First rescued S. Korean dogs ready to adopt in Bend

Five of the 17 dogs rescued from meat farms in South Korea are ready for adoption at the Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend, the shelter announced Tuesday.

The dogs are happy and healthy and have been adjusting to life outside of cages. Things such as big open spaces and even water bowls are confusing to them.

For Cheri, Valda, Vanessa, Oneida and Carter, simple tasks like learning to drink water or interact with people don’t come naturally.

“They were being raised to be basically on somebody’s plate,” Lynne Ouchida, community outreach director for the HSCO.

A total of 28 dogs were rescued and brought from the Korean dog farms, where they were being raised, inhumanely, to be cooked and eaten.

The other 11 dogs were taken to BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond.

“The farm that these dogs came from was the fifth farm the Humane Society International shut down. With their assistance, they transitioned these farmers into other, non-meat crops,” Ouchida said.

These former dog-meat farms in Korea have now been transformed into rice, blueberry and crop farms. The farm that housed these pups is now a scrap metal business.

Although these dogs have seen some tough times, they’re ready to be cared for and loved by a patient and welcoming family.

“We really wanted to introduce to you, the joy that these dogs have at having a second chance at life,” said Ouchida.

And the other dogs will be up for adoption once they’ve been completely socialized. NewsChannel 21 also reached out to BrightSide and learned the 11 dogs there will also be put up for adoption, once they have been socialized.

They are looking for loving homes with patient and caring families. For more information, you can visit hsco.org.