KAPS Newsletter 2010 FULL Success Stories

[kmwg19]

The following are full stories of those featured in KAPS Year-in-Review 2010 Newsletter (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/files/KAPS-newsletter2010.pdf)...

KAPS is so proud of their wonderful adopters and volunteers. Please enjoy.

[kmwg19]

On August 31st of 2010, I brought Dakota, an 8-month-old Husky, into my home from KAPS (Korean Animal Protection Society). I have wanted a husky since I was a kid, and for so long I’ve been putting it off until I “settle down.” After spending a summer in Canada, where large dogs are common in most neighborhoods, I felt like I was missing out on the relationship between humans and animals, and that the potential for me to stay in one place any time soon was quite unlikely. After looking into the costs and rules of traveling with a pet I didn’t see much reason to wait any longer. It’s affordable to bring a pet to the next destination, and North America has few quarantine restrictions when bringing an animal over from Korea. My mind was made up.

I found Dakota on the KAPS' website and immediately applied for him. KAPS really wanted to ensure that he was going to a solid home2, as Dakota had been given-up on by a few of his owners and caregivers, and had even spent time in a shelter where he was meant to be euthanized. Some people felt that Dakota had aggressive behavior and was un-trainable. I read a number of articles about huskies on the internet, and was put into contact with Paige Blume, a trainer from Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue (http://www.siberescue.com/) in America1. She provided me with excellent advice, and all of the information I received indicated that Dakota was just a normal husky, though lacking training and in his adolescent phase. Unfortunately the adolescent phase is a difficult time with most breeds, and a lot of dogs between the ages of 5-18 months get given up to shelters because people don’t understand this behavior3. The good news is behavior can be modified, and my best advice is to seek support from the people around you and from professionals who can provide strategies to deal with and prevent problems. There are always solutions better than giving up a pet, especially one in need of a loving home.

Dakota is really a lovely dog, I love him! He's STILL an adolescent so most of our relationship is "no" and "stop" and "down," it seems these days. So, it's really hard to say that he's fulfilled my expectations of what I though owning a husky would be like4. I don't regret adopting Dakota, but it's hard. We're working on it. I'm constantly emailing Paige for advice still and it seems like there's always some new behavior quirk to work on. There are handfuls of issues to work on with him. I love him, and am really looking forward to when his puppy/adolescent phase will be coming to and end.

1) As Dakota’s behavioral issues and needs proved finding him a forever difficult, KAPS volunteers began contacting Husky specific rescues around the world to see if anything could be done to give Dakota the second chance he deserved. When Amber applied to adopt Dakota, KAPS fully informed her of his behavioral issues and needs and connected her with the Husky rescues whom KAPS found so helpful. We are still all rooting for Amber and Dakota as their relationship grows stronger each day.
KAPS strives to be a source of information, finding adopters the right networks and resources to make the lifetime with their pet the happiest, healthiest, and most positive possible. Please know that you can consult KAPS with any questions or concerns.

2) When bringing a pet into your life one must consider many things. Pets require time, money, effort – similar to that of raising a child. KAPS strives to help adopters consider all aspects of what it means to own a pet. That is why KAPS’ adoption application and procedure are so thorough and look into each issue you must consider before adopting. Adoption is for life and KAPS wants both the adopter and the animal to be happy. Though it takes a lot of effort to be this thorough, KAPS, and rescues around the world, feel it is necessary if we are to positively affect animal welfare. Animals are a big responsibility that last over 15+ years, and a contract that is in affect that long should be considered very seriously, for the animal and the adopter’s family. We want both pet and humans to be satisfied with their contract.

3) Animals go through stages of life just like children. Each stage greatly affects the welfare of the animal. If you are having trouble understanding your pet’s abilities or the ways in which they act, please consider the age of the pet. Their age should greatly affect how you train, what you train, and what they are capable of understanding. As puppies, dogs should be given schedules and boundaries – things they can rely on and understand, from there positive reinforcement training for daily commands (sit, stay, leave it) can be introduced – make it part of their daily routine. As they learn one command, keep up using it and reinforcing the things they understand while introducing something new – this will keep a young mind active, thus keeping it from boredom which often leads to destructive behavior. Cats are no different with learning boundaries and understanding what you expect of them. Often cats must learn if the kitchen counter is ok to step on, if scratching the couch is a “no.” For advice and information on training, feel free to contact KAPS for resources. The more your pet learns what you expect of them, the more they are able to meet and understand that expectation and the less they challenge it as they know their place in your family.

4) Pets may not meet your expectations immediately. Sometimes it takes a lot of dedication and work before a true relationship is formed where you meet each others needs, accept each other’s quirks, and find a balance you both are comfortable with. KAPS is always here even if just for emotional support as you and your pet adapt and adjust to your new life together.

Dakota's story before he found his forever home with Amber, is available on his ARK profile (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4271&highlight=dakota)

[kmwg19]

I had been volunteering for KAPS' for a few months. I had a basic idea of how fostering worked but never contemplated fostering myself, until a puppy pretty much fell in my lap. I was walking home from a late night with friends. I walked through an apartment complex to find this twenty-something Korean guy cuddling an adorable little puppy. Of course I had to stop for a snuggle, but midway through saying, “Cutie-pootie baby-waby,” the guy told me, “I am not his master. I don't want him. I will leave him on the street right here if you don't take him'. I still remember the words. I was completely dumbfounded. How can you say, “No sir I don't want this two-month-old puppy. Go ahead and leave him on the street”? So, of course, in the late hours of the night, I return home with a puppy in tow. A two-month-old part Jindo puppy... The poor pup didn't have the best of luck on his side. I found him just before summer holidays - an exact week before I was leaving on vacation and the time in July and August when basically no one is in Korea. Thank whomever you wish for the number of people who were able to watch him during that time, but the little guy got passed around... I watched him again for a while but wasn't able to be his full-time foster with my Mom coming to visit and greatly increased work hours - 10 classes a days! Through ARK and KAPS' Adoption and Foster Coordinator, Nicole, the puppy found a reliable, responsible foster. She trained and completely housebroke him. A happy ending to this little story is that he has now been adopted by one of those people that you pray for.

My second fostering experience began, again, when I was walking home. This time it was from dinner when my Mom was visiting. We walked past this elementary school, right on this busy, busy street. Just as we're passing a grassy patch, a little grey kitten with a collar jumps out of a bush. It comes right up to us and lets me pick it up. Right behind him was his orange curly-tailed brother. Both we're so friendly and obviously had belonged to someone. My Mom immediately wanted to take them home. I was hesitant because they might belong to someone. I didn't know what to do. We walked home kitten-less to have a think about it. Within minutes, it hits me that this isn't the suburbs and even if those six month old kittens do belong to someone they don't belong on a busy city street. That's how I wound up acquiring two foster kittens: Bosley and Nelson. I figured if they did belong to someone, that hopefully they would post signs. In the meantime, they could live with me for a while. Of course, even with some investigation, it seems that even if they had belonged to someone, they most likely still didn't. I prepared the kittens for adoption and I posted them on ARK as a pair as I couldn't separate them! I had some false leads, but eventually found a great married couple who adopted them. They're absolute cat lovers and plan on bringing them back to the US after Korea. I wonder if they kept the name Bosley...


The story of when Bosley and Nelson's searched for their forever home can be found on their ARK profile (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4747&highlight=Bosley+Nelson).

The pup, whom Jess found and cared for at certain points, was fostered and adopted and here is his ARK pre-adoption story (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4301&highlight=Chippie).

[kmwg19]

Sparta has a new name. My husband changed her name to "Ginger" because her fur color is the same color as gingerbread. She has a good home and I have no regrets on adopting her. We are VERY blessed!!

As soon as I got her, I took her in for her shots and then we took a 2 month trip to Alaska and stayed with my daughter. She did well on the plane. No whining or barking. She was in the cabin with me under the seat. I was amazed with how well she did on the plane and people were shocked! People asked me if I had given her anything to make her sleep on the plane and I said no1.

I kenneled trained her too. She learns quickly. We just LOVE her!! She just had surgery to be fixed. Doing awesome for recovery!!

She is a wonderful dog with a great personality. We really cannot complain about her at all. Everything about her is good. She follows me around from room to room everywhere I go. Every time I take her outside people stop and ask about her and where I got her from. I tell everyone that I have adopted her and from KAPS.

I'm in the states now for a family emergency and I have NEVER been apart from her so my husband tells me that she misses me. My concern was her getting depressed but she's doing well. I miss her BUNCHES!!!

I did attached photos of her. These were taken in August right after her grooming appointment just before coming back to Korea.

She's an excellent dog and I'm glad that she is in our home!!

Thanks so much for letting us adopt her!! I do let others know about your services and recommend adopting a pet from KAPS!!

1) For reader’s reference: “Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at higher altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian. If you believe some form of sedation might be helpful, be sure to obtain and follow a veterinarian's advice.” From pettravel.com (http://www.pettravel.com/passports_airlinetrtips.cfm) KAPS is glad to know that Ginger did well and animals often do quite well on flights when properly prepared, as Ginger was. If you need advice on flying your animal, feel free to contact KAPS’ Coordinators for more information on how to prepare and what to expect.

Ginger's search for her forever home, ended when Tonia found her. Her pre-adoption story can be found followed on her ARK profile (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3597&highlight=sparta).

[kmwg19]

I remember when my friend told me that she was getting a dog. I thought she was crazy, but I went to the website and the first picture I saw was Casanova. I don’t know if I can describe how it was when I saw the look on his face, kind of like “Who me?” Then I looked at the videos taken of him and the eager way he went up to the people looking for love… I can say it was love at first sight. I filled out my application and waited. Some others were interested, but deep down I knew that he would be coming home with me.

There were some trials; I’m not going to lie. He was very timid, but that was understandable. It took a long time to walk because he kept stopping (sometimes in the middle of the road). Then there was a change. Finally after months the trust was built. If he stops I just stop and look him in the eyes and say a bit of Korean. Then he sniffs my hand and we can be on our way with him prancing beside me greeting ALL the people around.

The hardest time was when my manager told me I wasn’t allowed to have dogs1. I freaked out, but thankfully after taking to some people and my co teachers I realized that Korea is definitely different from America. I could say, “No I’m not getting rid of my dog.” I am okay with paying extra or for any damage that he does, but I had to point out that he doesn’t even disturb anyone because he doesn’t bark… At all… They didn’t believe me, but as time went by they found out for themselves. I’m thankful for the advice from Nicole, she reminded me that things run a bit different.

His favorite thing to do is chew… I suppose that isn’t different with any other dog. I make sure to have plenty of bones for him so he leaves the everything else alone . He always seemed fascinated about getting under my couch. I then decided to move it and there were over 20 bones under there… He started bouncing around like it was Christmas.

I will never regret adopting him. I love to see his happy face when I come home. I love it when I sit down and he comes over and sits between my legs and looks up at me. I love seeing his hopeful face peeking over my bed in the morning “Are you up? Are you going to feed me now?” I’m so happy I found him. He has giving me so much joy. I’m looking forward to our years together I know they will be amazing.

1) Mari contacted her landlord and asked prior to applying for adoption if dogs were allowed in her building. Upon hearing she was in fact allowed to own a dog, Mari continued with the application. However, after Mari adopted Casanova and brought him home, her landlord retracted his statement. Distraught, Mari contacted KAPS, was able to talk things out with KAPS Coordinators, and gain the confidence to tell her landlord, "Casanova stays."

This issue is sadly common for pet owners in Korea, but with confidence you can stand your ground and keep your pet. And with knowing proper training methods, you can keep your pet well behaved while you are home together, or while he or she is home alone. Feel free to contact KAPS with any issues such as landlords for advice and a sounding board. Or with questions on training methods for getting your pup to behave while you're out.

Casanova was known as Elvis when his profile (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3578&highlight=KAPS+white) was posted on ARK. Through Mari he got a new name and a new lease on life!

[kmwg19]

I had not expected to transport an animal, but a friend asked me and since it's harder for her to find the time, I felt it would be good to do. I had not yet traveled alone outside of Daegu alone and I had never taken a train in Korea. But, everything went very smoothly. The ticket was easy to buy, the platform was easy to find, and the animal I was transporting was really well behaved. The trip to Deajeon was long, but well worth it, and the new fosterer was very kind - offering me coffee and a chat while I waited for my next train.

Although I met a wonderful person during my first travel and transporting experience, I had some hiccups the second time. The second transport was a long trip for both me and the puppy as we were traveling to Seoul this time. There were some rude people on the train so I became exhausted and frustrated. I tried to not let it bother me and I went on my way to the area the new adopter and I had agreed upon. After waiting twenty minutes, I got a call from the new adopter telling me she couldn't find me. Well, it turned out there are two areas with the same name, and we were each at the different ones. After finally finding each other, I looked at the time to see that I had missed my train! At first I was angry things didn't go as planned, like the first time, but in the end, I just lost a few hours, but, that puppy gained a forever home!


Laura is currently fostering Penny who is still looking for her forever home (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5080&highlight=penny). Laura transported Chippie, whom Jess rescued, and Dakota, whom Amber adopted. Together, we really can save lives!

[kmwg19]

"We got Sky at KAPS early February 2010. We picked Sky up because my fiancé, Yan, fell in love with his coat. I liked the fact that Sky liked Yan’s coat, too! – a jacket with fur lining on the hoodie. He kept biting at it when we were looking at the kitties. We wanted an older cat initially, but the one we wanted was being held onto by KAPS until the adopter could pick him up. We chose Sky before we even got around to look at the kittens. Which is good because I think that the older cats are the ones that need a home more – they're probably the ones that were abandoned. He was perfect.” Michael says. “Not to mention his gorgeous blue eyes!” Yan adds. “He's been a part of the family ever since. When we planned to leave Korea, we obviously were taking him with us. We sent him to Canada and put him in a cat hotel while we traveled. It was a difficult process: we took him to the vet many times to get rid of his eye and ear infections. We also had to book our flights very early to make sure that he had a seat. And being in Korea, it wasn't easy to arrange our vacation times three months in advance with the co-teachers, but we're so happy he's with is now. He's like our baby. He still likes the fur toys that we brought with us from Korea...not so much the Canadian toys though...good thing we stocked up!”


Michael and Yan adopted Sky by visiting Daegu KAPS' Cat Shelter and applying to adopt him. There are many beautiful cats at KAPS (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3360), even long-haired cats (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5175)! Come by and meet them. If there's someone special there for you, perform a self-evaluation (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/index.php?pageid=how-to-adopt#screening), then, if you are ready, fill out an application (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/index.php?pageid=how-to-adopt#application) and send to adoptbullies@gmail.com!

[kmwg19]

I can't believe 3 months have gone by already! Ziggy is a wonderful addition to our family. It has been difficult for us and him at times, but I think now we are finally falling into a rhythm. Unfortunately, when we moved apartments in September, Ziggy had to have stomach surgery because he swallowed a staple and plastic (he tore it off from a door frame in one of his at home alone anxious states) but he recovered well and was back to himself in no time. We tried many different arrangements so that he could be comfortable (we bought this massive exercise pen and it worked all for about a week...he figured out how to climb out of it...lol). This past month though, we found a part of the house for him that he has become really comfortable in when we are not at home.

He is such a joy to have and we are so happy we decided to adopt. There's not a day that goes by that he doesn't make us laugh or smile. He is such a smart little doggy and we have been able to take his training to a whole other level! When we got him, he knew sit, stay and shake. Since August, we have taught him up, down and he can walk off leash!

We take Ziggy to Itaewon Animal Hospital. They are wonderful there but Ziggy doesn't really like them anymore (that's where he had the surgery.) We take him by though sometimes on our walks so he can feel comfortable in there again. As you can tell, we really love Ziggy :)


For Ziggy's pre-adoption story, please visit his ARK profile (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3921&highlight=ziggy).

[kmwg19]

We've been in Jecheon, Korea for exactly one year and recently decided we were going stay for another. We had always wanted a dog but the timing and situation were just never quite right until September 11, 2010 the day we adopted Joey from KAPS. Ben came across the KAPS website and we started looking through the profiles of dogs up for adoption. We soon realized that wanted and needed to adopt instead of purchasing a dog from a pet store. We had looked in our city at the pet shops and were heartbroken to see what bad conditions the dogs and facilities were in.

Joey was the first dog we saw. To say it was love at first sight is completely accurate! We read his story, looked through the videos and pictures of him, and could hardly believe he was still available for adoption. How could this sweet fuzzy faced little puppy have ever been left in the street? Through the variety of pictures we could already see his classic Yorkie personality coming through; he was sassy, curious, loved to play, and just full of life. He just needed someone to love him, care for him, and have lots of time to spend rubbing his belly.

Before we even saw Joey we'd decided we wanted and needed a Yorkie because of my allergies and asthma. I'd been around Ben's family dog, also a Yorkie, and never had any problems. Yorkies don't shed and are low dander dogs so they are great for people with allergies or asthma. We also knew what we were getting into with a Yorkie, they can be a challenge to train and require consistency and follow through. We were ready for it and welcomed the challenge because our schedule and life now allowed for it. Since I am at home (not teaching) I have had plenty of time to invest in his training and of course lots of snuggling. We chose Cesar's Milan's method to follow for Joey's training and it has worked very well.

Joey (or Joy as most Koreans pronounce his name) has been just that for us, a complete and utter JOY! I was getting quite lonely at home all day and need a little someone to keep me company. Joey is always good for laughs and smiles and some days you just need that while living abroad. Having Joey as our first family pet has been such a treasure. I've always wanted to have a fuzzy warm little body to snuggle up with while I read, knit, or sleep. For Ben's he's a feisty little guy to wrestle with, someone to go hiking with, and he's even helped us meet more friends in town foreign and Korean, but most importantly he has filled a spot in our hearts and lives that was once missing. We can't imagine life without him anymore. We can't wait to take him back to the USA to meet all our friends and family. We were able to introduce him to everyone via Skype but there's nothing like seeing him in person. He is affectionately known as the grand-dog in my family, my mom has even made him an adorable little sweater for these cold winter months ahead.

We could not be more happy and satisfied with out experience with KAPS. Joey had wonderful foster parents, Corey & Nicole Smith in Daegu, who took such amazing care of him. Joey needed surgery for a broken leg and hip and they cared for him even paying for the surgery out of their pockets. They cared for him all the way up until they handed him over to us. We have nothing but the utmost respect for Corey & Nicole for having such big hearts that lead them to action in caring for these dogs in need.

The whole process went quite smoothly. We appreciated how much Nicole wanted to get to know us and make sure we were a good fit for Joey as well as him for us. At one point we were even a bit overwhelmed with the process and thought maybe we aren't ready but Nicole assured us that our feelings only meant we were taking this decision that seriously and that we would be great puppy parents. We enjoyed how open the communication was and the relationship we built with Nicole. She was open and honest with us at every step and really made the whole experience better than I could have ever hoped for. She was also very helpful in answering our barrage of questions as to how to care for him particularly here in Korea. We were so thankful to find an English speaking vet in our city who has also been very helpful. Joey is a happy and healthy 9 month old with nothing less than the world ahead of him. We could not be more thrilled and proud to have him become apart of our lives.


For Joey's pre-adoption story, please view his ARK profile (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4030&highlight=joey).

[adoptbullies]

Thank you ARK for providing an avenue for all of these animals. Everyone one of them have benefited from your service! Thank you :)

[Belit]

That's awesome! I couldn't be more happier for Joey! A very lucky and fortunate doggy to have found such a wonderful home! Thank you again for keeping us posted! Keep up the good work! KUDOS!

[nomadatheart]

What a wonderful, uplifting story!!! I'm so happy for Joey... and his new family!

[Belit]

Yeah, Joey is one very lucky dog!