Yes, you read that right. Afghanistan.
We were contacted back in March by the Afghan Stray Animal League, a U.S.-based non-profit organization that works to help homeless animals in Kabul, Afghanistan, by supporting a small shelter there. The shelter had taken in a blind Shepherd puppy, an animal that stood no chance of adoption. They had named him Shep.
Afghan culture doesn't have much of a concept of "pets" or companion animals -- not unexpected in a country with such grinding poverty and bloodshed -- so the shelter mostly adopts animals to foreigners living in Afghanistan. Other cultural norms make Afghanistan a rough place to be an animal ... especially a weak or disabled one.
It took a couple of months to work out the travel logistics, but late last week Shep flew from Kabul to Islamabad, Pakistan, and on to JFK Airport in New York. The Afghan Stray Animal League was able to raise about half the money needed for his airfare, and we paid the rest. After spending the weekend at a veterinary boarding facility at JFK, we flew Shep out to Montana yesterday. He arrived in Helena last night at 11 p.m. on a Northwest Airlines flight. After a potty break outside the Helena airport, I loaded his crate in the bed of the truck and put Shep in the big back seat. He sat there quietly for the entire drive back to the ranch, and we got home about 1 a.m. this morning.
He's a tiny thing for a Shepherd, weighing about 30 pounds. I think half his weight is just in those ears! His eyes are clear, so I suspect he has progressive retinal atrophy or a similar retinal deficiency. We'll be taking him next week to see our vet, Dr. Brenda Culver at Montana Veterinary Specialists in Helena, for a comprehensive eye exam.
Alayne took the photo of Shep and me this afternoon. After days of traveling and being in kennels and crates, Shep was enjoying spending the day outside, soaking up some Rocky Mountain spring sunshine. He is a very sweet boy, and an affectionate one, too, as you can see:
What a wonderful story....you're one LUCKY dog to be in Montana! What a very long trip for you....just the best to you and your adoptive family(Rolling Dog)!
Posted by: Karen ... Oregon | November 12, 2008 at 02:56 PM
What a great story!! Will Shep be available for adoption?
Posted by: Barb | October 10, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I have tears in my eyes reading this story. Chris and I had a hard time because Shep reminds us of our two shepherds that are no longer with us. What a trip, what a ranch, what a dog. Enjoy him and keep us updated.
Posted by: Jill | June 18, 2008 at 08:36 AM
What an amazing story and welcome home Shep!!!!
Posted by: Lisa | June 14, 2008 at 08:10 AM
God Bless you Shep you are so lucky to be at the ranch with all those wonderful people. Thank you Steve and Alayne for all the great things you do for these wonderfulanimals. I will keep all of you in my prayers, Shep grow up big and strong you are a beautiful puppy.
Posted by: Donna | June 13, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Welcome to America Shep.
From now on may all your days be happy ones. You are so lucky to be at Rolling Dog Ranch where you will be loved and taken care of.
Posted by: Sue | June 12, 2008 at 08:55 PM
I'm new to the Rolling Ranch effort and see now why my friend suggested I join. What a fantastic thing you folks do and did for Shep. What a heartwarming story in today's society.
Posted by: Glencora Lannen | June 12, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Ryan and I spent some time playing with the little guy in Kabul. He's wonderful!! Really happy that he has found a good home!
**candi**
Posted by: Candice | June 11, 2008 at 03:14 AM
I spent a bunch of time in Kabul playing with Shep. He's a great puppy!!! I'm so glad that he found a good home. Take care of him - he's a keeper!
- ryan
Posted by: Ryan Sain | June 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Wouldn't it be great if Shep and Baron became best buddies?! Baron needs a friend with as much energy as he has to run and play with all day long and Shep fits the bill perfectly! Please give us an update on Shep soon.
Posted by: Amy | May 30, 2008 at 02:33 AM
What a wonderful story and a beautiful looking boy. Shep is so lucky to have made it to the Ranch, he couldn't be in a better place.
Posted by: Katrina Morrison | May 30, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Oh! He's lovely!!! I know Shep is in good hands now. Enjoy your new life, Shep!
Posted by: Priscilla Smith | May 29, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Wishing a warm welcome to darling Shep! He's hit the lottery with landing at the fantastic RDR! I'm so glad that so many people have made it possible for him to get from Afganistan to you. It's wonderful what people working together can acomplish! Please give him an extra welcome hug from us as well, & thanks again for doing all that you do!
Hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | May 29, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Shep is absolutely precious. Those ears. We had a shep puppy with big ears but he grew into them and with all the TLC at RDR he'll soon fit those ears. Blessings to Shep. Enjoy the mountains and the quiet.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | May 29, 2008 at 04:36 PM
True joy!!! I'm all choked up reading this. What a darling little Shep! Happy for all. Another match made in heaven.
Posted by: Margaret | May 29, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Now you have your very own 'Afghan Hound.' Welcome Shep!
Posted by: Carol | May 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
What a beautiful pup! He will fit right in at the ranch!! Thanks for taking in this sweet pup.
Posted by: Carisa | May 29, 2008 at 11:11 AM
It's official! RDR is worldwide!! Good news for animals- even if you are in the far reaches of war or poverty across the globe, there's still hope.
Can't wait to meet you Shep! Do you bark with an accent? :)
Posted by: Heather and Timmy | May 29, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Welcome to America Shep, you've gotten yourself to a little piece of Paradise and we are all happy for you. Once he settles in, finds out there is love instead of bombs and shooting and that there are consistent big meals, he just might start to grow to fit those ears!
Posted by: Mircat | May 29, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Welcome home Shep!
It's heartwarming to know that The Afghan Stray Animal League thought this special boy needed a very loving home and contacted you.Blessings to you and the caring hearts at the ASAL for giving this beautiful boy a forever home surrounded by lots of love! Big hugs and smooches to Shep! Love those ears!!!!!
Beverly
Posted by: Beverly | May 29, 2008 at 08:59 AM
One more newcomer to paradise!! Love these beautiful pictures and more beautiful story. I can't wait to see more pictures of this hansome little guy safe with his new family and all his animal buddies. Way to go, all who accomplished this!
Posted by: Angela | May 29, 2008 at 08:38 AM
What a gorgeous boy!!! And with those ears and hopefully his nose he will hear and smell all the beauty around him, not to mention all the love Rolling Dog Ranch offers.
Sending best wishes to you all, what a fantastic story!
Posted by: Sasha | May 29, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Welcome Shep! He must be so curious about his new environment. He's one lucky boy!
Posted by: Jen | May 29, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Awwww, what a fabulous story. Welcome, Shep. You hit the jackpot!!
Posted by: Cathy | May 29, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Shep...you won the love lottey!
Beautiful post; beautiful day; beautiful dog and beautiful people who all made this adoption possible.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of this; Shep is a very deserving dog.
Welcome Home Shep!
Posted by: Boundforglory | May 29, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Ah heck Steve- what's one more!! Good for you. He is a great looking pup. As I prepare my six bowls of food tonight for my pups,I will add some extra for Shep. Pearl is always looking for extra food. God bless you and the critters.
Posted by: Debbie | May 29, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Welcome to America Shep! You will be a blessing to us all! So glad your shelter & RDR made a way for you to get to RDR! Love those ears!!!
Posted by: Mary Young | May 29, 2008 at 06:38 AM
You guys never cease to amaze me...I have nominated you as my Hero of the Year to Animal Planet!
Posted by: Debbie | May 29, 2008 at 06:32 AM
What a cute little guy !
I think I squealed when I saw this blog post. :P
It's good to know that people all around the world are doing their part to help animals in need, even in the worst of times.
Best of luck at RDR, Shep !
Posted by: Kylie Payeur | May 29, 2008 at 06:19 AM
What GREAT news!!! Shep must be thinking that he's dead and gone to (puppy) heaven!:-)
My heart is just bursting with joy at the thought that he's now safe and in such caring, loving hands!
Three cheers for Shep and a huge thank you to you, dear Steve & Alayne, and to the Afghan Stray Animal League. God bless you all.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | May 29, 2008 at 02:06 AM
Great puppy, great guy, great Mt. sunshine! I am delighted by Shep's adventure to the US. Any idea how he got to the Afghan. shelter? Any avenue to support the shelter there?
I love this pup. I hope he has a wonderful life at RDR, but also hope he finds a fine home with some nice folks who can be patient with him and give him a permanent home. As always, RDR Rocks internationally!
Posted by: Jane Tunnicliff | May 28, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Welcome Shep! Can't wait to see you grow into those ears! :-)
Posted by: Kristen D. | May 28, 2008 at 08:44 PM
This is an amazing story! Thanks to those who do animal rescue in tough situations like that in Afghanistan. What a precious pup! Glad Shep is safe and sound at the ranch!
Posted by: Nina | May 28, 2008 at 08:31 PM
I'm so glad that Shep has made it to RDR; I'm sure that he will soon find that he is in puppy heaven and have a chance to truly BE a puppy for the first time in his life. He is certainly a sweetheart. What a long trip he made. Good for you for taking him in!
Posted by: maggie | May 28, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Please forward my thanks to the wonderful people in Afghanistan helping all of the animals they can. We have a tough time of it here, I can't imagine the issues they go through there. He is a beautiful puppy!! I have a feeling he will be adopted very soon :O)
Posted by: Michele | May 28, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Glad you made it Shep...I'm expecting your best friend Skitters (Lucy) tonight. Enjoy your life in your beautiful new home!
Posted by: Cora | May 28, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Wow!!!! Internationally acclaimed RDR!!! How wonderful! Shep is absolutely adorable. Way to go!
Shep looks like he belongs on a ranch in Montana. Steve, he looks like YOUR dog!!! Great story.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 28, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Welcome Shep. What a beautiful boy... I look forward to reading more about him.
Posted by: Jen | May 28, 2008 at 06:21 PM
From Afghanistan to Montana, oh my! I imagine that some serviceperson who loved Shep very much is ecstatic right now. Thank you for being there for that person and also Shep.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | May 28, 2008 at 06:18 PM
And what a lucky boy too! I got a t-shirt for Mother's Day that says - Rescued Dogs Give the Best Kisses - look at that big one he just gave you!! Great story :)
Posted by: Sharon | May 28, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Isn't he the cutest Shep!!! I love those ears! How old is he?
Posted by: yoonamaniac | May 28, 2008 at 05:48 PM
THANKS for taking in Shep. Have you ever had an animal come so from so far away? Shep, you are in for a great life now! Welcome to US and RDR!
Posted by: Lisa | May 28, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Yay Shep! Congrats on making the leap from Afghanistan to the ranch. :- ) I think you've managed to hit both ends of the spectrum there - from extremely rough to "Wow... I've died and gone to heaven, without the dying part"
Congrats on your new addition - look forward to hearing more about him.
Posted by: Karen | May 28, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Just when I think I've got RDR all figured out I read this latest and sit here shaking my head in awe...........along with goosebumps and tears, I welcome Shep to doggy heaven on earth.......Oh, my, Shep, what wonderful sounds you will hear with those adorable Dumbo ears of yours !!!!!
Posted by: Bibi | May 28, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Welcome Shep! What a beauty...love those ears! My husband and I love shepherds - our first rescue was a shepherd mix, with ears almost as big. He's in a safe place now - what a trip he's had. Congrats on the new addition.
Posted by: Sue H | May 28, 2008 at 04:12 PM