Free Korean Dogs

Gin Oak Shelter

Looking for Flight Volunteers

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If you are flying from Korea to Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, or to any major cities in North America with a direct flight, you could save precious lives of dogs rescued from dog meat farms in Korea.

Although these dogs are rescued from the hell, sadly many of them die in a shelter often because of the stigma as a “meat or farm” dog. It is heartbreaking. Please see our dogs who are waiting for their forever loving homes.

What You Need to Do

It doesn’t cost you a dime; all you need to do is to book our dogs on your ticket as excess baggage. We’ll take care of the expenses and all the arrangements. We’ll also meet you at the Incheon Airport to help the process.

If you can help our dogs, please contact us and tell us your flight schedule and destination. Please don’t forget to share! Thank you.

EK Having Fun with the Chicken Farm Dogs in Korea

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While EK is in Korea shooting her documentary, Compassion Soup: the End of Dog Meat in Korea, she visited Gin Oak shelter and had so much fun. There are currently 10 dogs rescued from a chicken farm before they were sold to the dog meat market in Korea. EK works hard to change people’s consciousness about the dog meat trade. There is no such thing as  a “meat” dog. They all deserve to be happy.

Please support EK’s documentary, Compassion Soup. She needs your help to continue her work in Korea.

Korean Rescue Dogs Need Loving Homes

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While I’m in Korea shooting my documentary, Compassion Soup: the End of Dog Meat in Korea, I’m also working very hard to find homes for the Chicken Farm Dogs at Gin Oak Shelter and also the dogs at Wizard of Hope Animal Shelter (WOH).

At the moment,  there are 10 dogs, mostly Jindo mix, at Gin Oak shelter and 32 dogs (half of them are small breeds) at WOH. They were all rescued from dog meat farms last year in Korea and most of them have been spayed/neutered, and vaccinated. Many of them are very affectionate and absolutely ready for adoption. But now there’s an urgent crisis and we need your help before time runs out.

About the 25 Dogs at a Dog Meat Farm

A dog meat farm in KoreaAs many of you already know, there is another dog meat farm with 25 dogs and goats. We only have a couple of months to rescue these dogs because the dog farm owner wants to sell them in summer before Boknal for the best price. In order to rescue them, we have to find a shelter first. Luckily the two shelters, Gin Oak and WOH, are willing to help us. The challenge however is to find forever homes for the dogs already in the shelters. If we find homes for these dogs, the shelters can take the 25 dogs and keep them until they finish vaccinations and are ready to fly.

How You Can Help

We need your help to save these dogs and help them find their forever homes. We are looking for shelters, foster homes and adopters in the US and Canada. Unfortunately sending dogs to other countries is very difficult due to strict regulations.

  1. Please contact your local animal shelters and dog rescue groups to see if they can take some of our dogs. All expenses for vaccinations, crates, health certificates, and transportation will be covered.
  2. In the case of private adoption, the adopter has to pay for the transportation cost. Please read our Adoption/Foster Care Policy & Process.
  3. If you are interested in adopting or fostering a dog, please submit an adoption application.
  4. Please share our blog articles with your family and friends.
  5. Donations are always welcome help us rescue more dogs.

Dogs at WOH & Gin Oak Shelter

Meet These Adorable Rescue Dogs in Korea

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Each year over two million dogs are slaughtered by Korea’s unregulated dog meat industry often after enduring unbearable suffering. Especially during Bok-Nal through July and August, two-third of dogs are killed for Boshintang (dog meat soup). It is because many Koreans believe that Boshintang boosts their stamina and energy. That’s why it is often called a nutritious soup in Korea.

The dogs in the video were rescued last year just before being sold to the dog meat market. As you can see, they are beautiful and sweet dogs who deserve to be happy. Learn more about the Chicken Farm Dogs.

How to Help

I believe in the power of documentary films to change people’s consciousness. Right now I’m in Korea filming our new documentary, Compassion Soup: The End of Dog Meat in Korea. The goal of the film is to reconnect Koreans with their true compassionate nature and inspire them to end the dog meat trade. For that, we need to build understanding, empathy and compassion in Korea, and around the world, towards dogs and all beings.

If you are able, please support our documentary project. It’s one of the most powerful ways to make real change for the dogs of Korea.

농협> 예금주: 이용명 351-0872-7639-83

Foster a Rescue Dog in Korea

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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.

Isabel and HiroIn 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.

Meet the Happiest Chicken Farm Dog

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Who could imagine that Swayze was a dog raised for his meat until six months ago in Korea? But now he is the happiest dog in the world. Swayze is an one year old dog living in Seoul who has his own bed, countless toys, and the most beautiful mama.

Born in Ilsan outside Seoul, Swayze was one of the twenty dogs raised for their meat by a neglected chicken farm owner. These poor dogs had been fed diseased and dead chickens. No water or shelter had been provided by the farm owner.

Sharon_chicken farm dogIt was a miracle that Jinoak, a dedicated animal rescuer, rescued the poor dogs just before being sold to the dog meat market. Out of the twenty rescue dogs, Swayze is especially lucky because he was adopted by the most beautiful mama Shannon, an American soldier on duty in Seoul, South Korea. Shannon says,

There is nothing more rewarding than making a difference in the lives of rescue dogs.

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 adopting a dog, please see our adoption page.

Adopt the Most Affectionate Dog, Bella

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Bella, 6 months ago

Bella, 6 months ago before being rescued.

One of the most popular dogs among volunteers and shelter dogs is Bella, one year old female dog rescued by Jinoak last spring in Korea. I asked Jinaok to tell me everything about Bella. She says that Bella is a happy virus: she makes people and even dogs laugh and happy. Last year when Jinoak visited the chicken farm dogs first time, Bella was the only dog who wagged her tail. Other dogs were all scared of Jinoak and barked at her but Bella followed Jinaok with her sweet baby smile. Since then she hasn’t changed much. When Jinaok  is in the shelter working, Bella doesn’t leave Jinaok alone: she follows Jinoak everywhere and smooches her constantly. Bella has no bad habits that Jinoak can think of. She just loves people and dogs. Sometimes Bella gets scared of a stranger, but as soon as the stranger pets her head, she turns into a social butterfly. Indeed Bella is the most affectionate, loving dog who is more than ready for her forever home. Who will be the lucky person? Please note that we take an adoption application only from the US and Canada.

More about Bella

Bella is a medium sized, healthy dog who weighs 18kg. She eats and plays very well. Bella was spayed last spring and vaccinated.  Bella is one of the twenty dogs rescued from the chicken farm before being sold to dog meat markets last spring in Korea. The following video is from the chicken farm and you can see baby Bella there. To learn more about international adoption, please read our Policy and FAQ.

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The Gin Oak Shelter in Korea

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Gin Oak Shelter

Ilsan KoreaLocated in Ilsan, Korea, the new Gin Oak Shelter is only about a month old. Previously the chicken farm dogs had stayed at an open greenhouse for three months. But the landowner had to start farming, the chicken farm family had to find a new place. At first Jinoak thought of renting a warehouse but it was not easy: it was too expensive but also most landlords didn’t like the idea of renting their property to a dog shelter. So she rented a piece of farmland to build a shelter. Although the current shelter is also a greenhouse, the dogs don’t have to be tied to a pole anymore in the new place. The shelter is not yet completed and also a year leased temporary one. Jinoak has to return the land and remove the shelter after a year. That’s why it is so important for us to find forever homes for the chicken farm dogs.

The Ways to Help the Gin Oak Shelter

Jinoak working at the shelter after work at 11pm

Jinoak working at the shelter at 11pm

The best way to help the Gin Oak Shelter is to find forever homes for the chicken farm dogs ideally before winter arrives. The winter in Korea is not nice: a lot of winds, cold, and moisture. Imagine living in a greenhouse in cold winter. If you cannot adopt or find forever homes, you can still contribute to the shelter by donating. It costs approximately $2,000 to run the shelter: mostly on food and also medications and vet bills. The donations will also be used for transportation costs for the dogs adopted. When dogs are rescued people get excited and want to help. But as time goes by people forget about the ones rescued. Let’s help the chicken farm dogs to find their forever homes so they know they are not left alone.

Adopt the “Chicken Farm” Dogs

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Update: We are happy to report that all of the Chicken Farm dogs have been adopted and have found their forever homes. Yay! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen.

Back in April we shared the story of Jinoak, our colleague in South Korea. Jinoak discovered 20 dogs being held in horrible conditions at a local chicken farm that were about to be sold to the dog meat market. She needed to act fast, so she got a personal loan, did a little fundraiser and was able to purchase the dogs from the farmer.

Chicken farm dogs rescuedNow she was faced with a more difficult task: what to do with all these dogs? While she is an avid and experienced animal advocate, she does not have a dedicated shelter to house all the dogs. Needless to say, it’s been a struggle. To make things worse (or better, depending on how you look at it), two of the rescue dogs gave birth in the first week after they were rescued. So now she had a pile of puppies on her hands, 15 in total.

Good News and Bad News

The good news is that all the puppies were adopted. Puppies rescued from the dog meat industry are easily adopted, mainly because they haven’t yet developed the inevitable behavioral issues that come from the trauma of starvation and abuse. Also because, well, they’re just so damn cute.
Chicken farm dogs recuedThe bad news is that there are still 17 dogs still waiting for their forever homes. These dogs are also quite young, ranging in age from approximately 1 to 2 years. (Dogs raised for meat don’t have the chance to get any older.) In their short lives, however, they have suffered significant trauma and need lots of love, care and patience. It takes a special person full of compassion to adopt an abused animal.

All of the dogs have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated. In fact, EK helped take them to the vet back in May. The rest of the time, however, Jinoak does this work by herself. She’s simply a force of nature.

The dogs are currently being sheltered in temporary space on a farm, but time is running out. They need to find their forever homes!

 

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Meet the Chicken Farm Dogs

We’d like to introduce you to just eight of the 13 remaining chicken farm dogs still available for adoption. If you would like to adopt one of these dogs, please see below for instructions. They are all neutered/spayed and vaccinated. Perfectly ready! You can take a look at the videos of these adorable dogs on our facebook.

Reo

Reo is a 2 year old male dog who weights 23 Kg. He is big but very quiet and obedient. Reo is a protective macho dog.

Allen

Allen is a 2 year old male dog who weights 21.5 Kg. Allen is quite and very obedient and friendly. Jinoak calls him, Good Boy.

Terry

Terry is a 2 year old male dog who weights 19.5 Kg. He is shy but all he needs is just a little bit of time and love. He plays well by himself. Such a cute dog.

Juni

Juni is a 1 year old male dog who is a  little bit shy but sweet. He weights 12.5 Kg and is perfectly ready for his forever home.

Judy

Judy is a 1 year old miniature female Jindo dog, the smallest in the shelter weighting 9.7 Kg.  Shes is very friendly and cute. Judy gets along well with dogs and people. We are looking for someone who can adopt both Judy and Chris (below) together.

Chris

Chris is a 1 year old dog weighting 10.25 Kg. He is a little bit shy. Chris is most comfortable and relaxed when Judy is around. So we are really looking for someone who can adopt Judy and Chris both. He bonds with Judy.

Green

Green is a 2 year old male dog who is quiet and gentle. When he was found by Jinoak several months ago, he was tied to a pole on the dirty ground covered with dead chickens. Although he went through such hard times in his life, Green is a very loving, obedient and affectionate dog. He is also the father of the eight puppies born last spring right after being rescued.

Rina

Rina is a 2 year old female dog who is recovering from skin fungal infections now. But she is healthy, adorable, and happy who is perfectly ready for adoption. She weights 18.5 Kg.

Bella

Bella is a 1 year old proud 14 kg mixed Jindo female with an obedient nature and absolutely gorgeous smile. Jinoak said that Bella is the most affectionate dog.

Isabel

Isabel is a 1 year old slim 11 kg female with a sweet disposition. She is a little bit cautious but no doubt she is an absolutely charming and sweet girl who just needs trustful, loving home.

Hellena

Hellena is a 2 year old female dog who lost all her puppies last winter from cold and malnutrition. Although she is doing fine now, as you can imagine she has gone through a really tough time. Hellena is such a sweet and gentle dog who needs extra care and love. While EK stayed in Korea she spent some time with Hellena. EK completely fell in love with this lonesome soul.

Michael

Michael is a 2 year old handsome male who weights 24 kg. When Michael was rescued four months ago he was very skinny. You could see his rib bones. But he has gained weight and now he is in good shape. Michael is also the boss of the shelter.

Sharon

Sharon is a 2 year old female who weights 20 kg. She likes people more than dogs. Like other chicken farm dogs Sharon went through tough times before being rescued. But she didn’t lose her gorgeous smile and affection.

 

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International Adoption Plan

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This is the third and final article in a three part series on our strategy to help dogs in Korea. The first article outlined our public awareness program, while the second covered our community outreach strategy. The focus of this article is our plan to implement an international adoption program for dogs rescued from Korean dog meat farms.

Public awareness and community outreach are critical for changing perspectives and speaking out with one voice. But let’s face it: all the talk, likes and re-tweets in the world won’t free those dogs suffering right now. It takes action! We need an effective strategy to get boots on the ground and provide immediate relief. There’s no app for that.

The Adoption Challenge

Proud Korean Rescue DogOf the three pillars in our overall strategy, this is perhaps the most complex, as it has the most moving parts and requires the greatest amount of planning and collaboration. The good news is that we are far from the first to implement an adoption program in Korea, so we’re looking forward to learning from our devoted colleagues already in action. We’ve built some great connections within the Korean animal welfare community, along with our well established relationships with animal welfare advocates in Canada.

So let’s get into the details. The objective of this strategy is to get as many dogs as possible out of the dog meat industry and into the loving arms of adoptive homes around the world.

Why can’t these dogs be adopted within Korea? The popularity of dogs as companion animals has increased significantly in Korea, particularly among younger generations. However, the general preference is toward smaller breeds. The large breeds preferred by the dog meat trade, such as the Korean Jindo, are not as popular among dog lovers. As a result, it boils down to a dichotomy in how many Koreans perceive dogs: some breeds make good pets and others make good soup. It’s ironic that the dogs many Koreans shun as pets are exactly the kind of dog that many Westerners love as pets.

The Under-Paw Railroad

As I said earlier, this plan has a lot of moving parts. Let’s walk through it step by step. First up, we need to cultivate strong ties with the Korean animal rescue community. This is already well underway. We also need to establish effective communication with dog meat farmers, which is a bit more tricky to say the least.

Caged Dogs

Caged Dogs

We respect everyone’s right to earn a healthy livelihood, but we encourage doing so without harming innocent lives in the process. We also believe that all beings have compassion in their hearts and we can all make positive change in the world. With that in mind, we propose working with farmers to explore alternatives to dog meat farming.

Through the generosity of our supporters, we will establish a fund that will enable us to provide financial incentives and supports to ease the transition from dog meat farming to viable alternatives. This is not an original concept and there are others achieving great results.

Needless to say, this aspect of the strategy needs careful planning. We must be careful not to replace one cruel trade with another. If we, for example, set up a scenario where dogs are purchased from dog farmers, we could end up replacing the dog meat trade with an equally cruel and unethical dog adoption trade. Not exactly what we have in mind. We must ensure, therefore, that each dog rescued isn’t simply creating a space for another dog to suffer. This requires careful diplomacy, planning and collaboration with dog meat farmers.

The End of the Adoption Rainbow

At the other end of the spectrum, we need to establish an effective means of connecting rescued dogs with loving foster and adoptive homes.

Gin-Oak-Shelter

Dogs waiting for adoption

As with the volunteer community in Korea, a significant volunteer community is required at the receiving end as well. We need to establish a network of ambassadors in major cities around the world to ensure that adopted dogs arrive safely into the arms of their foster and adoptive families. This will involve coordination with foster homes, adoptive families, the airline and us back at FKD HQ.

Recently we have partnered with the Gin Oak Shelter in Korea to provide on the ground support for dogs rescued from the Korean dog meat trade. You can take a look at the dogs available for adoption at the Gin Oak Shelter.

We are also reaching out to animal shelters to explore the possibility of facilitating mass rescue and adoption campaigns. Here’s the scenario: we negotiate an agreement with a dog meat farmer to convert over to farming vegetables and need to quickly re-home the dogs currently on the farm. What do we do with all those dogs? If we have agreements in place with animal shelters outside Korea, we could use their larger capacity to provide temporary shelter and adoption services.

Permanent Change is Pawssible

Gin Oak ShelterWith over two million dogs slaughtered each year in Korea, it is easy to get discouraged. How can rescuing a few dogs here and there add up to anything more than a drop in the bucket? This is where the power of community comes into play. To borrow from a recent speech by US President Obama on the legalization of gay marriage, this program hinges on the ability of ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things.

The power of this plan is in its ability to scale. Within two days of launching this website, we received our first adoption inquiry from a lovely family outside of Toronto. Once the funding, infrastructure and ambassadors are in place, there’s nothing to stop us from growing this out enough to put a serious dent in the dog meat trade.

Imagine building a community strong enough to negotiate the closure, one-by-one, of every dog meat farm in Korea. Now imagine your role in making it happen. Here’s what you can do to help:

  1. If you’re able, please make a donation.
  2. If you would like to adopt a Korean rescue dog, subscribe to our newsletter so we can send you an update.
  3. Adopt a dog.
  4. If you are already involved in Korean dog rescue and would like to collaborate, contact us.
  5. If you are involved with a dog shelter that would be able to host Korean rescue dogs, again, give us a shout.
  6. If you know someone who might be interested in helping out, share this article.

What is your view on this plan? How can we make it better? As mentioned above, this strategy has lots of moving parts and hinges on massive community engagement. Share your advice, insights and experiences in the comments below and let’s get this thing moving.