May 12, 2023
An Iranian shepherd dog that was disfigured by abuse in the streets of Tehran has been brought to San Diego, where she underwent successful surgery April 4 and will soon be put up for adoption.
The 14-month-old spent nearly a year finding her way to San Diego’s Helen Woodward Animal Center, thanks to two Iranian women living on opposite sides of the world.
The surgery was aimed at creating an eyelid to replace the one she lost when someone threw acid in her face.
In March, the animal center was notified about Omid by an email from a San Diego woman, Moloud Rabieyousefi. She had spent months financially assisting a woman in Iran who had taken in the severely injured puppy. The woman was desperate to get the dog to the United States and Rabieyousefi spent months working to do just that.
Veterinary eye specialist Dr. Todd Strubbe at VCA Eye Clinic for Animals felt that he could perform a successful plastic surgery to create an eyelid. Omid came through with flying colors.
“This is a better outcome than anything we could have dreamed,” said Helen Woodward Adoption Services Director Kendall Schulz. “Omid has a smile for everyone she meets. She has known such cruelty, but she is the epitome of forgiveness, kindness and strength. She deserves every possible bit of love and good fortune that comes her way. We can’t wait until she has healed and we can begin the search for her forever family.”
Recovery time for Omid will be approximately two weeks for the surgical procedure to heal and another four before the doctor will have a full confirmation on the success of the surgery. Those who would like to assist with the costs of her surgery, estimated to exceed $5,000, as well as her recovery care can log onto animalcenter.org/hopeforomid.
The search for Omid’s family should begin sometime in May. Due to her traumatic history, the perfect home for Omid will include a calm household with a yard and enough space to relax should she feel overwhelmed.
The perfect family will have had previous dog experience with no members of the household younger than 14. Omid must meet all members of the household, including any resident dogs, prior to adoption. Helen Woodward Animal Center will set up a special application for Omid very soon.
For information on Helen Woodward Animal Center or to donate, go online at animalcenter.org, call (858) 756-4117 x 313 or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
