What do you have to know before fostering a rescue dog in Korea? Dale, a foster parent originally from Alabama in the US, is sharing her experience in fostering a dog rescued from the meat trade in Korea.
Currently Dale fosters Isabel, one of the chicken farm dogs rescued by Jinoak in Ilsan, Korea. Her first foster dog Zora, also from the chicken farm, was successfully adopted a little while ago. Without taking a break, Dale contacted us asking for a second foster dog and Isabel who was very shy and nervous at that time was chosen.
In the first few days Isabel didn’t move or eat anything because she was so scared. Instead of forcing Isabel, Dale decided to wait and give her time and space. Indeed, patience is one of the most important qualities for a foster parent.
As you can see in the photo, Isabel is now much more comfortable in her new environment and perhaps Hiro, Dale’s Siberian husky dog, has played an important role for that.
I think a lot of people have romanticized the idea of fostering and adopting. But you really have to consider it before you just go and adopt a pet.
Fostering or adopting a dog abused can be challenging but it is definitively one of the most fulfilling things that you can experience in your life. There are still thirteen chicken farm dogs at the Gin Oak Shelter in Korea waiting for their forever homes. If you are interested in fostering or adopting a dog, please contact us.
I would be interested in fostering a dog and would like to have my name added to the list, I would have room for a smallish dog as I live in an apartment. I do also have two cats
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for your interest in fostering. Do you live in Korea?
I am interested in fostering a dog from Korea. I’m in Portland, Oregon. No dogs or cats live with me, but I have family dogs that live at my parents whom I visit everyday. I currently volunteer at an animal shelter twice a week, but do not work or intend on working anytime soon.
Hi Jung,
Thank you so much for your interest in helping Korean dogs. We’ll send you an email shortly.
I am also interested in adopting. I just moved to Korea because my wife is Korean. I think having a companion would really help me enjoy my life here more.
Thank you SO much for speaking so honestly about the challenges of adopting and fostering dogs who come from undomesticated places i.e.: the chicken farm, overcrowded shelters, and Asian dog meat “farms”. I’ve always had a special relationship with dogs and thought taking on a rescue would be different, but never thought it would be challenging. I was SO wrong. Even after 18 months together, my girl, who came from a terribly overcrowded farm “rescue” and who likely had 0 experience in a home, still experiences times when she FREAKS OUT i.e.; a spoon drops, a container is opened, or I’m rushing to leave in the morning. Any of those things can send her scrambling for a quiet corner. She still needs a lot of time alone and has come to learn that hugs are okay, but I’m still learning that hugs are okay ONLY for a short time! She can read my energy and if I get at all stressed she’s outta there!
I wouldn’t be without her, she reminds me to breathe and peace out and to value the simple comforts in life – our Sunday morning “cuddles” (her lying right next to my legs) in my bed are bliss. I’m experienced with dogs and know how to “speak” with them, but the first 6 months were super challenging – she wanted nothing to do with me – you must be committed to standing by the dog, offering leadership and support without any real bond. They aren’t cute, silly puppies with 0 baggage that follow you instinctively – this is a relationship that must be built with time and great patience. The bond that forms is unlike any other provided the human can keep their ego in check. Patience and calm are key!