatDog) July 11, 2018
RIP. Zsa Zsa was rescued from a puppy mill and adopted into a living family. A good reminder that we should always look to pet adoption and give these sweet souls a chance at a good life.
— 🐺 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 Ⓥ 🐾 (@ThePawReport) July 10, 2018
You weren't ugly btw, Zsa Zsa… no dog is. https://t.co/Ugj2o6KftV #RIPZsaZsa
I am heartbroken. I just found out #ZsaZsa the winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, passed away in her sleep. To me, she was one of the loveliest, sweetest, most beautiful dogs I’ve ever met. You were loved sweet Zsa Zsa. You were loved. @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/CcBwRSsPwq
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) July 11, 2018
Rest peacefully, Zsa Zsa. https://t.co/YDKOTfVmTc
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) July 10, 2018
Oh, Zsa Zsa. #RIP You were the definition of inner beauty.
— Chris Bohjalian (@ChrisBohjalian) July 11, 2018
Rest in peace, Zsa Zsa. Like Vincent van Gogh, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
H/T Today