About Us

Hi, I’m Iaras, the heart behind Groovy Zuky.

Since I was a little girl growing up in Puerto Rico, animals have always been a passion of mine. I used to make trails of dog food from the grocery store to our house, hoping a stray pup would follow me home. I dreamed of becoming a vet, educated my classmates about animal abuse and the importance of spaying and neutering. My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood phase, it was the beginning of a lifelong purpose.

Our home was a joyful chaos of paws and fur; dogs, cats, bunnies, and even iguanas; we loved and cared for them all. But I also learned, early on, the pain of losing them. When my beloved cat Gatina passed away in a tragic accident, my mom helped me create a little memorial in our backyard. We wrote her letters, drew pictures, and placed flowers. That moment was my first experience honoring the deep bond we share with our pets which is a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.

Then came Zuky, a golden ray of sunshine who entered our lives in 2010.

Zuky wasn’t just a pet, she was my best friend, my travel companion, my constant. She saw me through college, cheered me on when I graduated, and even moved across the world with me to South Korea. No matter where life took me; through adventures, heartache, and even starting over again in the U.S., Zuky was always there, waiting by the door, tail wagging.

In late 2024, we received the heartbreaking news that Zuky had developed a brain tumor. Though her symptoms could be managed for a time, we knew our time together was limited. We threw her the biggest birthday party! Surrounded by family and friends we celebrated her beautiful life.

But as the weeks passed, her health rapidly declined. She began having seizures, dementia set in, and her body was in constant pain. On February 15, 2025, I made the most difficult decision of my life: to let her go peacefully, at home, surrounded by love. I held her, kissed her, and thanked her for every moment — for every tail wag, every adventure, every ounce of unconditional love. With a broken heart, I felt the urge to keep her name alive somehow.

While living in South Korea, I had started a small business called Boricori, creating personalized pet portraits. Many of the pieces I created were tributes to pets who had crossed the rainbow bridge and each time, I felt deeply honored to capture their spirit.

After losing Zuky, I knew I wanted to do something more. I renamed my business to Groovy Zuky, in her memory to honor the joy, the love, and the life we shared. This isn’t just a shop; it’s a way for me to help others celebrate the incredible bond they share with their pets, whether they’re still with us or have already earned their wings.

Every portrait I create is crafted with love because I know what it means to love an animal so deeply it changes your life.

Thank you for being here, and for letting me help you celebrate your groovy companions.

With love,
Iaras Belen
Founder of Groovy Zuky