Age: Approximately 3 years old

Gender: Female

Spayed: Yes

Breed: Jindo Mix

Weight: 15 kg / 33 lbs

Energy Level: Low–Medium, approximately 3–5/10

Current Location: South Korea

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RESCUE STORY

Bong’sook was rescued in 2024 from a rural area of South Korea, where she and several other dogs were being kept in tiny raised wire cages and raised for the dog meat trade.

Their situation was especially urgent because of BokNal—the three hottest days of summer, traditionally observed in July and August according to the lunar calendar.

Historically, dog meat has been consumed during this period under the belief that it helps restore strength and endure the summer heat.

Bong’sook and the other dogs were being raised by a group of elderly residents at a local senior center.

They lived confined in small wire cages with barely enough room to move, waiting for a fate no dog should have to face.

Thankfully, our partner rescue learned about them and stepped in. The dogs were rescued, and the cages that had confined them were demolished.

But for Bong’sook, rescue was only the first step.

One of the dogs rescued alongside her, #kpr_jinho, eventually found his forever family through Korean Paws Rescue.

Some of the others are still continuing their rehabilitation journeys.

Bong’sook needed her own time, too.

She needed time to decompress, learn that she was safe, and slowly build confidence after the life she had known.

Her rescuers never rushed her. They gave her the time, patience, and care she needed to move forward at her own pace.

And now, almost two years after her rescue, Bong’sook is finally ready for her next chapter.

She is ready to find a family of her own.

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PERSONALITY & TEMPERAMENT

Bong’sook’s rescuer describes her simply as a very, very sweet girl.

She has a gentle, somewhat shy, and easygoing personality. Her energy level is on the lower side, and while she enjoys going outside and taking walks, she does not need constant activity to be happy.

Bong’sook is especially people-oriented. Her rescuer describes her preference as approximately “80% people, 20% dogs.”

She would much rather spend time with her humans than seek out canine playmates.

She can be a little reserved at first, but she is comfortable around people and does not show significant hesitation toward strangers.

Once she likes you, her affectionate side begins to show—and she may even come over to give you kisses.

After spending so much of her early life confined and then taking the time she needed to heal, Bong’sook seems ready for a quieter kind of happiness: walks, companionship, affection, and simply being close to the people she trusts.

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SOCIALIZATION

With People

Bong’sook does well with both women and men and generally accepts unfamiliar people without much hesitation.

She is naturally much more interested in people than in other dogs and would likely form a strong bond with her future family.

With Children

Bong’sook has not had enough experience around children for us to confidently evaluate her.

Because she can be somewhat reserved and appreciates having her personal space respected, we believe a calmer household with adults or respectful older children would be the most comfortable environment for her.

With Other Dogs

Bong’sook can coexist with other dogs, but she is not a dog who actively seeks canine companionship or play.

When an unfamiliar dog approaches her too quickly or comes directly into her personal space, Bong’sook may growl to communicate that she would like some distance. She has not shown aggression; rather, she uses this as a warning and a way of setting a boundary.

She especially dislikes dogs who come on too strongly when first meeting her.

With dogs she lives alongside, this behavior generally fades after she has had time to become familiar and comfortable with them.

Bong’sook does not typically initiate play, so she does not need another dog in her future home to be happy.

With Cats

Bong’sook has not been tested with cats.

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TRAINING & HOME LIFE

Bong’sook enjoys going for walks and happily follows along when it is time to head outside.

She currently shows some mild leash pulling, so her future family should continue working with her on polite leash walking using patient, positive guidance.

Because Bong’sook spent the earlier part of her life in circumstances very different from a normal family home, her adopters should also understand that moving to the U.S. and settling into a permanent home will be another major transition for her.

She will benefit from a predictable routine and a family willing to let her observe, decompress, and become comfortable at her own pace.

And Bong’sook has one particularly adorable habit at mealtime:

She sometimes takes kibble from her bowl, carries it out, places it on the floor nearby…and then eats it.

Apparently, Bong’sook prefers her meals takeout style.

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HEALTH

Bong’sook is currently doing well and has no known special medical restrictions.

Medical History:

• Healthy/strong knees
• Vaccinations completed
• Receives NexGard Spectra monthly for internal and external parasite prevention
• No known allergies or food sensitivities
• No special veterinary precautions at this time

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IDEAL HOME

Bong’sook would thrive in a calm, loving home with people who appreciate a gentle, lower-to-medium-energy companion.

She is very people-oriented and does not need another dog to be happy. In fact, Bong’sook may truly enjoy being the only dog in the home and having her family’s love and attention to herself.

If her future family already has a dog, we believe her best match would be a calm, respectful dog who understands personal space. A very playful, pushy, or high-energy dog who constantly asks her to interact would likely not be the right companion for her.

Bong’sook enjoys walks and spending time outdoors, but she does not require an extremely active lifestyle. A family who enjoys daily walks followed by peaceful time together at home could be a wonderful fit.

Most importantly, she needs adopters who understand that trust doesn’t need to be rushed.

After nearly two years of healing, learning, and becoming ready for this moment, Bong’sook has already done so much of the hard work.

Now she simply needs someone who will give her the stability, patience, and love to discover what it means to truly belong.