Tina Castelino, Author at Korean K9 Rescue

We’re currently on the ground in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, facing unimaginable horrors as we try to save these small, fragile, innocent lives. We need far more than the donations we’re asking for in our fundraiser to support the hundreds of dogs found alive and displaced. But we also need to address the deceased. We’ve found mothers crudely cut open to retrieve their babies and left for dead, and dozens of dogs wrapped in newspaper and hidden in freezers. This is a living nightmare. Sometimes, we’re afraid to speak up to our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who want to buy that cute pet shop dog or that feeling of an unethical breeder. Showing one video like this can change everything. Please think twice before supporting pet stores or shady breeders. It’s places like this that supply them. This isn’t just a problem in Korea—it’s a global issue. We can break this vicious cycle by adopting and doing thorough research before bringing a new dog into our lives.

Please continue to share and support us. In a historic first, the Gyeonggi province governor played a pivotal role in advocating for the shutdown and rescue of an illegal puppy mill in Hwaseong City, marking a significant step towards animal welfare advocacy in Korea.The scale of cruelty at the puppy mill is heart-wrenching . The worst part was finding bodies of mothers and babies frozen in fridges around the property that the “millers” froze to dispose of later.Here’s an update on Korea’s most unprecedented dog rescue mission that unfolded over the last three days. A horrific puppy mill harboring 1,426 lives was ended thanks to a collaborative effort involving Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi-do (@kimdongyeon_dy) and 20 local animal rescue groups. Including ours, Korean K9 Rescue (@kk9r.kr), we welcomed 79 dogs into our already overflowing rescue center. Here are the heroes who were a part of this rescue, along with the number of dogs we all saved collaboratively:

Gyeonggi Companion Animal Center Yeojoo: 583 dogs
Hwaseong Companion Dog Sharing Center: 104 dogs
@koreank9rescue: 79 dogs
@animal_kara: 70 dogs
@save.life2020: 55 dogs
@youumbba: 82 dogs
@we.a.c.t: 32 dogs
@kdsrescue: 120 dogs
@ngo_dasom: 20 dogs
@everlove8282: 48 dogs
@rebirth.or.kr: 6 dogs
@bemydog_animal: 5 dogs
@yuhengsa: 51 dogs
@adogs: 10 dogs
@angelproject_official: 10 dogs
@povengers: 2 dogs
@withdog_rescue: 21 dogs
@be_together.be_loved: 10 dogs
@inca_happydog: 15 dogs
@crk__official: 9 dogs
@helpshelter: 46 dogs
@soby2017: 25 dogs
@t.b.t_rescue: 25 dogs

We sincerely thank each participating group and everyone who supported this mission, including our courageous supporters and followers who listened and donated. With your help, we are inching closer to our fundraising goal of $15,000, which will go towards the vetting and care of these rescued lives. Thank you!

A huge Thanks to LuxLuf Event Florist and The Ways of the Dog for beautifully capturing the love and fun at our MidSummer Pup Party on Saturday, July 30th, at Farm to People, Bushwick, Brooklyn! Seventy pup photos were taken, and we are so grateful for the alumni and community supporting our mission! The NYC dog adoption scene thrived as kk9r alumni, whose dogs once had a traumatic past, celebrated their transformation to happy lives. Many thanks to those in Queens, Long Island City, and all of NYC for turning their lives around through love and adoption.

Check out their pics here https://jenhillenga.pixieset.com/kk9summerparty-1/

Summer in the city never looked so bright, especially after the phenomenal turnout at our MidSummer Pup Party! We want to thank everyone who made the day unforgettable for dog adoption in NYC.

First off, grand applause for all who participated in our raffle! Your spirited involvement helped us raise nearly $25k. To all the winners – wear your crowns with pride! Every ticket you bought brought a Korean dog closer to finding its forever home in neighborhoods spanning Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens and the tri-state area. A paw-tastic thank you to Farm to People for hosting this splendid event. The day was delightful, with Spicy Moon NYC tantalizing our taste buds and Woofbowl ensuring our four-legged friends weren’t left out of the feasting. The scenic decor, courtesy of Luxluf Event Florist, painted a picturesque backdrop, while The Ways of the Dog captured these memories, giving us stunning photos to cherish. Our deep appreciation also goes to our generous sponsors, who showed up in full force! Your relentless support is why we can continue urging people to adopt a dog in NYC. Yet, the heroes of the day were you – our incredible community. Because of your big hearts, we’ve raised over $50k for the Siheung Slaughterhouse Survivors and our Critical Care Fund. Your support ensures that these brave souls and many others find a loving home in the city that never sleeps. With over 200 attendees at the party, the message was clear: New Yorkers are passionate about canine rescue, and together we are making a significant difference. For those looking to adopt a dog in NYC, remember that Korean K9 Rescue is always here, working tirelessly to connect you with your new best friend.

As the sun sets on our MidSummer Pup Party, a new hope dawns for many awaiting pups. From the heart of Brooklyn to the hustle of Manhattan and surrounding areas, let’s keep this momentum alive and continue to champion the cause of dog adoption in NYC.

In gratitude and hope,
The Korean K9 Rescue Team

In a recent rescue operation, Korean news TV broadcaster SBS unveiled a disturbing truth hidden for far too long—the heartless Siheung dog butcher responsible for mercilessly slaughtering thousands of dogs in Gyeonggi province. This dark reality was exposed through the collaborative efforts of Koerean K9 Rescue and KARA, who infiltrated the operation to catch the perpetrator in the act, striving for justice despite the limitations of existing laws. SBS documents the mission, sharing the story on YouTube, offering viewers a chance to witness the bravery of those fighting for innocent lives.

Watch the SBS video here: 강아지를 가득 실은 수상한 트럭.. 쫓아가봤습니다ㅣSuspicious Truck Loaded With Dogs… The Truth..

The courageous manager of KK9R in Korea led the operation, risking everything to save lives and overcome potential charges. Now, over 20 survivors from the Siheung slaughterhouse are under care, battling the effects of parvo and other medical conditions. Join the cause through the Midsummer Raffle, supporting ongoing efforts and making a difference in the lives of these resilient dogs. The Midsummer Party on July 29th in Bushwick, Brooklyn, presents an opportunity to unite against cruelty. Visit this link for more information on how you can support our mission: https://koreank9rescue-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1251670

The annual MidSummer Raffle Fundraiser is gearing up to launch. This year’s spotlight is on the Siheung Dog Slaughterhouse Survivors, a group of dogs rescued from the clutches of a brutal dog meat industry, and the Critical Vet Care Fund that ensures their well-being. As anticipation builds for the event, organizers are excited to unveil a lineup of generous sponsors with jaw-dropping prizes, all for a good cause.

The rescue mission began with a joint effort to combat the dark corners of the dog meat industry in South Korea. Collaborating with fellow rescue teams, a daring operation led to the rescuing of 24 dogs from a primary pipeline of this cruel trade. Having narrowly escaped an unthinkable fate, these survivors now face a long journey to rehabilitation and recovery. The upcoming MidSummer Raffle Fundraiser aims to support these courageous canines, ensuring they receive the care, attention, and love they deserve. With over $32,000 worth of raffle prizes lined up from dedicated sponsors, this year’s raffle promises to be the most impactful yet. The ultimate goal? Aiming to raise $30,000, with the added boost of a generous private donor matching contributions 1:1 up to $25,000. This ambitious target of $55,000 will provide a solid foundation for the rescued dogs to embark on a brighter path, far from the shadows of their past. While the raffle has yet to go live, organizers encourage everyone to stay tuned and spread the word. By purchasing raffle tickets and sharing the cause within their circles, animal lovers, friends, and family can contribute to their journey, ushering these survivors into a future filled with care, happiness, and renewed hope.

Amidst the summer heat, a heartwarming initiative is set to remind us of the power of compassion and collective action. The upcoming MidSummer Raffle Fundraiser is more than just a chance to win incredible prizes; it’s an opportunity to rewrite the destinies of brave dogs who have survived the unthinkable. Watch this space for the raffle’s official launch, and let’s come together to unleash hope and ensure a brighter, healthier future for these Korean survivors who will make their way to NYC to find their forever homes. Adopt NYC!
https://go.rallyup.com/kk9rsummerparty2023/Raffle

A dream, a fantasy, a Midsummer Pup Party! Join us in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, for the most paws-itively incredible gathering in town. Let’s make a difference in the lives of Siheung Slaughterhouse survivors and Korean rescue dogs.

Save the date: Saturday, July 29th, from 12 pm to 4 pm, Farm To People in Bushwick. Get ready for an unforgettable day with exclusive swag bags and a Midsummer Dream flower photo booth to cherish forever, expertly crafted by The Ways of the Dog and Luxluf Event Florist. Quench your thirst with drinks provided by Farm to Table and savor delectable food from the infamous vegan restaurant Spicy Moon NYC (Szechuan cuisine). Keep your furry friend cool with doggy ice cream from Just Food For Dogs and Woofbowl food truck for dogs will spoil your pup with a delicious lunch. Splash into fun with doggy pools and games, ensuring every wagging tail experiences summertime bliss. Laughter will fill the air as comedian Laura Merli takes the stage with her hilarious comedy routine. Also, browse dog company vendors, sponsor tables, and participate in the on-site VIP raffle. You can win incredible prizes worth wagging for.

Every ticket sold rescues and rehabilitates the Siheung Slaughterhouse Survivors we rescued last month and provided medical treatment for our dogs through our Critical Care Fund. VIP tickets are $75 / general admission is $40. Limited tickets due to event capacity space. Link in bio to purchase.

Remember to check out our online raffle, launching Monday, July 10th, with over $32,000 worth of prizes generously donated by our incredible sponsors. For just $5 per ticket, you and your canine companion could win fabulous prizes you’ll adore. It’s our biggest raffle fundraiser ever!

So, come one, come all to the Midsummer Pup Party – Let’s unite as a community, make lasting memories, and show these incredible dogs that their future is bright, full of love, and hope. Together, we can be heroes for the dogs who need us the most.

Illustration by @sparksofchoi

Attention all compassionate citizens of Korea! It’s time to come together and make our voices heard. On June 5th, our team at the Korean K9 Rescue uncovered a heart-wrenching crisis that has been ignored for far too long. We discovered over 50 dogs living in filth and infected with parasites while an 80-year-old grandmother struggled to care for them alone.
For over a decade, this heartbreaking situation has gone unnoticed and unaddressed by the city and the community. Despite our exposure, it took Paju City a staggering 12 days to move the elderly grandma to a nursing home, leaving these innocent dogs suffering from diseases and neglect. These poor souls, many of them young and afflicted with severe skin infections, have been dubbed “Zombie Dogs.” Their plight is a haunting reminder of the consequences of neglect and indifference towards needy animals. Our team has managed to rescue 17 of these dogs, but their condition is contagious, and providing them with proper care is challenging and costly.

This is where we need your help. As fellow Korean citizens who care deeply about the innocent creatures that share our world, we must demand immediate action from Paju City officials. They have a duty to protect both the public and these animals, and their negligence can no longer be tolerated.

Help us raise our voices: Please call Paju City if you live in Korea and tell the officials, “Paju City must allocate a clean quarantine location for the abandoned dogs to heal and ensure their safety and well-being.”

☎️ Contact Information: Mayor Kim Kyung-il’s Office: 031-940-4005 Paju City Animal Management Department: 031-940-4824 Paju City Welfare Policy Department: 031-940-4390

We witnessed the heart-wrenching images of innocent dogs crammed into crude transport cages on a butcher’s truck a few days ago. But amidst the darkness, there was a glimmer of hope, thanks to the heroic efforts of Korean K9 Rescue. Today, we update you on the incredible journey of the 24 Siheung slaughterhouse survivors – a tale of resilience, compassion, and hope. These brave survivors have endured unimaginable horrors – torture, suffering, and death were their daily reality. However, their spirits remain unbroken, and they are grateful for the kind, loving touch they are now experiencing. Despite the traumas they faced, their eyes shine with newfound hope, and their bodies tremble with relief at the care they are receiving.

Through KARA’s intense tracking work and the collaboration of the Siheung Police, a significant victory has been achieved – the heartless butcher responsible for their plight will no longer be able to inflict suffering upon dozens of dogs every day. The pipeline of killings has been shut down for an extended period, saving countless innocent lives from a dreadful fate. Currently housed at a quarantine center in Pocheon, Korea, these survivors receive the love and care they desperately need. Thanks to the dedication of Korean K9 Rescue, our team is feeding them fresh beef and potato recipe from Just Food For Dogs. They have been prepared to nourish their bodies and souls, ensuring they get the strength to recover from their harrowing experiences.

Their journey to recovery, however, is challenging. Among the survivors, two dogs have been confirmed pregnant, expecting six precious puppies. Additionally, eight dogs have tested positive for heartworm, while three are battling parvo. The road to survival may be long, but with your continued support, we can help these brave souls conquer these obstacles.
To ensure the Siheung slaughterhouse survivors receive the ongoing medical care they need, Korean K9 Rescue is stepping up once again. After quarantine, they will take 16 of these dogs (including the unborn puppies) into their care. But to continue expanding their life-saving efforts, they depend on the generosity of supporters like you. Your generous donations and unwavering compassion have significantly impacted these dogs’ lives. Let’s continue to unite with Korean K9 Rescue in their fight against cruelty and abuse. Please share the fundraiser far and wide, as every contribution will make a difference in providing these survivors a second chance at life.

In a daring and heroic operation, Korean K9 Rescue partnered with KARA to shut down Korea’s notorious Siheung dog slaughterhouse. This facility has been identified as a hub for illegal dog meat distribution, subjecting countless innocent animals to unimaginable cruelty and suffering. Dogs were crammed into tiny cages, awaiting brutal torture and slaughter. The operation led by @animal_kara and activists revealed the horrors behind those walls. The mission resulted in rescuing 24 traumatized dogs needing urgent help and loving homes. The rescued dogs have been exposed to immense trauma and cruelty, but Korean K9 Rescue is determined to turn their lives around. They are reaching out to compassionate individuals in New York, especially in NYC and Los Angeles, to join their mission to provide a second chance to these innocent beings. Through an extensive adoption campaign, they aim to find loving homes for these rescued dogs. The goal is to rehabilitate them and demonstrate that they can overcome the horrors they endured at the slaughterhouse with care, compassion, and proper treatment.

While the immediate battle has been won, the fight for justice continues. Korean K9 Rescue is committed to holding the Siheung butcher and other members of the slaughterhouse accountable for their heinous actions. To achieve this, they plan to engage the city court system and demonstrate that the dog meat distribution and slaughter were inhumane and illegal, potentially setting a crucial legal precedent in Korea. However, this fight will be long and challenging, as animal welfare laws in Korea are still thin and need significant improvement.

Urgent donations are needed to support this cause and help provide a fresh start to the rescued dogs. Korean K9 Rescue is developing a comprehensive campaign to vet and rehabilitate the 24 dogs saved from the Siheung slaughterhouse. The success of this campaign depends on the collective support and sharing of their story of our MidSummer Pup Party in Brooklyn, NY, where funds will be raised for their rehabilitation. Together, we can make a difference and provide these deserving dogs with the love and care they need to heal from the traumas they’ve endured. If you want to adopt a dog in New York or Los Angeles or know someone who is, now is the perfect time to make a positive impact and give a forever home to these resilient survivors.

Yesterday, our team in Korea @kk9r.kr and our partners @youumbba @animal_kara took part in a joint rescue mission (the first step) to help these poor dogs in Paju, Korea. The local community called them “the zombie dogs” because of their skin condition and facial pain. An elderly woman kept forty-seven dogs in extremely poor condition. They all suffer from Demodex mange, a highly contagious and painful skin parasite that will take many months or possibly years to heal.

Our first step was to go into the hoarding site and assess the dog’s condition, which was horrible. They were all malnourished, and the mange had covered 100% of their skin, causing it to harden, blister, and crack with pain and inflammation. Our teams wore hazmat suits because this mange is contagious and dangerous to humans. All the dogs were given their first round of medication to start treatment, and they will be moved to a private kennel soon to recover their health first. It’s a slow and lengthy process, but our rescue teams are working together with the city of Paju to help these dogs. We are confident we can combine our experience and resolve to help these dogs fully recover and get a second shot. We can’t wait to see their transformation, but it will be a long, hard, expensive road. Please consider donating to help these poor pups. You can mark your donation towards the “Paju dogs” if you wish to sponsor or help. The team at @kk9r.kr and our partners @youumbba @animal_kara have been tirelessly working to rescue these dogs from their dire conditions. Despite the challenges posed by the contagious nature of the mange, they remain committed to providing the best care and treatment for these innocent animals. Demodex mange is caused by tiny parasitic mites that burrow into the dog’s skin, leading to intense itching, inflammation, and skin lesions. Left untreated, it can be fatal. However, with the proper care and medical attention, these dogs have a chance at a new life.

Our rescue teams understand that healing these dogs will not be easy. The recovery process will require time, patience, and considerable financial resources. The medical expenses, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for 47 dogs are significant, but we believe we can make a difference with the support of compassionate individuals. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, can play a crucial role in giving these dogs a chance to overcome their suffering and experience love, care, and happiness once again. Your generous donations will directly fund their medical treatments, nutritious food, and comfortable shelter as they begin their journey to recovery. To donate and support the “Paju Dogs” rescue mission, please visit koreank9rescue.org/donate. Together, we can be a beacon of hope for these innocent animals and impact their lives. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of “The Zombie Dogs” as they embark on their road to recovery. We believe in the power of kindness and the resilience of these amazing creatures and are committed to sharing their inspiring journey with all of you.

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"The Zombie Dogs" in Paju, Korea