Giving survivor dogs a soft landing

By Beth Gammie, RedRover Director of Field Services

I am here on the ground in Vero Beach, Florida, along with volunteer Team Leader Andy Bass, helping take care of dogs rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea. The Humane Society of Vero Beach is graciously hosting these dogs, and is even taken on placing approximately 20 of these dogs.

Andy and I are taking care of these dogs, which behaviorally are very similar to puppy mill dogs–shy, scared, unused to people and leashes. We are taking it slow, and socializing them on dogs’ own schedule. Some, like Evie, are really responding to us, coming to the front of the cage to greet us, and we have even seen some wagging tails!

Humane Society International, along with the help of the Humane Society of the United States, are working hard to close down dog meat farms in South Korea.  Rescued dogs from these farms are flown to the United States and placed with shelters and rescues via the Humane Society of the United States’ Emergency Placement Program. The placement partners all know that these dogs will need some slow and gentle socialization, but these dogs are on their way to forever homes!

When I saw the first crates containing these dogs being brought to us at the airport in Orlando last night, I teared up, thinking all that they had been through. I was profoundly touched by the team of people and groups coming together, to rescue these dogs from the unspeakable cruelty. It is truly a privilege to be here and give these dogs the comfort and care they deserve.

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