Princess

Apr 29, 2017

Adopted by Richard Del Pezzo – April 6, 2014 – Daytona Beach, FL

Princess has been a wonderful addition to the house ever since day one which was April 6, 2014. In a short period of time she has become very popular in the neighborhood as well as the dog park. Everyone here seems to know her background and they continue to be amazed at how beautiful and how well-behaved she is. Everyone is impressed that she has a passport!

Princess is only 14 months old but is very well-behaved for a puppy. However, she has had her moments but nothing too serious. She has a thing for shoe laces and will tear apart the laces and the shoe if she can get to them. Needless to say, I can no longer just leave shoes on the floor even for just a few minutes as she will hone in on it and rip it to shreds. Her other vice is to rip buttons off of pants and shirts. At the moment I have four pants and one shirt that didn’t survive Princess but it is all good though and she is learning to chew her toys instead of my work uniforms.

She is also in the process of digging one very large and deep hole in the backyard. I have measured the hole and it is now 34 inches deep, 36 in. long and 13 in. wide. She easily fits inside the hole and I imagine she just likes the cool dirt on a warm day. What is really funny is that she actually unearthed a plastic pipe that is used for the septic sewer system but hasn’t managed to tear that apart yet.

We go for a long walk every day and I am so proud to show her off to the neighbors and I always get so many positive comments about her beauty. Her name is perfect for her and I could not have chosen a more appropriate one. Right now she is looking at me with those big eyes and wondering why I am spending so much time writing this instead of playing with her. She is being patient but I am not so sure how long that will last!

Richard Del Pezzovery

proud owner in the state of Florida, USA.

Sheeba

Apr 29, 2017

Adopted by Madeleine & Claude Bourget, July 7, 2013, Toronto, Canada

Sheeba came into our lives shortly after we lost our 10 year old Schnauzer. We aren’t sure who rescued who, but its been a great experience. She has found her forever home and protects it, and her new mom and dad, with vigour. She loves to wear her fancy coats as she struts around in her new neighborhood.

At first, she had quite a bit of separation anxiety, but with time and a lot of love, she understands that if we leave her for short bouts of time, we always come back. But boy look out when we do! She is so excited to see us she dances. She has brightened our lives and we hope we have done the same for her. She travelled a long way to find us, having spent the first few years of her life in Iran. Thanks to Vafa Animal Shelter – Foreign adoptions, she was able to come to Canada and start over.

madeleine and claude bourget

General

Apr 29, 2017

Adopted by Aivaziyan Family – May 13, 2013 – La Crescenta, California

From the time I opened my eyes, we had a dog in our house. I lost my last dog at the young age of 8. After that, it was very hard to imagine bringing home another dog until I met Vafa and saw their activities, which seemed so beautiful to me. I wished to be a part of this kind group. Finally I decided to look for a dog and asked Faranak about Sebastian who had just arrived from Iran. I found out then that he already had a foster home, but they were looking for a temporary home for another dog.

Although I had no idea what breed or size he was, I accepted to become his foster mom.

I had a very good feeling, when I went to Viki’s house and saw a ball of fur sitting at the door waiting. When I got near him, he started wagging his tail. As soon as I picked up his leash he ran towards the car and waited to jump in, it was quite interesting. After I took off, he put his head out of the window and had his fluffy ears fly in the wind. He was so happy that I couldn’t bring myself to roll up the window driving on the freeway. So, when he came into the house he checked everything. My god, he was cute. I must confess that I wasn’t happy with his name at all, it was very hard for me but with every passing day I noticed more and more that why would they name him General. He was a true general; everything had to be under his control. He was with me three days, but I could still see worry in his eyes.

General, a very smart dog, kind, proud, loves neck massages and most beautiful…were his eyes; like buttons! I can’t say enough about him, in fact when I talk about him my heart rate goes up. This was one of the best and most important decisions in my life. Today, General has an aunt who loves him to death. He has a kind grandmother who adores him, an uncle who complained the first day that he doesn’t like small dogs but today I hear love talk from him; words I had never heard from him before. Even my grandmother, who was scared of dogs and has had a dog bite her in the past, loves General. There isn’t one person who sees this handsome boy and doesn’t come over to pet him.If I start talking about my experiences I have to write a book because moment by moment has been an experience with him. Truly, Vafa people are lucky. They can give so much love and receive it back in two folds from these kind animals. I thank the Vafa team on my own behalf. I also thank dear Faranak joon, dear Viki, dear Maryam and her husband Matthew; kind and patient Mamma Elizabeth; dear Fariba – who have dedicated all of their experiences and time and energy to me. Thank you all.

Arlete

From the time he first walked into our home, he took me by surprise. I did not expect to see what I was looking at. His gentle but yet timid eyes and his round nose, together shaped a triangle that was the center of attraction. He was beautiful and lovely. It came to light that he was lost and rescued in Iran. Through the help of Vafa Animal Shelter, my lovely daughter who has very deep feelings for animals adopted him.

The first week, after traveling for 16 hours in a plane, he seemed exhausted and confused. He didn’t seem to want to trust us as new owners but yet had no choice, this was his new home. He felt love, attention, care, and trust from his first moment arriving. So he became friendlier and less confused, gradually. I had a dog in the past, whom I never allowed inside the house, but this one is something else. Very naughty, sweet, and so lovely so he was warmly welcomed inside the house and even in our bed at times!

At first I thought, “I’ll never even let him in my bedroom”, but after the third week, he was jumping on the bed and kissing my face, licking my feet to wake me up. Now I can’t go to bed without kissing him good night.

He has changed a lot. He is more confident; trusts more, better disciplined, and in a better shape physically and emotionally. He has a new healthy diet, a warm and nice bed to sleep in and most importantly a loving family that provides him peace. He is so happy because he knows he won’t be left alone, even for a single moment. He won’t be mistreated or ignored. He is with us wherever we go; he is a part of the family.

Every member of the family is in love with him. He has changed our entire family’s emotion and life. I wouldn’t go out to spend time by myself at all anymore. But with General I go out for walk twice a day. When I see how happy he is when he is out, it makes me happy too. I don’t think we can live without him. He is not only the center of attention in this house, but every single person who walks by him. He gets a lovely look and a compliment. He is our one and only doggy, named General!

We would like to thank Vafa Animal Shelter for giving us such a beautiful gift and helping other homeless dogs to find a warm home.

General’s Grandma

Maggie (then Margie)

Apr 29, 2017

Adopted by Linda & Barry Potter – July 23, 2013 – Salt Lake City, Utah

We sit in the quiet living room, and the only sound to be heard is the contented chewing of chew toys from my three dogs. It is, as we call it, the evening chew. To me it is the sounds of three contented rescued dogs engaged in an enjoyable social activity while each one is sprawled on in the security of their own part of the very long couch. I think it is their version of smoking a cigar in the smoking room, they even wear their dinner jackets.

Ah Maggie, who we think refers to herself as Lady Margaret, who is also known as Mags, Crazy Mags, and the Bullet although she rather prefers Mademoiselle Bullet (pronounced Boolay). Maggie joined our family in July 2013 when we picked her up in Saint George Utah. Kathy Robinson, a volunteer, gave Maggie a lift from CA to UT, the next to last leg of her long journey from Iran. We are Maggie’s forever family as she fits in as she is quirky (like us), but gives off a good normal veneer.

When she joined us, she met her brother Harry, (half dachshund, half golden retriever). They got along from the start, although Maggie was more timid preferring lap time to chase time. But Harry showed Maggie the ropes, how to sit before dinner, and get along with the quirky servants (us).

Maggie is a love, she hates to be separated from us, earning her a trip to MA in October 2013 to put her paws in the Atlantic Ocean, (as well as having been to the Pacific Ocean). She looked a little shocked at the temp of the Atlantic in October, but it didn’t stop her from giving some Canadian Geese what for! And she amazed my in laws, but jumping up into my father in laws lap and he quickly cuddled and pet her (and he is not a pet person).

She loves to burrow into bed with me in the morning, she delights in wiggling under the covers and putting a cold wet nose on my belly! I swear she giggles when she does this! The other quirky thing is she is quiet and demur until you put a leash on her, then we have the Crazy Maggie, she puts her leash in her mouth and shakes it for all she is worth all the way down the driveway, and sometimes up the street towards home.

She is part of the crew and loves to go out and play with Harry and Luna, but also likes her alone time. She is a fixture in my sewing room, and I spend many enjoyable hours there, with her for company.

Maggie brings a quiet reserve to an otherwise rambunctious home. She enjoys her time spent with us, and watches football with Mommy on Sundays but also enjoys some quiet time, when the other two, have gone to bed.

Here’s Maggie (then Margie)’s rescue story and her trip to the US:

I happened to be at the shelter that very day when the group of small breed dogs were rescued from a very bad situation and dropped off at the airport. There were seven exceptionally beautiful dogs who without a doubt were abused, as they were rather timid. Margie and I hit it off right away. She has such unique kind behavior. Every Friday, when I came to the shelter, I used to ask management if I could take Margie out. She would cry when I had to put her back before I left for the day… –Bahar Tavackoli.

Little Margie’s journey to the US was different than all other transports we’ve had so far. She was small enough that we had the option of sending her in a small crate inside the cabin — of course this would not have been possible without kindess of Mr and Mrs Sadeghi-Sadr. Margie was a perfect traveler, quiet and gentle. Despite all the hardship she must have been through thus far, she was still open to see what’s awaiting her next. We took 3 different size crates to the airport with us, in case if the airline wouldn’t accomodate her inside the cabin. It all worked out — Funny our smallest dog, ended up with most supplies 🙂 The airline crew allowed her to be carried on board the cabin as long as she went in the soft bag, so we put her in there, and our dear travelers went towrads the plane. Thank you so much, Yasamin and Amir for going through the trouble and carrying her onboard the plane.

Farah

About a year ago, a friend introduced us to Vafa Animal Shelter and my husband and I started to follow their efforts mostly online. We were always amazed at how dedicated and tireless they were, considering the challenging environment they had to operate in. I was always hoping to make a meaningful contribution no matter how small and that opportunity presented itself a few weeks ago when we visited Iran and we were asked if we could bring one of the rescued dogs back with us to US. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Vafa Team here and in Iran. They took care of all the arrangements and followed up vigorously to ensure a smooth and flawless experience for us and the little lucky one, Margie, who accompanied us back to US. Thanks to Vafa, this turned out to be our most memorable and rewarding journey and I hope Margie feels the same:) The only problem with this arrangement was that at the end of the trip, we were in love with this little peaceful angel and it was very hard to let go…

Yasamin

Ziba

Apr 29, 2017

Adopted by Ghafoori Family –  September 4, 2012 – Harlingen, Texas

My name is Ziba (which means “pretty”).  I am an Iranian-American — and a Texan at that!

I was born in Iran. And as my name suggests, I was a very pretty girl. Unfortunately, when I was very little, a very bad person kicked and beat me, damaging my hip severely. But a lovely angel named Hengame, who volunteers at VAFA, came to my rescue. She nurtured me and took me to the vet and got me hooked up with VAFA. (For those of you who don’t know, VAFA is an incredible dog shelter, the ONLY one in all of Iran, established by another lovely angel, Fatameh Motamedi (who donated the land) and is run by dedicated and beautiful worker/volunteer souls in Hashtgerd, Iran.)

Everyone could see that I was a very special girl. So I was selected, along with my buddy Baran (which means “rain”) for possible adoption in a Furrever Loving Home in America. Unfortunately for me (but, hey, a big shout out to Baran!!!), they picked Baran.

Then one day, my Mom and Dad showed up!  Of course, they didn’t know they were going to be my Mom and Dad at the time, but I did.

My Mom had learned about VAFA and had been making donations.  She had said that if she ever came across Hashtgerd during her trips to Iran, she would love to visit the shelter. So in August of 2012, she and my Dad were traveling to the North, and on the way out of Tehran, my Mom noticed the road sign for Hashtgerd.  So she asked their guide to take detour, and after some interesting experiences asking for directions, they stumbled upon the VAFA shelter.

Mom and Dad came and said “hello,” and then Dad went inside to make a donation.  Mom (not letting on to Dad!) was thinking to herself it would be pretty cool to be able to bring one of us home.  So she was eyeballing and watching.  I kept trying to get her attention, but I was way on the other side, and there is well over 450 of us, so I had no luck. Then mom came closer to my side to go say “hello” to the poor kids who had had amputations.

So I took my shot!  I kept nibbling her arm, playing, wagging my whole body, and escaping from under my fence until she just couldn’t resist me!

So then  my Mom told Dad that she wanted to bring me to Texas as her birthday present. Dad asked Mr. Ali Sani if that was possible, and he instantly said “absolutely — she can even go back on your flight with you.”  And my angel, Mr. Sani immediately began making phone calls and e-mails to start the process for my possible adoption!

I was so excited and nervous. I couldn’t believe I might have my own family.  But working out the logistics might require some magic. Because as luck would have it, the whole city of Tehran, including government and offices, was essentially shut down.  A 5-day holiday had been declared in preparation for visiting nations of the Non-alliance Members (NAM), and there would only be one and a half days for official business to be conducted before Mom and Dad would be flying out.

A flurry of activity then ensued.  Health certificates, shots, and permissions had to be obtained and travel arrangements made.  Mom and Dad had to complete the adoption paperwork and get approval.  Mom and Dad, and my Adoption guardian angel, Farah Ravon, had to play around and around phone tag and e-mail tag.  I was a nervous wreck! But with everyone’s dedication, the miracle materialized, and I was on my way to the airport!

It really seemed like this was just meant to be, and so many people contributed and cooperated.  I breezed through the check-in process at Imam Khomeini Airport.  In Amsterdam, my connecting flight, I was taken, courtesy of KLM, to their Pet Motel for a pee break, water, and a kennel change (to a much bigger one, with new newspapers — free of charge!). Once in Texas, my Mom rented a car (the airlines connecting from Houston to their town do not transport dogs), and we drove another 7 hours to “Home.”

The first night home, my Mom left my brother and sister at the Pet Ranch so I could get my bearings and rest some.  The next day, we hopped in the car and drove to the Ranch and picked up my brother and sister.  They thought I was one of the Ranch guests too, so they thought I would be real fun to play with and pal around with.  (… Well, in truth, my sister really doesn’t think ANYONE is fun to play and pal around with, and she really doesn’t have much time for anyone who doesn’t hunt.). So by day two, I was already up and running, and it did not take long for me to establish myself. I now have many names.  Besides Ziba, my Mom calls me “Smiley,””Smelly,” “Zeebie,” and “Zebbles.”  My sister has ten times that number of names, so apparently more and more names get added through the years.

Mom and Dad quickly identified that I loved being outside (although I sure know how to find my way inside when Mom is cooking!).  We have lots of land, and I keep myself busy chasing all kinds of birds and the pesky dust-cropper that loves to fly overhead.  I also love herding and chasing my brother, and biting his nubby tail.  I serve as a “spotter” and offer moral support to my sister when she hunts squirrels.  I yell at the neighbors when they boat past our house, and I really yell when they come too close to our bank.  I am also an accomplished fisherwoman (although my Mom has “outed” me, and told my Dad she has figured out where and how I dig  out the trapped, dead catfish out of the resaca). 

Maloos

Apr 29, 2017

MaloosAdopted by Anna & Andrew – August 16, 2013 – Bethesda, Maryland

When Maloos joined our family in August 2013, we were told that she had a fear of men. To our surprise, she quickly bonded with Andrew and it is clear that he is now her favorite human. Yet, she is fiercely loyal to both Andrew and Anna, and loves to welcome friends and family in to our home.

She enjoys several walks a day around the parks in our neighborhood. She likes playing with other dogs, being petted by neighbors (many of whom have offered to walk her or dog sit!), and attempting to catch squirrels. Maloos is a kind and beautiful dog with deep, penetrating eyes. As passerby once said, while Maloos was “hunting” in the park, “If looks could kill, that squirrel would be dead.” She also enjoys traveling with us to Baltimore several times a month to run around in a fenced-in yard and chase her cousin-dog, Moxie, also a rescue.

Maloos loves going for car rides. Sometimes they’re short, when Andrew drops Anna off at the subway station. Sometimes they’re longer, such as a Thanksgiving trip to Pennsylvania, or a trip in October to the Shenandoah Valley for a hike and leaf-peeping. Regardless of length, Maloos always prances through the garage to the car and it’s obvious that she is delighted. We are thankful to have a dog that enjoys traveling with us.

We wouldn’t describe Maloos as a lap dog, but she certainly likes to be close and cuddle. She enjoys playing with toys, but is also happy to go to work with Andrew and take long naps in his office. Maloos is well-behaved, smart, and learning new tricks. We’ve finally convinced her to shake (she’s known how for quite some time, but she’s sweetly stubborn). In 2014, we look forward to working on more commands with her and a trainer.

She has quite a fan club, picking up nicknames such as Roo (our Australian neighbor thinks she looks like a kangaroo), Moose, Lucy, and Miss Maloos (which Anna thinks captures her sophisticated poses). We love our “little girl” and are thankful for all of the Vafa volunteers who made her journey to us possible