Summer is here, and Korean K9 Rescue is hitting the streets (and breweries) of NYC all month long! From in-store adoption events to our biggest fundraiser of the year, this July is packed with opportunities to meet our adoptable dogs, connect with fellow rescue supporters, and help us save more lives.
Whether you’re looking to adopt, foster, or just hang with some pups, we hope you’ll join us at one of these events:
🐕 Saturday, July 5 – Petco Union Square Adoption Event 📍 44 Union Square E, New York, NY 🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
We’re back in Union Square! Meet adoptable dogs and chat with our team about how to get involved. The first 30 minutes are reserved for pre-approved adopters, so apply early if you’re hoping to bring home a pup. Event Info →
🐶Saturday, July 12 – Unleashed by Petco (Park Slope) 📍 817 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 🚛 Adoption truck confirmed!
Join us outside Unleashed by Petco in Park Slope for one of our most popular events of the summer. Our adoption truck will be on-site and filled with dogs ready to meet you. Event Info →
🌶️Saturday, July 26 – Yappy Hour @ Spicy Moon (Bowery)
📍 265 Bowery, New York, NY 🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
We’re wrapping up the month with a plant-based happy hour hosted by Spicy Moon! Swing by for spicy snacks, adoptable pups, and a laid-back afternoon with the KK9R crew. Event Info →
💛 About Korean K9 Rescue We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in NYC, rescuing dogs from the Korean dog meat trade and overcrowded shelters. Your support helps us provide rehabilitation, medical care, and loving forever homes to dogs who need it most.
In rural South Korea, thousands of dogs live tethered on short one-meter (3 ft) chains – left out in the elements, unable to move freely, and often forgotten. These chains are not just physical restraints. They represent a lifetime of confinement, neglect, and suffering. At Korean K9 Rescue, we believe every dog deserves better. That’s why we launched Operation 1M.
A New Mission After the Fires
In March 2025, wildfires swept across Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, devastating entire communities – including farms where dogs were chained and left behind. More than 700 dogs perished in just one fire in Andong. The scale of the loss was staggering, and the aftermath revealed a deeper, ongoing crisis: countless field dogs still live in silence across rural Korea, tethered and exposed, with no access to shelter or medical care. These aren’t isolated cases. They’re a systemic issue tied to cultural practices, economic hardship, and the absence of enforceable welfare laws.
What We’re Doing
Since April, our team has been working directly in rural regions like Andong and Cheongsong County – places hit hard by both wildfire and neglect. In just 45 days, we’ve:
• Built 44 field dog houses
• Provided longer tethers to allow more freedom of movement
• Delivered critical veterinary care, including deworming, vaccinations, and heartworm prevention
• Spay & Neutered 55 dogs, with plans to go back and do 80 more at the end of the month
These small steps are already making a big impact. Dogs who once lay on bare earth under burning sun now have a shaded space to rest. Dogs who were completely immobilized by chains now have the freedom to stretch, move, and interact. We’re not just building houses. We’re building hope.
Why It Matters
Field dogs in Korea are often invisible – overlooked by policy, the public, and even many rescues. But their suffering is no less urgent. We’ve seen the consequences of inaction firsthand. After the fires, we rescued dogs burned, starving, and barely alive. Some, like Phoenix, shielded their newborn puppies through smoke and flames. Others, like Guwon, survived among the bodies of hundreds who didn’t. This new phase – Operation 1M – is our commitment to preventing the next tragedy.
A Call to Action
We can’t do this alone. Every doghouse, every rope, every veterinary treatment costs time and resources. And there are thousands more dogs still waiting.
Your support helps us continue this mission – one dog, one house, one chain at a time.
Pet Therapy Day with KCS: Healing Through Connection
Pet Therapy Day with KCS: Healing Through Connection
Why We Love Dogs
Because they listen without judgment. Because they love without conditions. Because they meet us exactly where we are.
This weekend, we partnered with Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York (KCS) for a special Pet Therapy Day in Jackson Heights. It was part of their AAPI Heritage Month programming—but what unfolded was so much more than a cultural event. It was a connection. It was healing. It was a reminder that rescue doesn’t stop at adoption—it ripples outward.
Meeting People Where They Are
As a rescue, it’s easy to become focused on outcomes—getting dogs adopted, placing them in homes, completing the circle. But the truth is, rescuing and rehabilitating these dogs is just as important as finding them families. That process—of gaining trust, learning to walk calmly on leash, growing confident around people—is a core part of our mission. It’s where so much of the healing happens. Pet therapy days like this remind us why that work matters. These events aren’t about adoption—they’re about presence. They’re about showing up in the community with dogs who, not long ago, were shut down or overlooked. And now, those same dogs are offering calm, comfort, and connection to others. We watched as kids crouched quietly next to a small white dog, as elders spoke softly to a shy pup, as passersby paused to share stories about the dogs they once loved. What happens in those moments is deeply human. No pressure. No expectations. No barriers. Just two beings meeting each other—sometimes for the first time—and recognizing something familiar.
Why This Matters
Pet therapy isn’t about perfectly trained dogs performing tricks for applause. It’s about trust. The dogs who joined us on Saturday had all come from difficult situations—puppy mills, overcrowded shelters, meat farms. They’ve been through things no dog should have to survive. And yet, here they were: walking into a busy community space, staying calm, making eye contact, allowing touch. That’s not by accident. That’s the result of weeks, even months, of decompression, socialization, and care. For a dog who once flinched at every noise, choosing to sit beside a stranger is a milestone. And for the person beside them? That moment might be the first breath of calm they’ve taken all day.
Rescue That Reaches Back
It’s easy to think of rescue as one-way: we pull a dog from a bad situation, we help them heal, we find them a home. But we’ve seen, again and again, that rescue goes both ways. It heals the dogs, yes—but it also heals the people who meet them. One woman told us about her dog from childhood, lost years ago but never forgotten. A young boy who was nervous at first eventually laid his head beside one of our calmer dogs, still and content. These quiet exchanges are the real work. The real impact. The moments that stick.
Why We Show Up
As a rescue, we often find ourselves in the heavy parts of the story—dogs arriving in crates, medical cases, behavior notes, heartbreak. Pet therapy events are a different kind of hard work. They ask us to be fully present. To let our dogs represent who they are becoming, not just where they came from. To celebrate progress, not perfection. And in spaces like Jackson Heights—with its intergenerational families, its mix of languages, its deep sense of community—we’re reminded that our mission is bigger than rescue alone. It’s about respect. Education. Belonging. Healing, together.
Thank You, KCS
We’re incredibly grateful to the team at KCS for creating space for this event and inviting us into it. And to every person who stopped, shared a story, offered a gentle pet, or just smiled—thank you. You made the day what it was.
How You Can Help
Are you part of a school, senior center, or community organization that would benefit from a visit with our rescue dogs? Or maybe you’re interested in fostering a dog that could grow into this kind of work. Reach out—we’d love to connect. Contact Us →
AFTER THE FIRE: SEVEN SURVIVORS FROM ANDONG
After the Fire: Seven Survivors from Andong
Content warning: This post includes images and descriptions of animal suffering. Last month, a wildfire tore through a dog meat farm in Andong, South Korea. Over 700 dogs died. Only seven survived. Last week, Gina, KK9R Director and Vicky, our Rescue Manager, traveled to South Korea to see the aftermath firsthand. They visited Mapo-gu Emergency Hospital in Seoul, where one of the survivors—a female Tosa named Guwon—is being treated for second-degree burns across her face and body. She was found beside the remains of the dogs who didn’t make it. Her condition is serious. So is what it represents. This wasn’t just a fire. It was the result of an industry that still cages dogs in silence, even as the country moves to shut it down. Farms like this one still exist. Dogs like Guwon are still inside. What happened in Andong isn’t isolated—and the only reason any of these seven dogs made it out is because people refused to look away.
The Teams Behind the Rescue
The response to this tragedy has been led by people on the ground who refused to give up. Guwon—and the six other surviving Tosas—are alive today thanks to: The tireless efforts of our Korean team (@kk9r.kr) The on-the-ground coordination and care provided by Lucy’s Friends And the ongoing support and compassion from Humane World for Animals (formerly HSI) Next month, all seven dogs will be flown to the U.S. to begin the next phase of their recovery.
What comes next
These dogs are going to need time, structure, medical care, and patient fosters. They’ve experienced severe trauma. We don’t expect quick fixes, but we’re ready to walk them through it—step by step. We’re preparing now to welcome them and give them a safe space to start over. We’ll be sharing updates as they arrive.
How to help
If you’ve been following this story and wondering how to contribute—this is the moment. • Support their recovery with a donation • Open your home as a foster • Share their story to help push the industry further into the light
These seven dogs made it out. Most didn’t. We’re carrying their memory forward—through the ones who survived.
187 Lives Saved: Emergency Animal Rescue Mission in South Korea
“We extended our hands 187 times.”
On April 6, 2025, Lucy’s Friends concluded their emergency rescue efforts in Andong, South Korea, after wildfires devastated the region. Since March 23, their team has been on-site rescuing animals injured, displaced, or abandoned during the fires. In total, 187 animals were saved from extreme conditions like burns, exhaustion, and entrapment. Some were even reunited with their guardians and will be returned after receiving veterinary treatment.
From the earliest days of the wildfire, Lucy’s Friends quickly mobilized a disaster response team. They worked in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and the City of Andong to establish an emergency veterinary clinic in the heart of the disaster zone.
They also pioneered the first-ever Animal Welfare Situation Room inside the government’s disaster response headquarters. This collaborative hub between NGOs and local government officials helped coordinate rescue missions in real-time, making it a model for disaster-response partnerships.
Thanks to this joint effort between nonprofits, local agencies, veterinarians, and volunteers, all 187 rescued animals are now safe. Many are already receiving the care and comfort they need to begin healing — physically and emotionally.
But the work isn’t over.
A Long-Term Commitment to Recovery
Lucy’s Friends is committed to supporting both the animal and human communities long after the fires have subsided. Their next phase of work includes: • Spay/neuter programs for outdoor dogs in rural areas • Animal welfare outreach and shelter condition improvement • Expanded pet registration to help with future reunifications • Support for community cat feeding stations and TNR programs
They’re also formally advocating for a new law: the Pet Evacuation Act, which would ensure that animals can evacuate with their guardians during disasters. Over 2,000 people have already signed the petition calling for its passage — a powerful sign that South Koreans want animals to be seen as part of the family, even in emergencies. Disasters don’t discriminate. And neither should safety.
How You Can Help
Korean K9 Rescue is proud to support Lucy’s Friends and their extraordinary work. We are committed to raising awareness, funds, and support for the dogs rescued from these wildfires. 👉 Please consider donating to our emergency fundraiser on Kakao Together to help provide ongoing care for the rescued animals.
Special Thanks
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to the following veterinary hospitals and animal medical centers for their tireless dedication during this mission. Their expertise and compassion saved lives:
Daegu & Gyeongbuk Area Dasom Animal Medical Center (Geumjeong & Main Branch) Jukjeon Animal Medical Center Tops Animal Medical Center W Animal Medical Center Park Soonseok Animal Medical Center Barun Step Animal Surgery Hospital Songjeong Animal Medical Center Lee Seungjin Animal Medical Center Lee Seongjun Animal Hospital Eple Animal Hospital Choonhyun General Animal Hospital CARA Animal Hospital Sky Animal Medical Center (Yongin) Yeowool Animal Hospital Pyungchon Daon Animal Hospital
Seoul, Gyeonggi & National Support The HUE Animal Medical Center Beomeo Animal Medical Center Bundang Leaders Animal Medical Center Bless Animal Medical Center Standard Animal Medical Center Yeonhui Animal Medical Center Jamsil ON Animal Medical Center Times Animal Medical Center FM Animal Medical Center (Gimpo) SD Animal Medical Center SNC Animal Medical Center SUN Animal Hospital Konkuk University Veterinary Hospital Kyungpook National University Animal Hospital Gwanggyo Wooridul Animal Hospital Gwangmyeong 24hr ID Animal Medical Center Gunpo Sol Animal Hospital Green Bell Animal Medical Center NEL Animal Medical Center
To every vet, volunteer, and supporter — thank you. You’ve made a difference.
The 3-3-3 Rule
the 3-3-3 Rule
what to expect when you bring home a (kk9r) Rescue dog
Adopting a rescue dog is a life-changing experience—for you and your new pup! While it’s an exciting time, it’s important to remember that adjusting to a new home takes time. At Korean K9 Rescue, we’ve seen firsthand how patience, understanding, and a little structure can make all the difference. That’s why we encourage our adopters to follow the 3-3-3 Rule, a simple way to understand what your new dog might experience in their first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months at home. This guide is designed to set you and your dog up for success. Every dog’s journey is unique, but we’ve found this framework helps create a smoother transition—for everyone.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule?
The 3-3-3 Rule outlines common phases a rescue dog goes through as they adjust to a new life. It’s a helpful reminder to give your dog time to decompress, settle in, and bond with you. While some dogs might move through these stages quickly, others—especially those rescued from puppy mills, dog meat farms, or high-kill shelters—may need more time. And that’s okay!
the first 3 days: decompression time
What to Expect: In the first few days, your dog may feel overwhelmed, stressed, or shut down. You might notice they’re nervous, avoidant, or even reluctant to eat. It’s completely normal!
KK9R Tips: • Create a calm, quiet space for your dog with their crate, water, and bedding. • Keep greetings low-key and avoid introducing too many people at once. • Stick to a routine. Feed them at the same time each day and go on predictable walks. • Don’t force interaction. Let your dog come to you when they’re ready. • Avoid overstimulation. No dog parks, pet stores, or busy outings just yet!
Avoid overstimulation. No dog parks, pet stores, or busy outings just yet! Many of our Jindo mixes and puppy mill survivors need this decompression period even more. A calm, predictable environment helps them feel safe.
the first 3 weeks: settling in and learning the routine
What to Expect: By week three, your dog might start to feel more at home. You may see their personality emerge—or some testing of boundaries. This is a crucial time to establish structure and build trust. KK9R Tips: • Follow our recommended crate training schedule: 2 hours out / 4 hours in throughout the day to give them structure and downtime. • Stick to consistent potty breaks. Many of our dogs, especially puppy mill rescues, may take longer to potty train. • Reward positive behaviors with treats and praise. • Go slow with new experiences. Introduce car rides, new people, or visitors gradually.
At this stage, your dog may start testing limits. This is a great time to reinforce boundaries with positive training techniques.
the first 3 months: building trust and bonding
What to Expect: After three months, most dogs are starting to feel truly comfortable and secure in their new home. You’ll notice stronger bonding, more confidence, and more relaxation. KK9R Tips: • Introduce regular training sessions—whether at home or with a professional trainer. • Be patient. Some dogs may still be nervous in new environments or around strangers. • Continue crate time for structure, but allow for more freedom as your dog gains confidence. • Stick to a healthy routine, including feeding, exercise, and downtime. • Maintain your dog’s fresh food diet (we start all KK9R dogs on Just Food For Dogs) for their ongoing health.
This is often the point where dogs feel at home, but continue to support them at their pace. Some Jindo mixes, for example, take longer to fully trust and bond. That’s okay!
Final thoughts: every dog is different
The 3-3-3 Rule is a guide—not a deadline. Some dogs breeze through the adjustment, while others take longer. At KK9R, we believe that with patience, understanding, and support, every dog can thrive. Need extra support? Our team is always here to help! 📩 Reach out to us anytime at koreank9rescue.org/contact.
Ready to begin your journey?
Explore our adoptable dogs at koreank9rescue.org/adopt and give a rescue dog the second chance they deserve!
April 2025 Dog Adoption Events in NYC
Looking to meet some adorable rescue dogs and learn more about fostering or adopting? Korean K9 Rescue is popping up at some awesome local events this April — and we’d love to see you there!
These community events are a fun, low-pressure way to meet adoptable pups, chat with our team, and enjoy great food, drinks, and dog-loving company.
Join us for a plant-based paw-ty in the city! We’re teaming up with our friends at Spicy Moon and Woofbowl for a laid-back afternoon of:
💚 Vegan bites from Spicy Moon 🍻 Spicy Moon’s own beer 🐶 Adoptable dogs from Korean K9 Rescue 🐾 Woofbowl — a food truck for dogs!
This is a great opportunity to hang out with our dogs, chat with our team about fostering or adopting, and enjoy the spring weather with fellow dog lovers.
Stop by our home base in Astoria to meet a group of adoptable pups and chat with our team about the adoption process. This is a great event for first-time adopters or anyone who wants a quieter setting to connect with our dogs.
📍 Adoption Pop-Up at Alta Dispensary
🗓 Saturday, April 12th 🕐 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Pre-approved adopters: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM) 📍 52 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012 🎟 Event Details
Our adoption truck will be parked outside Alta Dispensary in Nolita for this community-focused pop-up event. Meet rescue dogs in a relaxed setting and learn how you can help us give them a second chance.
Back by popular demand! Our Astoria office is open again for a special Saturday adoption event. Get to know our pups in a calm, welcoming environment.
📍 Petco Union Square Adoption Event
🗓 Saturday, April 26th 🕐 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Pre-approved adopters: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM) 📍 44 Union Square E, New York, NY 10003 🎟 Event Details
Catch us outside Petco Union Square with our adoption truck full of pups looking for forever homes. Whether you’re ready to adopt or just want to show your support, this is a can’t-miss event to wrap up the month.
How Wildfires Are Impacting Dogs in South Korea
In the wake of devastating wildfires across South Korea, Korean K9 Rescue is working tirelessly to save abandoned and displaced dogs. This emergency effort sheds light on the resilience of these animals—and the urgent need for support.
Last week, a massive wildfire erupted across parts of Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk provinces in South Korea. In Uiseong-gun, the containment rate was under 5%. Entire communities were being evacuated, homes were destroyed, and farm animals and dogs—many tied up and left behind—were at serious risk. Our Korean K9 Rescue team immediately mobilized alongside Lucy’s Hope, bringing emergency supplies, food, and medical support into active fire zones. What began as a crisis response turned into one of the most heartbreaking rescue efforts we’ve faced to date.
19 Dogs Rescued from a Dog Meat Farm
While heading toward fire-ravaged areas, our team stumbled upon an illegal dog meat farm. Nineteen dogs were locked in rusted cages, surrounded by thick smoke, desperate for water, and just hours from death by smoke inhalation. We didn’t expect to find them. The fire came fast. But once we saw them, we had no choice. We saved every single dog. Many of these survivors are mothers with litters, including newborns clinging to life. Now safe, they remain deeply traumatized and in urgent need of long-term care.
Phoenix: A Mother’s Instinct
One of the dogs we found was Phoenix, trapped in a cage with her six newborn puppies. When our team reached her, they discovered she had taken the fire for her babies—her nose and belly were scorched. She had shielded them with her own body. Phoenix is now hospitalized, undergoing burn treatment and oxygen therapy. She is still nursing her puppies. She is still fighting.
Bomi: Pregnant and Struggling to Breathe
We also rescued Bomi, who was found chained, heavily pregnant, and barely breathing. Despite being surrounded by destruction, she wagged her tail as if she knew she was finally safe. Smoke had filled her lungs, and now at our Rescue Center, she is just days away from giving birth. We are monitoring her closely. Any sign of distress will lead to immediate hospitalization. Our team is committed to ensuring Bomi and her puppies have a fighting chance.
Mujin: Helpless in the Middle of the Road
In Cheongsong County, while en route to another site, our team spotted a small dog lying alone and still in the middle of the road. They immediately stopped and brought Mujin to safety. He is now recovering thanks to fast action and compassion in a chaotic environment.
The Bigger Picture
As of this update, 34 dogs have been rescued, and more than 50 have received emergency medical treatment for burns, smoke inhalation, or trauma. The wildfire has already claimed at least four human lives and scorched over 22,000 acres in South Gyeongsang province. Entire communities—human and animal alike—are affected. This work isn’t just rescue. It’s recovery. And it’s far from over.
How You Can Help
We’ve launched a $15,000 emergency fundraising campaign to support wildfire rescues. As of now, over $11,000 has been raised, and thanks to a generous donor, all donations are being matched up to $5,000. 💛 $25 = $50 💛 $100 = $200 💛 Every dollar helps save a life Donate today: Venmo: @KoreanK9Rescue PayPal: [email protected] koreank9rescue.org/donate You can also support by: Fostering or adopting a wildfire survivor Sharing their stories to raise awareness These dogs didn’t choose their circumstances—but we can choose to fight for their future. From Phoenix’s protective love to Bomi’s strength, to Mujin’s quiet resilience in the road… every life matters. We won’t stop until every last one is safe. To stay up to date on wildfire rescues, follow us on Instagram @koreank9rescue or visit our website at www.koreank9rescue.org.
🚨 19 Dogs Rescued from a Dog Meat Farm in the Wildfire Zone
We didn’t plan this rescue. But we had to save them all.
Yesterday, Korean K9 Rescue and our Lucy’s Hope Team responded to a devastating wildfire in Uiseong, South Korea. We mobilized quickly with supplies to help animals displaced by the fires—but what we found hidden behind a partially burned-down farm was unimaginable. Nineteen dogs. Trapped inside rusted cages on an illegal dog meat farm. Surrounded by wildfire smoke. Eating rotting food waste. Just hours away from being burned alive. There was also a goat with severe burns and eye trauma, and a cat scorched by flames. Thanks to Team Lucy’s Hope, both were rushed to safety and are receiving emergency vet care. We didn’t have time to plan. The fire was moving fast. The destruction had already claimed 4 human lives and scorched more than 22,000 acres—an area larger than 17 Central Parks. We acted on instinct. And we got them all out. Now they’re safe—but far from okay. These survivors are weak, traumatized, and suffering from severe smoke inhalation. They’ll need months of intensive care, recovery, and support to heal.
🐾 We’re raising $10,000 to fund their recovery—and every dollar will be matched!
Thanks to a generous supporter, your gift will be doubled up to $5,000: 💛 $50 becomes $100 💛 $100 becomes $200 💛 Your donation today has twice the impact. Your support provides: 🩺 Medical treatment 🥣 Nutritious food 🏠 Safe shelter 🚚 Transport to safety 👉 Donate Now
We didn’t plan this rescue—but we can’t do it alone.
This emergency rescue stretched us thin, and these dogs have a long road ahead. We urgently need monthly supporters to help us carry them through recovery. Even $10/month makes a life-saving difference. 👉 Become a Monthly Supporter
Jindo Journey Training Stipend
Jindo Journey Training Stipend: Supporting Successful Adoptions
At Korean K9 Rescue, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Jindo Journey Training Stipend! This initiative is designed to support the adoption of Jindo mixes and local shelter dogs, especially those over 25 lbs, who often face challenges adjusting to new homes due to their past experiences.
What is the Jindo Journey Training Stipend? Thanks to a generous private donor, we’re able to offer a $300 stipend per eligible dog to help cover the cost of two vital training sessions. For local NYC shelter dogs, the fund will cover the complete training package based on their needs. We’ll even assign one of our recommended trainers based on your location and your dog’s needs.
Why is Training Important? Training is a crucial part of helping your adopted dog adjust to their new home and build a strong bond with you. Our Jindo Journey Training Stipend aims to make training more accessible and affordable, setting both dogs and adopters up for success.
Who is Eligible? This fund is available for Jindo mixes or local shelter dogs over 25 lbs who have been adopted into homes in the NYC area, including Westchester and Jersey City. Foster fails are also eligible with approval.
How Does it Work? When you adopt an eligible dog, you’ll work with one of our recommended trainers to schedule your sessions. The stipend will cover the cost of the first two sessions, and you’ll be responsible for any additional sessions your dog may need.
Ready to Adopt? Visit our website at koreank9rescue.org/adopt to learn more about our dogs and the adoption process. You can also find more information about the Jindo Journey Training Stipend and how to apply. We’re excited to help more dogs find loving homes and make their adoption journeys a success!
