Photos of a Dog Named Jazil Fazzazil

I took photos of a dog named Jazil Fazzazil. As it is such an unusual name, most people’s first question would be, “How did she get that name?” And when Cindy, Jazil’s mom, called me to photograph the two of them, mine was.

In 2006, a long shot named Jazil won the Belmont Stakes. After he won, Cindy’s neighbor’s granddaughter, a 6-year-old named Tabitha, very proudly announced that “I was rooting for Jazil the whole time!” So Cindy started calling Tabitha “Jazil Fazzazil.” Ten years later, when Cindy was bringing her as yet unnamed dog home, she asked Tabitha what she should name her. And that is how this beautiful Basenji mix got her name.

Cindy adopted Jazil from Friends of Homeless Animals when Jazil was 14 months old. She and her brother were found in a parking lot in southwestern Virginia and brought to FOHA. Her brother was adopted quickly, but Jazil was in foster care for 10 months until she found her perfect mom. The week after Cindy brought her home she ran away and was gone for 6 hours (and 5 miles) but found her way back home, which is pretty remarkable considering the short time she’s been living there. The photos below of Jazil running remind Cindy of when Jazil came running back and the joy she felt seeing her return.

Jazil turned 2-years-old right after we took these photos and they were part of her birthday celebration. I’m glad I could be a part of it!

Ellen Zangla Photography—Specializing in pets and the people who love them.

Professional Photographers of America: 2105 Silver Medal Photographer of the Year