Jindo Love

Our Search

We’ve always loved dogs, and when we finally bought our first house and were settled we were heart set and determined to find a rescue dog perfect for us. What we didn’t know was how competitive it would be! Living in Cambridge we of course checked the Humane Societies local to us and found some dogs we loved. However, about 20+ other people also loved the same dogs, and of course it was up to the shelter to find the best fit. Feeling a bit defeated I started to be more general in our search and came across FreeKoreanDogs.org and am so happy I did. I immediately filled out an application with interest in 4 different dogs, and not too long after I got an email from EK saying she had one with her in Toronto (Jindol). I was ecstatic with the prospect of finding our furever pup! Ryan and I went to meet him that night and he was so scared, practically hiding behind the bathtub the whole time. Nonetheless, we were not afraid of a challenge, and knew we could provide a safe and loving home for this dog. The next day Jindol came to our home in Cambridge and was there to stay!

Adjusting

We decided to re-name Jindol “Archie” and were so elated we had finally find the pup for us. However, as soon as EK left Archie, he immediately climbed to the top of our couch (if he could have fit behind the couch, he would have!) and stayed there for days. No interest in getting up for food/water/potty breaks. I was so worried that in the next few days I was googling “how long can dogs go without food and water”. Eventually we got him to go outside but only when we were out there with him (and this has not changed). We were so thankful that he finally went to the bathroom! Eventually we were able to feed him some food from our hands and hold his water dish for him while he remained in the corner of our couch/his ‘safe zone’.

Warming Up

Archie took his time deciding if he was comfortable enough to get out of his safe zone, and over time he began eating/drinking on the floor, and eventually being interested in treats. What he now loves most is walks where he can scope for squirrels! He is still getting used to men (especially Ryan) and strangers but has improved so much! The biggest improvement in Archie warming up to Ryan was noticed after we went away for a week, and then a weekend, where we had Archie stay with family/friends that had dogs of their own. We think having him get used to different environments and other dogs/socializing has helped tremendously! He has so much more confidence out and about and in our own home now. Now that Archie likes treats he knows ‘target’, ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘lie down’ (the tough one is ‘shake a paw’). Our favourite is when Archie gets the ‘zoomies’ and bounds around the backyard as fast as his legs will carry him.

The Future

We want Archie to have lots more play dates with other pups and hope that he will enjoy the rest of our house (not just the living room!). My personal hope is that Archie will start following Ryan around as much as he does me. We love him to bits and can’t thank EK enough!

Written by Katie Keene