Helping Chained Dogs: in Korean!

[Karen]

This article was originally posted in October, 2006.

이 강아지는 당신 강아지예요? (Is this your dog?)

When I see a chained or caged dog these days, I’m no longer surprised. My heart still aches for every one. Luckily I’ve had the chance to get a couple off their chains, but even if I can’t adopt them all, I’d still like to help somehow.

Of course I’m not the only person who feels this way. The problem is sometimes I don’t know what to do, especially because of the language barrier.

Approaching the owner of a chained dog is a delicate situation. I think it’s nicer to speak Korean as much as possible even if they know English. If you don’t know much Korean, start with “An-nyeong-ha-se-yo” and then learn some basic phrases from a friend. What a good reason to study!

I suggest using one of the icebreakers in the list below (or something similar) to explain why you’re there. Also, try talking about non-dog related things and tell them about yourself. Make friends! When I befriended my first chained dog and owner, I regularly found myself in a gas station full of amicable Korean men. I gave them dog biscuits and a box of coffee for Christmas. Two weeks later they gave me a box of seaweed paper for Korean New Year. Eventually, they gave me their dog.

No matter how bleak the situation, focus on nice points. Here’s a list of suggested conversation starters to use when approaching the owner of a chained dog for the first time. Don’t worry, not one but two Korean friends proofread and corrected my sentences. Good luck!

• 이 강아지는 당신 강아지예요? Is this your dog?

• 강아지의 이름이 뭐예요? What’s your dog’s name?

• 강아지 몇 살이예요? How old is it?

• 이 강아지가 어떤 종이예요? What breed is it?

• 암컷이예요? 수컷이예요? Is it male or female?

• 캐나다/ 미국 / 호주/ 에서 우리 부모님이 강아지 1마리 키워요. My parents have 1 dog in Canada / the USA / Australia.

• 당신의 강아지는 우리 부모님의 강아지를 생각나게 해요. Your dog reminds me of my parents’ dog.

• 당신의 강아지는 어렸을 때 키운 강아지를 닮았어요. Your dog looks like a dog I had when I was a kid.

• 우리 강아지 보고 싶어요. I miss my dog.

• 강아지 보러 다시 와도되요? Do you mind if I come back to visit your dog?

After you’ve developed a friendship with the owner, maybe try this:

• 당신의 강아지를 산책 시켜도되요? Could I take your dog for a walk?

• 20분 후에 돌아올게요. I’ll be back in 20 minutes.

When you do get back, don’t forget to add: 재미있었어요! (That was fun!)