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The struggle of each orphan pet that finds its way to Helen Woodward Animal Center is often a partial mystery. Whether stray, neglected, relinquished or abandoned, the timing, treatment and condition of each animal’s journey is rarely clear. One special dog, however, has arrived to the Center with a year-long story that winds through cruelty in the streets of Iran, into brave hands of kindness, and onto a plane that took her far across the world to a chance at true happiness. Her name is Omid – “Hope” in Farsi, and the Center is proud to welcome her and begin her process of finding a forever home.
Omid, a fourteen-month female shepherd blend, arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center on Thursday, March 16th. Her arrival was prompted by an email from a San Diego woman named Moloud Rabieyousefi who had spent months financially assisting with Omid’s care and ultimately working diligently with the CDC to get her from Iran to the United States. The email said in part:
“I have rescued a female, mixed German Shepherd dog from Iran and brought her here to San Diego. A rescue team had found her on the streets with a bad burn to the face that homeless addicts inflicted on her. She was left to die on the streets, and unfortunately, no laws in Iran protect animals from acts of cruelty, or supports causes for helping stray/abused animals.”
The story of Omid’s rescue is heartbreaking and heroic as the original Iranian woman who took in the injured puppy has been abused herself for assisting animals who are considered dirty and unworthy of human efforts. Rabieyousefi specifically asked that the Iranian rescuer be left unnamed to protect her from additional abuse and harassment but informed us that through their online connection, she had asked the woman if there was anything she could do to help her. This is how she came to know of Omid who had acid poured over her face by delinquents when she was just a puppy.
Months of surgeries and medical care had made Omid extremely special to the Iranian rescuer who asked Rabieyousefi to help her find a way to get the dog to the United States with a chance at a truly happy future. Rabieyousefi spent the next eight months working with the CDC to do just that and eventually had her approved, with proper papers and vaccination records, to travel the long distance. Finding a travel companion for the dog was the next hurdle but through effort, kindness and some small miracles, Omid was provided a willing handler.
Omid’s arrival at Helen Woodward Animal Center was filled with joy and tears as Rabieyousefi said goodbye to the dog she had spent months bonding with via photos, texts, and finally face-to-face. Rabieyousefi stated, “Omid in Farsi means hope. It's more of a masculine name, honestly. But it was because of the meaning, I think. This Iranian rescuer had hope for her. She had high, high hopes for her… (Omid’s) been through a lot and I believe she deserves to have a loving family. That's all I ask for.”
Omid still has a road ahead of her. Despite months of medical treatments, the young dog is just recovering from the trauma caused to her face and is unable to close her left eye. Currently, Helen Woodward Animal Center is in the process of meeting with specialists to find out what can be done to make her eye more functional and comfortable. Once a medical plan is in place, Omid will move onto the next exciting phase and find the forever family she deserves.
“She’s so sweet and loving,” stated Helen Woodward Adoption Services Director Kendall Schulz. “We continually see how incredible animals are in their willingness to forgive humans for the terrible things they have suffered at their hands. Despite everything, she has a kiss and nuzzle for each new person she meets. Omid has been through so much but she knows her real life is just about to begin.”
Helen Woodward Animal Center will provide updates on Omid’s medical plan, and when she will be ready for adoption, as information becomes available. For other information on Helen Woodward Animal Center, to donate or to adopt, go online at www.animalcenter.org or call (858) 756-4117 x 313.
