We say it all the time – rescue is simultaneously fulfilling and inspiring as it is disheartening and traumatic. Earlier this year, we shared a rescue story of a few dogs who were being raised on a construction site to be sold for meat as a secondary income, and the efforts made to save them.
Korea
The Man in the Red Apron
Last week we announced our endeavor in attempting to secure the safety and release of 15 dogs being kept for meat at a restaurant in Yongin, Korea. Today, it is with great relief we announce that after a tense and nerve-wracking week of negotiations, we were successfully able to acquire custody of all 15 dogs on the property.
The Beginning of a New Start
Most who follow the dog meat trade (abolishment)movement are familiar with the typical scene – rows upon rows of dogs in rusted metal cages surrounded by feces and other unrecognizable waste littered all around the area. In other cases, they are kept in display cages outside the restaurant they would ultimately be slaughtered at the hands of once a customer personally selects them to be the main ingredient of their next meal.
Life Lessons from Onjung:
They often say we can learn a lot from dogs, which is certainly true of Onjung’s story. She teaches us that even when life gives you spoiled lemons, you can still make lemonade.
OTTO, WHO BEAT THE ODDS
In April 2019, South Korea experienced one of the worst forest fires to have ever swept their lands, resulting in the destruction of over 1200 acres of land, 4200 displaced people, and 400 destroyed homes. Under a declared state of national disaster, over 900 fire engines and 10,000 emergency personnel were dispatched to fight the roaring blaze.
How Barkley Met His Brother: Introducing a rescue to a resident dog
This story is not about blood-related brothers. However, they became brothers by household and bond.
The Commitment
My husband and I have had Barkley since he was a puppy. Barkley is well socialized, house-trained, and pretty calm and obedient. He loves being around other dogs of any size. Although Barkley is a bit over 9 years old, he can still play as if he is fresh out of the puppy gates.
Love paves the way
I have worked in the pet/dog business for quite a few years now. I have seen all sorts of dogs in all sorts of situations that I truly thought I knew EXACTLY what I was getting into. Boy. Was. I. Wrong.
PetSmart Adoption Event
Come and meet our adorable rescue dogs available for adoption at PetSmart in Etobicoke!
- November 9th (Sat) to 10th (Sun) from 11am to 3pm, 2019
- PetSmart Etobicoke- 158 N Queen St, Etobicoke
Aerinwon’s closure and the homeless dogs’ future
On September 25th, 2019, Korea’s largest private shelter was shutdown by law enforcement officials despite opposition from the shelter’s owner Gyeonghee Gong. The grounds for shutting down the facility was based on the claim the land did not legally belong to Gong and was therefore being used illegally. While the intention was to reclaim possession of the land to its rightful owner, the evacuation had inevitably attracted the attention of numerous rescues and animal welfare organizations as the fate of the dogs were held in limbo.
Moon: the unexpected “therapy dog”
For years I have suffered on and off with anxiety. A year ago, the anxiety I was experiencing was the worst I’ve ever dealt with, and for a while it took over my life. There was a lot happening in my personal life and I couldn’t handle the changes, good or bad. As a result, I had terrible insomnia (which lead to increased anxiety and exhaustion), rapid heart rates that lasted for days, stress sweating, the inability to concentrate or enjoy life and I had a desperate sense of feeling like I’d never be myself again. I was losing my mind. I talked to my doctor and he prescribed me different per use prescription medications and I tried holistic alternatives to help me relax and sleep and I went to see a therapist. Nothing really worked in “curing me” and eventually with time I just got better at “managing” it and hoped that it would eventually run its course.
Gupo Dog Meat Market Finally Shut Down
Owing to the incredibly hard work of Korean animal rights activists, the Gupo Dog meat market has finally been permanently shut down. On July 1st, 2019, eighty-five (85) dogs remaining on the premises of one of the largest dog meat markets in Korea have been rescued due to the efforts of several Korean animal welfare organizations. These fortunate pups will be rehabilitated as they wait for new families to welcome them. Soon these dogs will be open for adoption to families across the globe.
The Dog Culture in Korea: Why We Should Care
To put lightly, the Korean dog culture is very different from that of Canada. The Western’s view of dogs as “man’s best friend” is very slowly taking hold in Korea, where Boknal, the unionized and protected dog meat industry, lack of effective and just animal protection laws, and operation of filthy puppy mills are still left unchecked.