(Omid, post-surgery, is healing and showing her constant love of life and people.)
Calls, Emails, Inquiries and Donations Pour in from Across the Country for Formerly Mistreated Pup…
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2023) – Since mid-March, Helen Woodward Animal Center has been keeping the public and the media updated on the story of Omid, a fifteen-month female shepherd-blend, disfigured by abuse in the streets of Iran. The acid burn that damaged the left side of her face (leaving her without an eyelid) couldn’t kill the beautiful loving spirit in the dog whose journey from Iran to the U.S. took over 8 months, aided by two women living worlds apart. A life-altering surgery to help build Omid an eyelid came earlier this month and now calls and emails coming from animal-lovers across the country are proof-positive that Omid’s final happy-ending is right around the corner. The Center is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and begins seeking applications for potential adopters as of Tuesday, April 18th.
Helen Woodward Animal Center became aware of Omid in March, via an email from a San Diego woman named Moloud Rabieyousefi. She had spent months financially assisting a heroic Iranian woman who took in the severely injured puppy, abused by delinquents who had poured acid over her face. With no laws to protect animals from acts of cruelty in Iran, the Iranian woman was desperate to get the dog to the United States and Rabieyousefi spent months working with the CDC to do just that.
The Center vets and adoption team were moved by Omid’s story and wanted to secure even more comfort and healing. Just two weeks ago, eye specialist Dr. Todd Strubbe at VCA Eye Clinic for Animals agreed to perform an incredibly unique and detailed form of plastic surgery to create an eyelid. Thousands of well wishes and inquiries came in from far and near (via social media, phone calls and adoption inquiries) and over 200 animal-lovers provided donations for Omid’s eye surgery and recovery care. She came through the procedure with flying colors.
“We are amazed and so touched by the response and the donations,” stated Helen Woodward Animal Center VP of Development Renee Resko. “Omid is just one of many animals we’ve seen mistreated and these stories are definitely heartbreaking. But when we see the incredible outpouring of love that an orphan pet can inspire in the community, it’s a great reminder that the good in people usually wins out in the end. You can tell Omid feels it. She has this adorable smile and a snuggle for everyone she meets.”
Omid’s two-week checkup takes place today, although full recovery time will take another six weeks. Despite this, the search for her new forever family begins immediately.
“She’s a special pup,” explained Helen Woodward Adoption Services Director Kendall Schulz. “She’s been through a lot and we want to make sure that her forever home is absolutely perfect for her so that she never has to be scared or lonely again.”
REQUIREMENTS TO ADOPT OMID INCLUDE:
- A local adopter
- A calm household
- A yard and enough space to relax should she feel overwhelmed
- A meeting with all members of the household, including any resident dogs, prior to adoption.
- Patience and love
SPECIAL PREFERENCES FOR OMID INCLUDE:
- A family with previous dog experience
- No members of the household younger than 14
- No roommates
Helen Woodward Animal Center will begin reviewing adoption applications starting TODAY, Tuesday, April 18th. Once a family is chosen and veterinarians give Omid the final okay, arrangements will be made to release her to her new home.
Those who would like to donate towards her continued recovery care, can log onto: www.animalcenter.org/hopeforomid.
For information on Helen Woodward Animal Center, go to www.animalcenter.org, call (858) 756-4117 x 313 or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
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