Tashi Animals Rescue

My name is Hamed Goodarzi from Tehran, Iran - Where so many animals specially dogs need our help to have better life.For people and organizations who want to make changes, the tasks are difficult when there is not enough support from government or public funding.

Six years ago, I decided to welcome a dog into my life. I went to a local dog shelter and the conditions there shocked me -- Huskies and German shepherds are cramped inside cages that are the same size of their bodies, puppies are untreated with different kinds of parasites and illnesses. Except basic water and food, there was no medical attentions to those in needs, no proper air condition or fans for the extreme heat in summers or warm bedding for the cold winters, let alone any basic toys they deserve. Every cage I passed by, my heart ached by the desperation for love and care from the dogs' eyes. Some jumped up against the cage bar and barked with affection, some wagged their tails expressing happiness to finally see someone, or should I say, some hope. I wished I could take them all home but I could only afford to save one of them. It was heartbreaking to only be able to save one out of many who equally needed to be saved, loved and cared for.

I adopted a puppy who quietly sat in her cage with despair filled in her eyes as if she has given up hope completely. I named her Tashi - A Tibetan word that means "All the good things in the world". I had Tashi for five years and we were inseparable. She loved to play and she slept in my bed every night for five years until illnesses claimed her life. Losing Tashi was a wound in my heart that will never heal. The only part that ease my pain is knowing that Tashi had five years of wonderful life living in a caring home and sleeping in a warm bed, and she died in my arms knowing that she was deeply loved. But what about all those other dogs and animals who are still living in hellish shelters or on the street?

I know I must do something to help more animals. While it take time to hopefully find homes for all of them, the first and most important is to improve shelters' conditions, so at the least, their temporary homes can be more comfortable and illnesses can be properly treated. However, local shelters cannot achieve these basic needs without proper funding.

I am raising funding to distribute to local dog shelters in tehran for medical examines and treatments, provide water and foods, bedding, toys and other essential needs and to improve living condition. The funding will also allow me to educate local communities about animals welfare and promote adoptions through programs and medias. With continuous support and consistent funding, my goal is to establish my own organization - Tashi Animals Rescue - named after my beloved dog whose unconditional love inspire me to help more dogs and other animals. Tashi Animals Rescue will operate shelter for animals in needs, provide neuter and spay services to reduce homeless animals population which will eliminate and prevent animal cruelties and injuries, to work with local authorities to increase public awareness and regulations for cruelty prevention and animals equality, and to educate general public about animals welfare and adoptions.

I invite you to be a part of my journey by donating whatever amount you can spare. Your generosity will help dogs and other animals in desperate situations, and will help to build a better future for all animals. All beings, no matter what species, social status, rich or poor, want to be loved and love can overcome all obstacles. Please do not turn a blind eye on the suffering in our world. We can all make positive impacts to other lives. Together, we can create this better world we all strive for. Thank you very much.