Black Empress: Rescuing a Puppy from Iran

HISTORICAL MEMOIR: IRAN, INDIA, AND NEPAL. In 1972 at the age of 29, Bobbi Phelps Wolverton became a secretary at the Iran Safaris Company in Tehran. Working in a foreign country was challenging and rewarding. Saving a throw-away puppy contributed to those challenges, ones that were both threatening and frightening. From the moment of her arrival in Iran, she bonded with the runt puppy that had been destined to be killed as the dog held no value to the fishing and hunting company. To save the puppy from certain death, Wolverton defied her host and employer, as well as the Muslim culture. She survived dreadful incidents and yet witnessed caring individuals who helped her save the puppy, the Black Empress. She experienced a frightening, night-time river crossing; a terrifying police interrogation; and an attempted rape. In this inspiring memoir, Wolverton tells the story of rescuing her beloved Black Labrador dog from Iran. Her bond with the puppy brought until happiness and important meaning throughout her life.