Rescued dogs sent overseas find new lives, 'forever families'

Kumi, a Pomeranian mix rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Chungcheong Province, was adopted by Diana Rodriguez, living in Virginia, the United States, in February 2021. Courtesy of Diana Rodriguez

Dogs freed from meat farms in Korea enjoy new life in US, UK

By Lee Hyo-jin

Adopting Kumi, a two-and-a-half-year-old Pomeranian mix rescued from a Korean dog meat farm, was a life-changing event for Diana Rodriguez, living in Virginia, the United States.

Rescued in October 2020 from a dog farm in Haemi, South Chungcheong Province, Kumi was extremely traumatized when she arrived in the U.S. later that month.

"Not only was she separated from her mother who was caged with her on the farm, but she was pregnant at the time, and gave birth (to her pup) in her first foster home," Rodriguez told The Korea Times during a recent email interview.

But after all she had gone through, Kumi's resilient spirit never ceases to inspire Rodriguez since she became part of her family in February 2021.

"When I first saw her, I was immediately struck by how strong she must be to still be so good in spite of what she's been through. I was inspired by her courage and resilience, and it helped me understand that change is hard for all beings, not just humans. I felt a true kinship with her in her struggles," she said.

Rodriguez explained that Kumi was named after "Gumiho," a nine-tailed fox from Korean folktales, due to her resemblance to a fox.

Kumi is one of the 2,500 dogs freed from dog meat farms in Korea and sent for overseas adoption by Humane Society International, a U.S.-based animal rights group, under the organization's "Models for Change" campaign launched in 2015.

Of the 2,500 canines, about 95 percent have succeeded in finding their "forever family."

Kumi, center, rests on the couch with Rodriguez's two other dogs, Angus and Fiona. Courtesy of Diana Rodriguez

As she had been locked up in a small, dirty wire cage her entire life, Kumi wasn't used to human affection at first. But fortunately, the presence of Rodriguez's two other dogs ― Angus and Fiona ― made it easier for her to adjust to the new surroundings.

"She likes dogs far more than humans, which is understandable. But she has made an incredible progress and now I know she loves her human family, too. She is still very anxious and has triggers, but all in all, she is a very happy and joyful girl."

Imagining the horror Kumi experienced on the dog farm is heartbreaking for Rodriguez.

"I had heard about this practice and industry for many years, so I was relieved to learn that people were becoming more enlightened to how cruel and awful it is to confine animals like that for their meat," she said, expressing hopes that the Korean government will impose an outright ban on the dog meat industry based on the understanding that dogs are intelligent sentient beings.

Nikki Potter and her family pose with Winston in this photo taken in December 2019. Courtesy of Nikki Potter

The story of Winston, a Boston Terrier rescued from a farm in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, in September 2019, is another happily-ever-after one. The dog found his new home three months later, adopted by Nikki Potter living in the U.K. village of North Waltham.

After seeing his picture and having heard about what Winston had gone through, Potter and her family were eager to adopt Winston. But competition was high. The Potters had to pass an interview and then a thorough home inspection to check if it would be a suitable environment to raise the traumatized dog.

"We were overjoyed at the end of the interview to be told that out of the hundreds of applicants we were at the top of the list as the perfect match for Winston," Potter recalled.

Winston has brought so much joy to her family and has helped them show more kindness and consideration for all animals.

"We are all now committed vegetarians and passionate advocates of HSI and ending of the dog meat industry. We always tell anyone about how Winston became our family," she said.

In addition, they realized that the special bond between a human and a dog relieves psychological stress and gives emotional support, something that is especially important amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Winston joined our family near the start of the pandemic. He was often the only thing that could unite us all in smiling on some of those long lockdown days," she said.

"We were thankful to have the commitment of his daily walks which forced us to leave the house. And the simple pleasures he took in life reminded us of how lucky we were to be safe and well."

Potter described Winston's personality as "absolutely hilarious and playful."

"He can detect the sound of cheese being taken out of the fridge within seconds. His absolute favorite toy in the world is a tennis ball, which he usually has about eight laying around the house at any given time."

Winston was rescued from a dog farm in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, in October 2019, and was adopted by Nikki Potter living in the United Kingdom. Courtesy of Nikki Potter

Potter expressed gratitude to the Koreans, especially the younger generation, who are "wholeheartedly rejecting the dog meat industry and striving to change traditions and hope that this will translate into the ethical and humane treatment of all animals."

Jovie sits with Amanda O'neal on a beach, where she loves to splash about in tidal pools. Courtesy of Amanda O'neal

Jovie, a six-year-old female Labrador, which was also rescued from the dog farm in Haemi, settled with her new family in Maryland, U.S.

Amanda O'Neal, who adopted her in December 2020, was amazed by how Jovie seemed to immediately feel comfortable in her new home.

"It feels like Jovie has always belonged with us. She has helped my kids learn about animals that don't always come from the best situations, and that they need to be treated with patience and love allowing them to adjust and grow on their own timeline," O'Neal said.

Jovie was heartworm positive when O'Neal adopted her, a common disease found among canines rescued from meat farms. She had to go through a series of injections and rest time to recover.

Jovie, a six-year-old female Labrador rescued from a dog farm in Haemi, South Chungcheong Province, settled with her new family in Maryland, U.S., in December 2020. Courtesy of Amanda O'neal

Another thing that was hard for her was getting startled while she was sleeping, or when someone would approach her from behind, since she had to be very aware of what was happening around her at all times as she had been chained up outside on the farm.

"But it just took time, and talking to her if you were going to come up behind her or past her while she was sleeping to give her warning. Now she doesn't mind at all and is relaxed," O'Neal said.

She described Jovie as a playful dog that loves going for walks and hanging out with other dogs. "We have another dog in our home, a non-farm Labrador, and they get along perfectly. She also loves riding in the car so much she tries to get into it every time she is near it."

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