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Man’s best friend is often treated like a member of the family here in Canada, but that is not the case in other countries around the world.
In countries such as Iran, cruelty towards dogs is common and many of these dogs end up on the street where they suffer from starvation, attacks from other dogs or animals and incredible brutality from people.
“Their life is critical here in all aspects,” explained Iranian dog rescuer Fariba. “The most important cause for this is that, here in Iran, we do not have any laws against abusing animals or to protect these innocent creatures. No "animal right laws" have passed in Parliament unfortunately, as of yet.”
Loved at Last Dog Rescue, based out of Vancouver, B.C., is working to find loving homes in Canada for Iranian dogs that have suffered incredible pain simply for being a dog.
A volunteer with the organization, Nancy Wrenshall, said, “Because they are not valued the same way our society does, their lives are much different than our dogs are.”
Some of these dogs have been beaten, stoned or had their limbs cut off, and know nothing but cruelty from humans until they are rescued and treated. Once they are rescued, they are brought into a shelter in Iran while Loved at Last works to find them a foster home or adoptive family in Canada.
“When I hear of the terrible plight of dogs in these countries, it makes me feel very sad and I want to do anything I can to help save a dog from suffering, and to find a new home where the dog can start a new life being loved by its new family,” said LALDR Director Lisa Gardner.
The people behind Loved at Last Dog Rescue are all volunteers who are “committed to assisting in the re-homing of local dogs and rescuing dogs (often disabled) from high kill countries around the world.” They don’t profit from adoption fees, but instead use them to fly the dogs to Vancouver and assist with veterinary bills and special equipment for the dogs, including prosthetics and wheelchairs.
One of the objectives of Loved at Last is “To save dogs in need and at risk whenever possible, especially in situations where there is a potential for unnecessary euthanasia.”
When asked why she wanted to help these dogs, LALDR volunteer Jan Olson stated, “We were asked to help. We try our best to never say no to a dog in need.”
KelownaNow’s Chief Operating Officer, Sam Hill, recently adopted a dog through Loved at Last, and was beyond grateful for the care shown throughout the entire process.
“As soon as I heard Odie’s story of pain and suffering in Iran, I knew I had to bring him home and give him a better life. The work that Loved at Last does to find these dogs safe and loving homes is extensive, and very much appreciated.”
Loved at Last is in need of flight companions, foster homes and volunteers that can perform house visits to assist in finding these special pups a safe and happy home, where they can escape the cruelty that they were born into.
Wrenshall added, “These dogs deserve an opportunity for a full and happy life with a family that loves them and appreciates what a dog can bring to them.”
One of the dogs that is currently looking for a home is Tara, a beautiful dog that was hit by a car in Iran and permanently paralyzed. Luckily, Tara was rescued and now goes on her walks in a wheelchair. She is being fostered in Vancouver and is looking for her furever home!
Click here to see the dogs available for adoption right now and check out Loved at Last Dog Rescue on Facebook for more photos.
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