Apr 24, 2017
Adopted by Dartnell Family – August 27, 2011 – Belmont, CA
Friends, do you remember the story of the mama dog and her puppies rescued by a kind gentleman (from Germany) in Amol near Caspian Sea? Leo is one of the lucky puppies who survived and made it all the way to Northern California , now living with his forever loving family.
Here are a few words from his foster mom who looked after him and trained him when he first arrived in the US:
“Leo came to our home as a 3 month old puppy, and all of us including our dog, Buddy, fell in love with him immediately. He is such a well tempered, smart, sweet, loving, energetic and funny dog. We feel honored to have been his host family while he searched for a perfect, loving home. He found a wonderful forever family and is now one popular dog in our neighborhood. We get to see and spend time with him once in a while, and he remains Buddy’s best friend forever! ”
Maryam Kamali
And a few words from his forever loving Mom:
Leo has brought new life into our house since his arrival. He is not only the cutest puppy on the block, he is a loving, mischievous, smart, and funny dog. He loves to play soccer with the kids and cuddle with them at night. Leo is our families constant companion. If we are working around the house, he is right at our side. If we are cooking, he is our shadow. He learns new tricks every day. One look into those beautiful eyes of his just melts your heart. We feel so lucky to have such a wonderful soul in our home.
Cheri D
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Dunham Family on Oct 20, 2011 – Vancouver, BC
On October 20, 2011, I flew all the way from Iran to Vancouver Canada to meet them. At first I was really scared….of everything! I didn’t want to come out of my kennel for a long time and when I did I was faced with stairs!
Thankfully, my new family was really patient with me and even carried me up and down the stairs for 2 days so that I could sleep in the same room as them. I was also scared of going for a walk in the dark. I learned that the strange noises and lights were cars but it took me a couple of weeks before I was feeling comfortable enough to walk beyond the neighbours houses. Now I’ve learned that going for walks is when I get to see other dogs – that is my favourite thing in the whole world, nothing can get me going like the possibility of meeting another dog on our walk. I’ve got my morning buddies that we see everyday, some of them are older and don’t want to play but others will let me run around and be all puppy playful with them. It’s the best! There is also a big forest behind our house with lots of interesting smells, my mom said there are bears, skunks, racoons and other critters in there…..thankfully we’ve only seen some skunks and when we did my mom pulled me hard the other way even though they were coming towards me and I was very curious about them.
At home there are 2 little people that I love. I listen to Jessica better than anyone else, she’s 4 and she gives me great ear and belly rubs. Josh keeps telling me how cute I am, and pats me on the head, he’s also started giving me a special treat…piggy ears! They have lots of stuffed animals that I grab and trot around the house carrying. My mom tells me to drop them and play with my own toys but I just can’t help wanting to play with theirs too. I have a favourite stuffed squeaky elephant and I adore fetch with my rubber chicken in the backyard.
After I totally destroyed the bed my family had gotten me, they got the message that I’d rather sleep on a chair. They tried hard for a couple of days to stop me from going on there, but I was very determined and finally got my way. This is my quiet spot slightly away from the kids but still in view of the kitchen (just in case food falls on the floor) and of the front door. I’m working on getting onto the couch too but mom and dad are even more determined to keep me off of there, oh well, I’m slowly giving up on that one.
Life is great here, it’s just coming up on 2 months that I’ve been with my family, but we are really starting to figure each other out, they’ve been patient with my having to learn a new way of life, and I’ve been working really hard to learn my commands and house rules. I think it’s a great match, I’m one lucky boy!BillyPS – we are one lucky family too Billy, your calm disposition and gentleness with our kids is more than we could have hoped for adopting a 6 month old puppy.
Love Deb, Chris, Jessica and JoshBilly and His sister , Emili
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Conyers Family on June 29, 2011 – San Jose, CA
A few words from Marlee’s foster mom in Iran:
Marlee (then Nelly) came to us like a stuffed little cute toy, she was adorable, stubborn and full of character. She loved to play and friendly to everybody. She was a beautiful dog and everybody loved her.
She was among lucky puppies supported by Vafa Shelter staff and supporters and we defiantly enjoyed her stay with us. I asked my husband to add few sentences about Nelly and he said he has already mixed up what and who fostering all the dogs and puppies last years but he does remember some highlights; funny things and their character and Nelly sure is his favorite puppy, full of life and very smart one!
Armine Charik
…and a few words from her foster mom in US:
That adorable little Marlee (then Nelly) came to our home when she was 9 weeks old! She was a strong minded girl who needed some training. Thanks to Ms Kamali who taught us how to get her to be responsive to commands. By implementing her teaching in a short time we got Marlee to fetch, sit, down, no bite, and so much more. And I learned that to be a really good foster parent you need to have a big heart and willingness to learn a few new tricks. She even learned, for most part to ignore my jealous and at times unfriendly dog Shazdeh. I have to say, that one of my regrets in life is that I could not keep her for ever.
I think, her smarts, sweetness, lovingness and companionship would have added a lot to my life. I am just so happy that a deserving and amazing family has the pleasure of having her. She turned out to be the best and got the best. Thank you Faranak jaan for the trust you had in me/us to foster a vafa dog.
Fereshteh
Marlee’s forever loving mom says:
Marlee came to us via an Angel…we were actually looking to adopt another Vafa puppy. Literally, after our home visit, Farah called and asked if we would foster another pup for the weekend. Without a 2nd thought, I said ‘Yes!’. Marlee never left our home since….little did we know, we were destined to be blessed with Marlee.
Marlee has such a gentle spirit…mischievous, at times but very gentle. She loves to play, especially with Daddy (Jason), Brother (Dominic) and cousin (Marcel). Mommy (Zoraida)and sister (Faith) just loves hugging Marlee. Marlee LOVES to run..and it shows when we take her walking/running and when she goes to the dog park. Nothing else matters when she is free to run without fear….Marlee is finally home….Zoraida
“Live Simply…Love Generously…Care Deeply…Speak Kindly”
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Zubin Mobedshahi – Morgan Hill, California – Sept 18, 2011
We had posted Jenny’s picture and her story on our facebook page back in August 2010:Jenny is very kind and she seems to be a great protector! She was found with terrible scabs when they brought her here.
First she was very scared. the lady who had found her, had kept her in their bathroom for a few days, but since she couldn’t keep her, they brought her to the quarantine house. We have no idea what the poor girl had gone through, both her ears were injured badly but we don’t think it’s from the scabs. She came around after a few days, and started playing with Rocky . We bathed her everyday and put special lotion on her, and the scabs were gone rather quickly–but her ears took longer to heal.
We were approached by a wonderful lady who lives in the US who offered to sponsor Jenny and get her to USA. Here’s a few lines she shared with us:As I was looking at Vafa’s site, I thought about how unfortunate our animals have lived for long centuries. I was Looking at the pictures closely and absorbing each dog’s look with all the love in their eyes.. I saw a new hope and a new light that is about to break though their dark and miss-fortunate past with Vafa’s help.
I took one look at Jenny’s and I fell in love with her. Her ears and tail were cut off. With all the pain she went though, she still looked Stunning. I had tears in my eyes for all of them when suddenly a brilliant idea made me smile.” I will help Jenny come here and find the best home she deserves.”In no time we raised her travel expenses and in a few months she was brought here with the help of Vafa team and Faranak (my role model and a fighter for these animals)
Now, not only Jenny was not alone, she had her own supporters.
Jenny has never met me but I know her life was drastically changed just because one eye noticed her and another one decided to give her a warm home and a soft pillow to sleep on. I heard Jenny’s life is full of love and adventure. I go to bed many nights thinking about Jenny and what would happen if each one of us would save one animal like her? And I smile!!I LOVE YOU JENNY!
Marjan
And here’s a few lines from Jenny (now Juney’s) forever loving dad:
Jenny, now Juney, has adapted quickly and splendidly to her vast new environment. Living on a ranch, she follows the humans on hikes and helps catch mice on the farm fields. Her excitement every morning comes from chasing the loitering deer away from the compost piles, though they always get away. She is resting in her bed crate, door open, catching her first nap of the evening. she will later, as always, sprint outside before the lights go out for the night, hoping to surprise a covey of quail, who will flutter down the long valley or into higher, safer brush. At her first checkup, the doc said she looked like one of the healthiest dogs he’d ever seen. Well exercised, happy, and trusting. Welcome to California, Juney.
Zubin
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Palister Family – Oct 20, 2011- Vancouver, BC, Canada
On October 20, 2011, I made the first step in my journey to my forever home, flying from Iran to Vancouver with my brother Billy.I spent the first few weeks in a very foreign land with a temporary family.
Then my adoptive mom came to get me and I was so excited. My new family and anyone who has the fortune to meet me say that I am an absolute beauty and sweetheart!
At home I love to sleep on the bed and get belly rubs and hugs. I can usually be found seeking out my furry friend, Niko the cat.The other, Percy, is also warming up to my charm. Dylan, my favourite little person is a loving and curious playmate and I am so gentle and patient with him.
I have a big backyard to play in, and hide the many bones I own. My favourite outdoor place is the huge dog park. I am a social butterfly and love to meet and play with all dogs, with a particular soft spot for the small ones. My true talent is running – I am faster than a racehorse!
My other favourite place – the trails. I often go with my doggy pal, Bailey, and love to roll around in and hop though the tall river grass.My only vice is the salmon that can often be found by the river bank and my mom has given me a few baths after – she can’t understand why I love the smell of rotten fish so much!
I am about to attend my first obedience classes with my family, although my mom thinks I will be easy to continue training as I am always trying to please. I have made great gains since my first day here – especially with potty training. And at first I didn’t like to be alone in my indoor crate when my mom went to work, but now I am fine. I also know my ‘come’, ‘sit’ and ‘shake paw’ already!
Thank you Vafa for all your hard work in bringing Emili (now Lily) into our lives. She is a real shining light and everything about her character is loving and sweet. We could not have asked for a better Forever Companion.
Celia and family
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Kelly & Bobby Dorafshar, Feb 6, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA
On the eve of Niru’s 1st birthday, aka “Charlie”, I am finally sitting down to write his adoption story. As the founders of New Leash On Life Animal Rescue, a California based dog rescue, we value letters and pictures from our adopters, even 8 months later!
The rescue world is small but its arms are far reaching… across counties, cities, states and even countries. Faranak the leader of USA Vafa Shelter Placements has a co-worker who is a life long friend of my husband Bobby.Faranak contacted us for assistance in placing 2 dogs that were coming in to LAX from Vafa in February of 2011. Bobby received the descriptions of the dogs and learned that one of the puppies was a Belgian Shepherd Mix, a breed that he has wanted for quite some time. After learning of his tuff temperament and drive, Bobby told me he was interested in adopting one of the dogs. As his partner in rescue and wife, it never takes much to convince me to add another four-legged to our home. The dogs arrived at LAX and were brought to our home in the San Fernando Valley. “Charlie” sniffed around and didn’t quite know what to make of the good ol’ USA. He refused to smile for the camera in my arms and just wanted to wiggle and run. In hindsight, he was probably looking for food, as that is his mission in life. Find Food – EAT Food- Find more Food!
Figuring out his name was a difficult process. I immediately wanted to name him Shaytoon. Bobby agreed that the name suited his naughty behavior, but thought a more dignified name would be more appropriate. Niru, meaning Strength, seemed like the perfect fit and so he became, Niru – Full of Strength, brother to Kiaha. Kiaha (Meaning rare beauty in Native American), a sassy Chocolate Boarder Collie mix, who we adopted just 6 months prior was in desperate need of an energetic playmate. Her other siblings, Cody and Jake, were both 15 and not interested in entertaining. Niru gave, and continues to give, her a run for her money. In the backyard, their energy levels are matched. It’s only in the house where Kiaha can relax… Niru still searches for food or something to chew on! Our boys are scolded if a stray sock is found under the couch… Niru will sniff it out and proceed to eat it as if it is the most delectable morsel he as ever encountered. I have pulled several from his throat and have found a few which have “passed” L
Niru settled into his routine quickly, going to work with me everyday at K9s Only were he worked with all of our trainers to learn and fine tune his obedience, both on leash on off. He also worked with our Wellness Director and had his first swim lesson a week after he arrive. He is now an avid swimmer, twice as fast as Kiaha in the pool.
His size has quadrupled in the last eight months and he still believes that he can crawl up into my lap and snuggle. He’s the best spooner (Next to my husband) and will even nibble on your ear. He has THE sweetest temperament and is amazing with the kids. His size can be intimidating, but they soon realized that simple commands can control his actions. Niru allows them to love, hug and kiss him as much as they want.
Several months ago, we almost lost Niru. He stopped eating, stopped drinking and would not get up. After days in hospital, countless procedures and tests preformed and a mint spent, we were with out any prognosis or diagnosis. All tests came back negative and he was on deaths door. Then, Niru got better. The Vet could not tell me what the illness was or why he miraculously got better. He just started eating again! He continues to have stomach issues but a change in food has helped.Niru has found a forever home with us and will forever be part of our family… naughtier than my two boy’s put together, but none the less just as loved.
Kelly & Bobby Dorafshar
