Winter is coming in Korea and it’s getting cold at our rescue shelter in Ilsan. Jinoak and EK are busy winterizing the shelter so we can keep the dogs warm through the cold Korean winter.
The shelter is located on a farm and the structure is not well suited for the cold. With the influx of rescue dogs and a recent cold snap, however, we’ve got to move fast to get the shelter ready for winter. We recently purchased and installed a new heating unit, which is working out well. We’re also reinforcing the structure and closing up the cracks to reduce drafts.
Winterizing the shelter is especially important because of the batch of puppies who arrived recently from Jeju Island. These little one’s haven’t experienced the cold before, and the climate in Ilsan is much colder than that in Jeju.
On a typical dog meat farm in Korea, the dogs are kept in cages outside and exposed to the elements all year round. It’s incredible that the dogs don’t freeze to death in the cold Korean winter. Things are equally dire in the summer, when the dogs are exposed to oppressive heat and little or no access to fresh water.
They’ve been through enough already, which is why we try our best to keep them warm, dry and safe. Of course we hope they won’t have to stay too long waiting for their forever homes.
In the meantime, the startup and operating expenses at the new shelter are getting to a critical point. While the shelter is a critical part of our rescue and adoption operation, the lease, veterinary and utility expenses are really piling up. It seems that there’s never a shortage of dogs in need of rescue, but there’s always a shortage of funds to keep things moving.
If you’re able to help, please consider making a donation to help us keep the dogs warm, safe and health this winter.
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