My name is Matilda, and I’m one of four lucky puppies from Oman who arrived in Chicago with our sweet mother in early May. Just take a look at our pictures to see how far we’ve come, in so many ways!
I am a classic Omani beauty, 6 months old, with sparkling black eyes and gorgeous gold and cream coat. My American foster mom says that I’m the cuddliest foster pup she has ever cared for. I looooove nuzzling up to her, sleeping by her, and being her little shadow around the house. Car rides and visits are fun too, and I’ve been having a great time splashing around in the water during our warmer weather! I’m keen on toys and play well with other dogs, but I’m happiest when I’m getting attention and affection.
I’m often shy on first meeting, but warm up once I know my new acquaintances are kind. I can still be skittish in crowds and easily startled by loud noises, like construction sounds. With smaller dogs, I can be a little bossy, but with bigger dogs I let them take the lead. I’m good with kitties, and either play with them or ignore them, and I’ve even gotten along with a Guinea pig. I don’t destroy my toys or chew on things I shouldn’t. I love being told that I’m a good girl, even though I already know it!
I’m making good progress with commands and potty-training, and only sometimes pull when walking on a leash. My relationship with my crate is a bit rocky; I will cry for a few minutes before setting down, and on multiple occasions, I’ve pulled a Houdini and escaped! Occasionally I get distracted when I’m called—there are so many interesting smells in the world, and I feel it’s important to check each one out. I’d love to take some classes; I highly suspect I’ll be the star pupil since I’m such a smart girl. I’m also looking forward to more car rides, because there are so many new things to see. Oh yes, I like singing too, and hope I’ll soon hear you singing my favorite song, “Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda, you’ll come a-waltzing Matilda, with me!”
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Oman is an Arab country in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It has wonderful national treasure and vivid landscapes. Oman also has thousands of “wadi dogs” (street dogs) that can be seen virtually everywhere. The ancestry of Oman’s Wadi dogs is far older than modern European breeds; they share many characteristics with pariah-type dogs like Canaan dogs and with middle-Eastern sighthounds like Salukis. Although they are social, athletic, beautiful, and intelligent, wadi dogs face the same plight as dogs in many Muslim countries where they are generally viewed as unclean and not fit to be pets. Dog ownership is rare, and when they are owned, dogs are usually not allowed in the house. Pets are viewed more commonly as guard dogs who roam the outside vicinity of the property.
Humane animal welfare laws don’t exist in Oman, and, worse yet, police have open rights to shoot “any and all” street dogs—this is true for tiny puppies too. There is no requirement that the dogs have to be a nuisance or sick; rather, they will be killed just for having the unfortunate luck of being born on the streets in Oman. If a gunshot does not kill them, wasi dogs die young from disease, starvation, abuse, auto accidents, and Oman’s extreme heat. Most Omani street dogs do not survive beyond the age of three.
Our rescue partner, Omani Paws, is a group of passionate volunteers working together to improve the lot of street dogs and cats in Oman, and by adopting through ISDF, you can help them fulfill their mission. The wadi dogs we have placed so far have proven to be excellent family dogs.
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If you are interested in adopting Mama Phoebe’s puppy, MATILDA, please contact Dawn Trimmel at info@istreetdog.com. You can also find our adoption application here. Your application must be approved before scheduling a meet and greet.