'Stray Dog Hansol', The Story of Meeting a New Family

Gyeonggi-do Companion Animal Adoption Center Celebrates 100th Adoption
Volunteer Program Before Adoption Provides Opportunity to Connect with Abandoned Dogs

The 100th adopted dog Hansol at the Pet Adoption Center [Provided by Gyeonggi Province]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The 'Gyeonggi-do Companion Animal Adoption Center,' which opened in Suwon last October, has welcomed its 100th adopted dog.

According to the province on the 24th, the 'Gyeonggi-do Companion Animal Adoption Center' is an urban abandoned dog adoption facility directly operated by the province. It offers free adoption of abandoned dogs that have undergone health checkups, vaccinations, and basic training at the Helper Dog Sharing Center located in Hwaseong.

The 100th adoption star is a Maltese named 'Hansol.' When rescued in November last year, Hansol was extremely thin with patchy fur, was of considerable age, and suffered from a condition called patellar luxation.

Hansol was cared for at the Pyeongtaek City Abandoned Animal Shelter before being transferred to the Helper Dog Sharing Center, but no adoption applications were received.

Thinking that an urban adoption center might offer Hansol more opportunities, the center transferred Hansol to the 'Gyeonggi-do Companion Animal Adoption Center' in Suwon to receive protective care for adoption.

Then, in March this year, a family applied for temporary foster care. It was the family of Mr. Jeon, who lives in Seoul.

Earlier this year, the Jeon family had participated in a two-week temporary foster care program with the adoption center, which was based on adoption, but they had given up on adoption because their temperament did not match the dog.

The temporary foster care program based on adoption involves living together for two weeks to confirm whether all family members can sincerely accept the adopted dog. It is a system to check for unexpected issues such as allergies. Many families hoping to adopt participate in this program.

Learning from their previous failure, the Jeon family decided to start by helping a dog in need of care rather than adopting immediately. This is how the bond between the Jeon family and Hansol began.

As the family cared for Hansol with one heart, conversations increased and harmony grew. In response, Hansol gradually regained health, his previously unattractive fur became thick, and muscles developed in his legs, making his gait more comfortable.

Seeing Hansol's daily health improvements and thinking he had found a good family, the center staff cautiously asked the Jeon family about their intention to adopt Hansol.

However, the Jeon family could not easily decide to adopt, thinking it might be better for Hansol to meet an even better family. They had no prior experience raising a dog and believed that, whether healthy or not, he was a precious life that deserved love.

After much deliberation and discussion, the Jeon family agreed to adopt Hansol. They felt a sense of responsibility to take full care of him once accepted as family, and gained confidence by seeing Hansol's transformation.

Finally, on the 11th, Hansol officially became a formal member of the Jeon family through the official adoption process. The Jeon family also decided to start a savings plan in case Hansol needs surgery.

The Jeon family said, "As a family with no prior experience raising a dog, the 'temporary foster care program based on adoption' was a great help. We were confident, but you never know what problems might arise unless you live together."

The Companion Animal Adoption Center continues to support adoptive families after adoption through education, phone consultations, and home visits to help adopted dogs adjust well to their new homes.

Adopting a dog requires a lot of preparation, much like raising a baby. While one can study through videos or writings, many do not know how to communicate properly when meeting in person.

The adoption centers and Helper Dog Sharing Center operated by the province provide opportunities to spend time bonding with sheltered dogs. Volunteering is also possible to practice sharing.

A provincial official said, "Hansol was able to find a good family, regain his health, and find happiness," and added, "Families hoping to adopt a dog are always welcome to visit the Gyeonggi-do Companion Animal Adoption Center."