Severely Abused Dog Rescued From Iran Finds Hope In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A farm dog from Iran whose former owner abused her so severely he cut off half of her front limbs, ears, part of her tail and all her toes has now found happiness in Howard County.

Sudi the dog only has one working leg and was rescued from the abuse by Sajjad Nadimii who runs an animal rescue operation in Iran. When Nadimii realized Sudi would need a hip replacement and more care than she could receive in Iran, Nadimii reached out to animal advocates in the U.S. and Europe to see if anyone could help. Two Iranian women living in the U.S. connected Nadimii with Selma Barroso, who now is Sudi's adoption coordinator and a volunteer with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Virginia.

"He cut everything. He cut half of her four limbs, ears, tail and toes," Barroso told People Magazine.

The farmer also dragged Sudi from the back of a truck, tied up by a rope, which caused her to break her hip. So Barroso helped bring Sudi to the U.S. in August 2022 and now works closely with Sudi's foster family to make sure she's receiving the care she needs

Before she can be approved for hip replacement surgery, Sudi will need to put on muscle mass. Barroso helps with Sudi's physical therapy, laser therapy, stretching and strength training. But that's difficult for her to do considering her abuser cut off her paws, Barroso told People.

While Sudi works every day to grow stronger and hopefully prepare for surgery, she helps take care of foster puppies in her foster family's home. The volunteers all call the foster's house "Sudi's daycare" but hope that she will find her forever home soon.

To read more about Sudi and learn how you can help, read the full article in People Magazine or visit Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to watch videos about her journey.