Iranian dogs adjusting to new life in America
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LYNNWOOD, Wash. -- Two dogs are embarking on a new journey after arriving in Washington state all the way from Iran, but adjusting to American life will be a challenge.
The long trip began when the Humane Society International asked a local organization to help some dogs in need. PAWS Animal Shelter normally focuses on animals in Washington, but it accepted the request to make a difference for a group of dogs that can't find homes in Iran.
One of the new dogs, named Shabnem, is getting carried around quite a bit at the shelter. The dog can walk just fine, but having lived her entire life in Iran, she's not yet used to having a leash.
Shabnem, which means "morning dew" in Farsi, arrived in Washington last week after spending 19 hours in a kennel inside a cargo hold. It's fair to say she's still adjusting to life in America.
The reason she and other dogs are now in America is because leaders in Iran proposed a ban on all dogs in cities and suburbs.
"Now, that legislation was never passed, but according to the shelter they're already starting to see dogs disappear," said Mark Coleman of PAWS.
With help from volunteers, Shabnem and Ghandoon were sent to Seattle from an overcrowded shelter in Tehran.
The dogs will have a better life in America, but PAWS workers say anyone who wants to adopt them will have to have a lot of patience. Because they've been holed up with other canines for so long, the dogs are still a bit skittish around humans.
"You have to respect the fact that no matter how enthusiastic you are and how much you love that dog, that it's going to happen on their time," said Molly Reagan of PAWS.
Shabnem was just adopted, but Ghandoon is still in need of a new home.
PAWS officials say they plan on taking in a few more Iranian dogs in the future.
The long trip began when the Humane Society International asked a local organization to help some dogs in need. PAWS Animal Shelter normally focuses on animals in Washington, but it accepted the request to make a difference for a group of dogs that can't find homes in Iran.
One of the new dogs, named Shabnem, is getting carried around quite a bit at the shelter. The dog can walk just fine, but having lived her entire life in Iran, she's not yet used to having a leash.
Shabnem, which means "morning dew" in Farsi, arrived in Washington last week after spending 19 hours in a kennel inside a cargo hold. It's fair to say she's still adjusting to life in America.
The reason she and other dogs are now in America is because leaders in Iran proposed a ban on all dogs in cities and suburbs.
"Now, that legislation was never passed, but according to the shelter they're already starting to see dogs disappear," said Mark Coleman of PAWS.
With help from volunteers, Shabnem and Ghandoon were sent to Seattle from an overcrowded shelter in Tehran.
The dogs will have a better life in America, but PAWS workers say anyone who wants to adopt them will have to have a lot of patience. Because they've been holed up with other canines for so long, the dogs are still a bit skittish around humans.
"You have to respect the fact that no matter how enthusiastic you are and how much you love that dog, that it's going to happen on their time," said Molly Reagan of PAWS.
Shabnem was just adopted, but Ghandoon is still in need of a new home.
PAWS officials say they plan on taking in a few more Iranian dogs in the future.
They should have named the dog Shahab-3 after the long range missle, or Armadinnerjacket, after the president
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@Heisenberg yeah, you would have to defuse them before you remove them
these dogs were sponsored by supporters of the shelter back in iran. dogs in iran have NO chance. folks who have pet dogs in iran can not even bring them out of their houses to walk on leash. authorities have confiscated pet dogs and killed them.  street dogs are abused by authorities and people too.... thank you HSI for giving these dogs a chance by connecting the shelter to wonderful groups such as PAWS
So, do we not have dogs getting euthanized every day in WA state? WTH???
@Heisenberg Shelters in washington state are generally no-kill shelters, unless the dog is sick, injured or bit someone
But what about the thousands of dogs and cats too already in doggy/kitty jails in america because nobody cares?Â
"Iranian dogs adjusting to new life in America" - the dogs will have to learn commands in English - ha!
Oh man! I love dogs.Â
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It's nice to know people keep immigrating more obama supporters.;
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Woof - give me the Scooby and I'll support anyone!
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Are they automatically registered to vote once they are off the plane?
Do the dogs bark in Farsi?
 @Shelly Not anymore! They should bark in English now!
What a beautiful animal. Good luck to the newcomers. Don't forget they have to learn another language also, or maybe the adopters could learn Farsi?
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im not a dog person but she's SO CUTE!!
Is this the extent of the propaganda we're being fed to ignore real problems?
I commend what PAWS did for those dogs but I can't help but wonder how much it cost to get those dogs here, how many animals could have been helped with those funds and why when our shelters are already full enough with animals looking for homes.
Check 'em for implanted IED"s.
And because these dogs are unique in looks and the fact they are from another country will have the advantage over some of our less fortunate dogs. Do take a look around at some of ours first that may not have a chance at a new home.
I agree that all dogs should have loving homes, but aren't there enough dogs being euthanized in American shelters already because of the lack of people willing to adopt them? These are beautiful dogs & they've had a hard life so far & I wish them all the best, but I think potential adopters should look at local dogs first, kind of a "take care of your own first".
 @katiemcc I agree whole heartedly with you on this. Even though I wish them to find new homes and they will have to be with someone that has time, patience and experience too since they do have special needs. I have to wonder why Paws is really doing this?Â
Wow! gorgeous dog. I hope they find patient loving homes.
That is a beautiful dog. I hope they get comfortable and enjoy their new humans in time.
It is my hope that these dogs will adjust quickly and find loving homes with responsible owners.