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
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Schott Family – August 3, 2011 – Besance, France
This is the story of Nazgol who has touched us all and will always have a special place in our hearts.
Her story began on a horrific night-at about 2 am-when the sound of gunshots broke her solemn slumber… She was shot in the shoulder, and subsequent shots took the lives of two of her innocent puppies right in front of her terrified eyes.
Recalling the events of that horrible night still pain our hearts to this day.
Nazgol had no choice but to instinctively flee, only to return 48 hours later, weakened, injured and in severe pain, to nurse her five remaining pups.
Mr. Namini, who for some time had been feeding Nazgol and her pups, contacted us, and Vafa’s rescue team was immediately dispatched to save Nazgol’s life.
That very same day, Nazgol underwent a surgical procedure under the capable hands of Dr. Abedi, and was moved to Vafa’s quarantine house in Tehran at the time.
Although Nazgol was under intensive care, due to the physical and mental trauma that she had suffered and endured, she first started bleeding internally and then went into a coma.
Nazgol remained in coma for the next eleven days; and her recovery really began once she finally came out of her coma.
A little while later, she traveled to Shiraz, and became roommates with Honey, D.J., Shazdeh, Pasha, Oscar, and Borna for the next eight months.
She was then brought back to Tehran and was cared for by Mr. Shafayi for a few nights before our dearest Janet graciously accompanied her to Germany to unite her with the most beautiful soul on earth, our dear Homa.
Upon her arrival, it was determined that it was necessary for her to undergo yet another surgery. Thanks to Homa’s financial support and her love and care, Nazgol was finally saved!!!
And now…
In full health, Nazgol, lives a royal life with Homa in France. Frequent travels, daily walks, and being the boss of the house are now the only things that occupy Nazgol’s happy and healthy mind.
We thank all of you who helped us and lent a loving hand through Nazgol’s journey.
Neda Mahmoodi
and here is a few words from Nazgol forever loving mom:
I vividly remember the first time I saw her pictures on Vafa’s Facebook page and how injured and bloody she was! In that very first minute, I decided to help save this injured mom and to give her and her unborn pups a chance at a good life.
As time passed, and through pictures and tidbits of news about her, my fondness and attachment to her grew stronger.
Since I already had a big dog named Benj (which I rescued), two cats, and a guinea pig, I didn’t intend to keep her, and I focused entirely on bringing her here and finding her a good home and a loving and caring permanent family.
Finally, Nazgol arrived… What an extraordinary and exciting day…!
As you may already know, I ended up adopting her, and she is now my girl. We named her Myrtille.
She loves her long daily walks and excursions regardless of whether I am up to it or ill with fever… Myrtille simply accepts no excuses!
We all love her dearly and a very strong bond exists between us already. Even the cats love and adore her.
We are very pleased that she is in a better environment now and is getting all the TLC she requires and that’s thanks to all the beautiful people’s efforts to get her to us here in France
Homa Schott
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Mazloomi Family – Jan 1, 2012 – Vancouver, Canada
I was about 4-weeks old when I was dropped off at the shelter. A very kind family (Khachatourians) offered to foster me while I get vaccinated. Within a few days of my arrival at their home, I was sick with Parvo.
Parvo is pretty common in puppies who have not been vaccinated in time, and they usually have a 50/50 chance of survival. They took such good care of me, and with help of their vet, I gained my health within 2 weeks and I turned in to that happy playful puppy. I got to spend 2 months with them, until a kind family who live canada saw my picture and contacted Vafa team to adopt me…and before long, they came to Iran and took me with them! …and here’s how the rest of the story was told by my new family:
Optimus Prime (then Tobi) happy beginning story.I don’t remember much from when I was younger. I was separated from my mom and my other siblings at a very young age. Born on streets of Iran, my life was not easy. I remember that a very nice person took me to Vafa Animal shelter. From there, I was put into foster care with a wonderful family who took great care of me while I recovered from my life on the streets. I remember when one day in October my foster parents were taking pictures and videos of me playing (I showed off my cutest face). I didn’t know at the time, but those pictures and videos were being put online for someone to adopt me. A short while after, a family from Canada started to become interested in adopting me.
They came to visit me in December in my foster home in Iran. In the 3 weeks that they were there, they visited me 2 times and showered me with gifts, love and TREATS! They even brought this big rectangular box. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the kennel that I had to travel back to Canada in. The night that they were leaving, I was taken to the airport to meet up with them. The next thing I knew, I was onto a new life. When I arrived in the airport at Canada, everything was new. As soon as we got to my new home, my new sister took me out on what was called a walk. I had no idea what it was for, because in Iran I usually went to the bathroom in the back yard.
At first, I could not walk up and down the stairs. Everything and everyone terrified me. Everything was so new and foreign to me. It has been a month that I have been living with my forever family. They have been patient with me and have signed me up for obedience classes and daycare to socialize with other dogs. I get lots of treats, playtime and walks. But most of all, I get so much sleep that I snore every night. My new life is going great! I am almost five months old, and this is truly a happy beginning.
Tobi (now Optimus)
Apr 16, 2017
Fostered/Adopted on Nov 23, 2011 – Stephenie James – Vallejo, California
On November 23, 2011, I picked up Yasha in order to foster him over the long Thanksgiving holiday. By November 24 (Thanksgiving Day), I had decided to keep him. He was such a cute wiggly puppy! I renamed him Indiana (like Indiana Jones) since he had already been on such an incredible adventure in his short life. My parents, who despair of every having grandchildren from me, even adopted Indy as their grand-puppy.
Since I work full time, I decided to enroll Indy into a doggie daycare center so that he could play and socialize with other dogs during the day. The daycare center is awesome and he is so excited on the days he gets to go. We also signed up for puppy training classes so that Indy could learn basic manners. He is so food motivated and easy to train! He will do anything for a “cookie”. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog. AND he graduates in 2 weeks.
At home, Indy has made fast friends with my 2 year old male Siamese cat, Dexter. They love to wrestle and play together. It’s amazing to watch them play, even though Dexter usually wins the wrestling match! He’s a tough kitty.
Indiana is such a joy to have. He still has a cute wiggle butt when he gets excited and loves to go up to everyone to say “hi” and get some love. He loves to chase tennis balls, play tug-of-war, and play in the sprinkler. I recently took him to the beach and he had so much fun playing tag with the incoming waves and digging in the sand! At home, he loves to pull soft blankets or pillows off the couch and bed so that he can cuddle up with them on the floor. I’ve nicknamed him my “Chenille” dog.
It’s fitting that I got Indiana for Thanksgiving, because I couldn’t be more grateful to all of the people who helped bring darling Yasha over. He was a sweet puppy and is growing up to be an awesome dog. You all worked together to give him a chance at a better life and I promise that we are going to make the most of it.
With Thanks and Much Love
Stephanie and Indiana – then Yasha
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted on Jan 08, 2012 – Archer Family
When Opal first came to us on January 8, 2012, she was a very shy girl. After the first month she adjusted to our schedule and routines beautifully. Nothing better than living with two old retired folks.
Every morning she greets the day with a good stretch and a patrol around the property. She then likes to watch me feed the goldfish in our fish pond. She tilts her head to the side and watches the fish gather in a group, wagging their fish tails in anticipation of food.
Then it is time to go get the newspaper at the bottom of our hill. I love how she bows down with her legs straight in front of her when my husband Tom puts her easy walk harness on her.
When she is all hooked up she shimmies from head to tail and is ready to go. She shimmies whenever she is excited. Tom, Opal and our cat Shasta walk down the dirt driveway that goes to our neighbors homes, then down a dirt path to the mailbox at the bottom of the hill. When they return we all have breakfast.
After breakfast, Tom and Opal walk up our paved road foe 1 1/2 miles. They are often joined by our neighbors two chocolate labs and a boxer mix named Pablo. Opal loves her walks and is super good on leash. She is also quite the huntress. Occasionally she has pounced on golpher holes and has caught a few golphers and moles.
She also shows alot of interest toward squirrels, but because she is on leash she has not caught any yet. In the afternoon Opal takes a ride with me to pick up my granddaughter Amber, from school in Sebastopol. She likes to ride in my little Yaris. Its just the right size and easy to get in and out of. We take Amber (she is 18 Yrs old) home and usually visit for a short time and Opal plays with Ambers 9 month old puppy Nova, and older dog Daisy (who is the same age as Opal).
If my daughter and granddaughter visit on the weekend, they bring their dogs to play with Opal. They love to run around the yard. Nova is a big fan of ball chasing and Opal is learning from her. Opal has started to chase the ball but has quite figured out how to bring it back. She is playing more and even has a small stuffed toy that squeeks when chewed in the right spot. She keeps this close by her bed.
Opal used to leap up and run from the room whenever I swept the floor. She was also very uncomfortable whenever I worked in the garden with the hose or a rake. I know that she had a bad experience with a dog hating gardener in Iran, so I try to be very sensitive to her fears. If I have to sweep, I leave the front door open so she can go outside if she wants.
She usually sits just outside the door and watches me , then comes back inside when I am finished.
Opal has become very territorial. She patrols the yard now and barks if anyone is walking or bicycling by on the road.
We live in a remote wooded area and don’t have a lot of people traffic. On weekends we do occasionally have bicycle touring groups going up our road. Sometimes there are as many as 50 – 100 bicyclists. Opal will stand up on the bank in our yard and look down on the road as the bicyclists go by and barks. She has become very protective at night which is fine with us as we like to know when someone is out there on the road. She has a deep bark, very impressive. When I tell her that’s enough, she stops.
If the weather is not too stormy we all (cat included) go for a short walk down the driveway, in the late afternoon. I have noticed one interesting change in Opals eyes. Her pupils were very small and narrow when she first came to us. Now I’ve noticed her pupils are larger and rounder over all. Interesting. The other day she was sitting by herself on the back deck looking around at her domain, seemingly very content and looking very regal.
I believe Opal is happy with her new forever family, and we are blessed to have her in our lives. Through all her past pains and uncertainty, she has shown a resilience that is noble. I am so glad that there are kind and generous people in Iran and Vafa who made this all possible. The angels are smiling upon all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Jamie Archer
P.S. I have include some pictures of Opals new home so you can see where she lives. It’s a little different.
