| Murray |
Murray was first featured in a group picture at the quarantine house -- along with Darya, Rocky (now Vafa) and Naani.One of our beautiful supporters asked about Darya and decided to adopt her. When I talked to Ms Mahmoodi and asked her to get Darya ready, she was very happy--but at the same time, sad for Rexi as she said he is Darya's playmate and he'll be left behind, and will miss Darya. My bad, I confused Rexi with Rocky--and showed Rocky's picture to Darya's suitor. She really wanted to adopt Rexi but didn't have enough resources, so I reached out to our supporters, and thanks to Sarah Nowlin, Shirin Afshar, Sonia Vahedian, Atousa Salehi and Shirin Tehrani, we came up with enough funds to bring Rexi to her new family. Now this is when we realized Darya's suitor really had her eyes on Rocky (now Vafa) and not Rexi ... well, we already had raised the funds for Rexi, so I was determined to bring him here. I reached out to my network of friends, and a beautiful woman offered to foster Rexi until we find his forever loving home. She and her daughter fell for Rexi within days, and that's when she saw the 'old soul' in this sweet puppy, and they decided to call him Budda. Budda stayed with his foster family for about 4 week until we featured him as 'available dog for adoption'. We got to show off Budda to several wonderful families. Everyone who met him, fell in love with the little guy. It was not very hard to spot the 'right' family for Budda--now Murray. Murray has fit in perfectly and is enjoying life as he so deserves. We just received a lovely note from Murray's family -- and I'm happy to share it with you all. Faranak Murray What an amazing month it has been. Murray Rexy Pillow Buddah Gillum became an official member of our family on Sunday, October 3rd, and it’s tough to remember life without him. Being part Border Collie, he herds us out of bed and down the hall every morning, so that we can take our walk and have breakfast together. He has yet to meet a person, dog, cat, acorn, or squeaky toy he doesn’t like. He is so likable, that my father-in-law even refers to him as his “newest grandson, Murray.” Murray, so far, has gone to the beach, camped, hiked and picked out a Halloween pumpkin. He will no doubt be the star of this year’s Christmas card, when he goes with us and our friends to pick out the perfect tree. Murray enjoys learning new commands, and can now shake hands, wait, leave it, sit, lay down, etc. This week, he enjoyed greeting costumed kids as they gathered candy door to door on Halloween evening. One little girl, who had met Murray on our walks but didn’t know where we lived, screamed, “Hey, that’s Murray, I LOVE HIM”. That’s how we feel, too. Thank you Vafa, and all of the Vafa supporters. Murray truly completes our family, and we are forever grateful that you made it possible for him to be in our lives. Marty and Tina Gillum Adopted Oct 3, 2010 by Tina & Marty Gillum  Murray was first featured in a group picture at the quarantine house -- along with Darya, Rocky (now Vafa) and Naani.One of our beautiful supporters asked about Darya and decided to adopt her. When I talked to Ms Mahmoodi and asked her to get Darya ready, she was very happy--but at the same time, sad for Rexi as she said he is Darya's playmate and he'll be left behind, and will miss Darya. | |
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| Rocky |
I found Rocky whimpering from being beat up. There were 7 to 8 people who had gathered around him, and were just looking. Apparently a few kids fed him some raw meat, which made him blost. I took him to the vet, and he was given a shot and some pain meds and cream to put on his sores. I then brought him home and washed him with the shampoo the vet gave me. I put the meds on his sore and he went to sleep. He woke up a happy dog, and wouldn't stop playing with me. When I came home from work the next day, i took him and my own dog out to the park for a walk. They had a great time together. I then contacted Mrs EsnaAshari who introduced me to Ms Mahmoodi who is managing the house in Tehran for the injured dogs (like langoon) and puppies who still need to be vaccinated. I know Rocky is in good hands. By the way I named him Rocky, because of his HUGE paws. I pray for the day that we (the human race) would be as kind and honest, and these pure dogs. Signed: Alireza Saadiani Adopted Sept 8, 2010 by Mehrnoosh Nayak  I found Rocky whimpering from being beat up. There were 7 to 8 people who had gathered around him, and were just looking. Apparently a few kids fed him some raw meat, which made him blost.I took him to the vet, and he was given a shot and some pain meds and cream to put on his sores. | |
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| Daisy |
Daisy found her forever loving home with a wonderful American Family! Here's a few lines from Daisy's mom, Cathy: "As fate would have it my son and his wife Lori live next to the kind hearted and amazing Farah. Lori has been following the Vafa website for months and let me know the wonder of what happens there. In mid August we saw the sweetest little puppy named Daisy and read her very sad story of abuse and neglect. I had been looking for a new pup to rescue for months and couldn’t seem to connect until Lori said “how about Daisy ?” I quickly made a date to meet Farah and discuss details, we decided on foster to adopt being the most viable option. On Sunday 9/5/10 we made our trip to meet Daisy at SFO, a special thank you to the woman who kindly donated her airfare. Once we got her crate in the car we opened the door to meet her and give her some water. Upon looking into her sweet eyes there was no doubt about the mutual love that took us over. My only reservation was how she would get along with my resident 2 year old dog, after a few challenging days I could see that it was gong to be ok and promptly let Farah know Daisy had found her forever loving home. I will be forever grateful for the Vafa Shelter for caring for her and would like to offer a special thank you for everyone who communicated with me via Facebook and told me what kind of pup she was, all the comments about her were spot on. She is loving and kind, very obedient and incredibly smart. It has been an awesome experience for me and my family and we are so thrilled to add Daisy to our fold. I have rescued dogs all my life but Daisy and the Vafa shelter have taught me a new meaning of rescue and love for an animal, thank you for all you do!" Adopted Sept 4, 2010 by Cathy & Don Straub  Daisy found her forever loving home with a wonderful American Family! Here's a few lines from Daisy's mom, Cathy: "As fate would have it my son and his wife Lori live next to the kind hearted and amazing Farah. | |
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| Lucky |
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Iran was meeting Ms. Esna-ashari and seeing Vafa animal shelter firsthand. If there is such a thing as God's work on earth, then I truly believe she and her team are doing it. Taking care of helpless and innocent creatures with love and compassion is within all of us. However, very few of us indeed rise to the occasion and do it so beautifully and with heartfelt interest. I am honored to have met her and grateful to Lucky for bringing me to this wonderful opportunity. I went to Iran for a couple of weeks to celebrate Norouz with my family after 18 years; and to be at my brother's wedding. I found Lucky on March 26th while I was taking a morning walk in Tehran. With the gyms being closed for the Iranian new year, I decided the best way to keep active during my visit was to walk around town and re-explore the familiar neighborhoods of my childhood. Anyway, I had been walking for about 1.5 hours when I came across a little furry thing on the corner of a sidewalk on one of the side streets in Mirdamad and at first thought it was a dead cat. But, as I was walking past the furry little thing, all of a sudden he lifted his head and looked at me. I realized that it was a puppy, dirty and malnutritioned, who had probably been stranded. I just froze and kept on looking at him, wondering what I could or should do. He was clearly not healthy and with the rainy season that Tehran was having, I knew he would not survive more than a couple of days. I called my brother (who resides in Tehran) and consulted with him. After determining that there was indeed no way to find a vet at that time (Friday morning and in the middle of the holiday season) he suggested that I bring him home with me. As I walked around the corner, to see if I can find something to wrap around the puppy to pick him up, he slowly got up and followed me. He was so weak but he was still able to show the kind of affection that only comes from a puppy. I had made up my mind. I took off my jacket, wrapped it around him, picked him up, and started walking towards Mohseni Square. There, I hailed down a cab. He stopped and said he would take me home for free! He said he has his own dog and that he knew it would be a long time before anyone else would stop for me. I was so touched by his kindness and paid him well upon arrival (but it took a lot of convincing on my part before he accepted the payment). Once home, I called down for my brother who showed up with towels, shampoo, and a loofah. I bathed lucky twice in the parking lot bathroom. He was scared of the water but did not once get aggressive towards me. My sister came down with food. Once the pup was dried up, we were finally able to get him eating. The building caretaker - Rahim (who is a refugee from Afghanistan) - agreed to help me with watching the puppy - whom I named Lucky - until the next day when I took him to the 24 hour Tehran Veterinary Hospital. There, he was put on IV and given tests and shots. He was bathed. I barely made it home in time to get ready for my brother's wedding that afternoon. The next day, I took Lucky back for another hygiene bath. And then I called Vafa Shelter to be greeted by the lovely Lida Esnaashari. A couple of days later, my dad, mom, and I drove to Karaj with Lucky. I held him in my arms the whole drive. I don't know how I managed to muster up the ability to leave Lucky behind. Had he been healthier and given the appropriate paperwork, I would have brought him back to the U.S. with me. But for now, I feel comfortable knowing that he is in good hands, being cared for, fed, cured, and loved at Vafa animal shelter. Maybe in the near future, I will make a trip back to see my family again and this time bring Lucky home with me... I am grateful to Ms. Esna-ashari for taking in Lucky and keeping him as an 'amanati' for me. I feel so much respect and admiration for her that cannot be expressed in words. All my best, Ara His guardian angel who found him, has requested to adopt him. He is now in California Adopted Aug 8, 2010 by Ara Serjoie  One of the highlights of my recent trip to Iran was meeting Ms. Esna-ashari and seeing Vafa animal shelter firsthand. If there is such a thing as God'swork on earth, then I truly believe she and her team are doing it. Taking care of helpless and innocent creatures with love and compassion is within all of us. However, very few of us indeed rise to the occasion and do it so beautifully and with heartfelt interest. I am honored to have met her and grateful to Lucky for bringing me to this wonderful opportunity. | |
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| Shoko |
When Shoko came to our shelter she was a cute little puppy who soon grew to be a beautiful 50 pound dog. She gained her name, Shoko, due to her chocolate milk color. She was always very gentle mannered and never got involved in tackles with other dogs. And she was so tame that no one thought she could be a good guard dog. We often thought she would end up spending all her life here at the shelter. As pictures of our dogs spread around the world on the Internet, a suitor in USA contacted us. The primary preparations for her relocation got done quickly. Shoko was bathed, and housebroken before her long journey to the US. She accepted the leash and learned all the rules of a social life with people quickly. Finally, on Wednesday March 24th of 2010 we took her the airport for her flight to her new home. Now, Shoko lives in Oakland, California like the princess that she is with the angel who is giving her all the love she deserves. She has been able to impress and amaze every one with her ability to adapt to her new life, and connect with her loving guardian. Shoko’s new mom sent us a note about her: "She is the smartest, most intuitive dog ever! And acrobatically very talented, a wonderful pouncer and bouncer. A great guard dog. The most well-mannered dog (without training!). Not one house-breaking mistake since day one! Social and friendly with other dogs, while maintaining healthy boundaries. I call her Chocolat Vesper Street (Vesper for James Bond's girlfriend, Street because she will always have that in her; a combination of Lady & the Tramp)." Adopted March 24th of 2010  When Shoko came to our shelter she was a cute little puppy who soon grew to be a beautiful 50 pound dog. She gained her name, Shoko, due to her chocolate milk color. She was always very gentle mannered and never got involved in tackles with other dogs. | |
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| Max |
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. |
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