Apr 26, 2017
Adopted July 2009 by Sheyda Ardalan, Tim Clarke and their son Bijhan Clarke
On my first visit to VAFA in late July of 2009, I noticed a puppy with his ears and tail cut off. He was very timid and when I approached him, he would run away.
I was able to pick him up after I cornered him but knew he was not comfortable. I knew right away that he had suffered a very cruel and painful beginning and decided to adopt him. Once I made my decision, the shelter and the veterinarians started working on getting his papers together. I named him Max because he reminded me of my sister’s dog, Pax.
Very shy, Max would run away if I got too close to him. He would often rest, like most of the puppies, because he was malnourished and sickly.
One of the rare times that I was able to hold Max. He was not too sure what was happening.
I could not bring Max to my mother’s apartment right away. She didn’t feel too happy about having a dog, so I waited until a few days before my departure and then I brought him over. I purchased a kennel for him and got all his paperwork together. I kept him in the balcony which I would spray with water to cool off the air a bit.
Max came to me with a small puncture in his neck and after a day I called Dr. Abedi, the Shelter’s main veterinarian.
When he came over, Dr. Abedi had to shave Max’s neck, open up the wound and clean it up; that’s when we found out Max had actually been bit by a dog at the shelter. Fortunately, Dr. Abedi is a superb doctor and did a wonderful job cleaning and draining his wound and I was able to pass Max through customs at Kennedy International Airport in New York without any problems.
This is one of the last pictures of Max in Iran.
Max trying to figure out what is going on in his life.
Max is finally home in the USA, relaxing after his long trip over.
Apr 26, 2017
Adopted on Dec 29, 2010 by Mr Alireza Shafayi & Julie
Most of you may remember my story when I was first featured.
I don’t think I am more than six months old, as I just lost my first baby tooth.
Maryam and Neda who took care of me when I was first found called me Bijan.Now that I live with new family in order for my name to rhyme with my sister, Julie, they call me Bijiou.
I really like it here. It took a little time for me and Julie to establish who is the boss but I think we have a good understanding now. -“I AM!”
My digestive system was a mess in the beginning but I’ve been more normal lately. I tend to eat too much and don’t know when to stop which upsets my stomach. Even Dr. Malekpour who vaccinated me said I will be okay.
I am very smart, quite a curious dude.
I really like to please my master but he has a hard time teaching me things like not to make messes in the house. Can any one out there help him out?
Pleased to meet you all!
Check out my photo album:
Love,
Bijiou
Apr 25, 2017
Adopted on 22 dec, 2010 by Ramos family and lives in Hayward, CA
Ms Azari wrote the following about our Hadook:
Hadook was found on a hot August day in Lavasan. His leg was broken, one eye was red and swollen, and his ear was soar. From the pain of his injuries he had been unable to move form the front of the house he had gotten to for a few days. Thank God the young girl that lived in the house called Vafa Shelter.
Ali and I went to Lavasan. We approached him with caution. We used an old drawer as a stretcher to transport him to Alborz Animal Clinic in Tehran. He did not complain at all.
Apparently he had been hit by a car. Luckily, his hip was okay. Dr. Abedi performed a masterful surgery on him. He removed the shattered pieces of bone and repaired the lag by installing a pinto hold the leg bone together.
Hadook was cared for at the quarantine for a long while after that. During his long recovery he was always playful and friendly with all people and dogs. As part of his greeting people, he would stick his his head in ones arms and make noises as he was talking, telling his story.
He was still very young and his playfulness delayed his recovery a little.
After removal of the pin, he stayed at the shelter until complete recovery. His adapted quickly and made friends easily, playing with every one.
Even though he did not agree to getting a bath as part of getting ready to go to US, he was find with all the hassle of micro-chip, three hour trip to the airport, twice! The first time, at the last minute the airline announced that his name was not on the list, so he had to go back to the shelter and wait for the next traveler.
We miss him very much but we are glad that he lives a happy life in US, capturing every heart in his path.
And here’s a few lines from Hadook’s savior angel in the US:
Dook is a wonderful and well mannered dog that has brought happiness into my home.
He has gotten bigger, stronger and gained a little more weight since he first came into my home. He has been potty trained and knows sit, stay, down,and go to place. Dook and his sister Kittie play together all day and sleep next to one another.
He goes to dog parks and greets everyone he sees and plays with every dog he meets anddoes not care how big or small they are.
Dook and Kittie help me foster German Shepherds for the German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California.
Chris R
Apr 25, 2017
Adopted by Amiri Family in Los Angeles, CA on Feb 5, 2011
I always wanted a dog. Loved B.C. since they are known for being so smart. I was desperate for a dog, preferably a black one. I was told by my dad about this rescue operation for Dogs in Iran and one Border collie being on his way to the States from Iran. It sounded exciting. My dad told me that we’ll get him on Feb 5th. Could not wait for that day to come.
When we picked him up, my dad told us that we have two weeks to prove to him that we can take care of him. My sister and I agreed. They had named him Sasha. For some reason his name did not go with him. So we called him Proby (“New Guy”) and Proby set out to whip us into shape right away, even though she was only 9 months. It did not take him long to settle in. Proby is such a nice and caring dog. He makes us laugh on daily basis. He loves to play with other dogs and it is fun to watch him play. He snores at night. At first it was a little annoying but now we just laugh about it. The funniest thing is that every time my dad plays Persian music he immediately starts singing. He is part of our family now and we love him. I think he is the sweetest dog ever.
Iden and Ila
Apr 25, 2017
Adopted April 19 2011 by Karen Montgomery
You may have read the piece written a few months ago asking friends to help me rescue Mina.
This is the rest of the story.
Mina and her buddy Hapoo flew from Tehran to LAX arriving on April 19 and were picked up by Farah and Maryam and some helpful friends. Mina was very hungry and not only ate her food but then found the bag of remaining food and ate that too. She’s very clever at finding food.
So then a bath and a long ride north. Finally at one in the morning, after two long months of waiting I met my Mina for the first time. She took in her surroundings without batting an eye and has been in fast forward motion ever since.
Mina now lives in Petaluma in a little house with a big backyard and has three dog siblings and two cat sisters. The backyard is a great dog playground and Mina immediately made herself at home. Now her favorite place to hang out is on the deck chair right outside my studio door, overlooking the backyard.
It took Mina a little while to decide whether she wanted to belong to me, being a very clever girl who thinks she can do anything. But we’ve made great progress in training and Mina has really settled in. She still has her wild and crazy moments but that’s what puppies do.
We go to the dog park at least twice a day and Mina has lots of dog and people friends. Mina goes to work with me and her dog brother Bailey and has more dog and people friends there. Everyone wants to know about Mina wherever she goes, being such a pretty girl, so I get to tell her story almost everyday.
I am very grateful to all who helped Mina, from the cold dangerous street life all the way around the world to sunny safe California.
Apr 25, 2017
Adopted by Mary Lester: April 16, 2011
A few lines from Mary:
Poonak is the sweetest dog ever. She is gentle and good natured and she steals every heart that comes near her.
I am extremely grateful to Maryam for working with us. We’re making progress – both of us – I’m becoming more clear and consistent and she’s getting better at “leave it.” I can’t thank you and Vafa enough. Poonak is the best!
Poonak’s original story posted on facebook back on Sept 2010:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=443099163521
