Training a dog to get settled is not something that happens overnight, because dogs don’t understand human languages or the circumstances of the fate we’ve chosen for them. Settling in takes time and patience. The process isn’t black or white, nor is progress linear. There is no ‘typical’ timeline in which things are expected to happen (or not happen). Along the way there are pushes and nudges; a hop, skip, jump, and leap here; hurdles, obstacles, and setbacks there. We (dogs and humans) work together towards mutual trust and understanding in order to persevere, and when we’ve hit a wall, we pivot our approaches to march upwards and onwards.
Fostering
A Letter from a Foster Mom
Dear Gamza,
(or “my big potato” as I affectionately called you, since your name means ‘Potato’ in Korean)
Foster a Rescue Dog in Korea
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.
