Rescue Dog 'Arong' Retires After 6 Years Serving Disaster Sites in Gyeonggi-do

9-Year-Old Senior Dog... Retirement Decision Considering Age and Health

Retirement Ceremony of Rescue Dog Arong

‘Arong,’ a search and rescue dog that has been active at disaster sites across Gyeonggi Province for the past six years, retired on the 19th.

The Northern Gyeonggi Special Response Team announced that it held a prestigious retirement ceremony for ‘Arong,’ who had served as a guardian of the public’s lives.

The event, held at the 119 Rescue Dog Center of the Northern Gyeonggi Special Response Team, was attended by Moon Tae-woong, head of the Northern Gyeonggi Special Response Team, and Park Ae-kyung, vice president of the Korea Kennel Club. The ceremony included a report on the rescue dog’s achievements, the handover of the dog for adoption, and the presentation of a flower necklace. Following this, a lifetime supply of dog food sponsored by the Korea Kennel Club was awarded.

Born in September 2014, Arong is a male Labrador Retriever who completed training at the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters Search and Rescue Dog Center. He was assigned to the Northern Gyeonggi Special Response Team in December 2017 and over six years responded to a total of 312 rescue operations, saving four survivors and recovering five deceased individuals. In addition, he demonstrated excellent skills by participating in the 2022 National 119 Rescue Dog Competition hosted by the Fire Agency, where his team won third place in the group event.

However, Arong is now nine years old, which corresponds to over 65 years in human age, making him a senior dog.

Accordingly, the Northern Gyeonggi Special Response Team decided on Arong’s retirement through a review meeting held last December.

Moon Tae-woong, head of the Northern Gyeonggi Special Response Team, stated, “The retirement of rescue dogs is determined by considering their age and health condition. After retirement, we plan to provide maximum support so they can live comfortably.” After the retirement ceremony, Arong was adopted free of charge by a private family residing in Goseong County, Gangwon Province.

Meanwhile, ‘Nampung,’ who was assigned last December, will take over Arong’s role and continue to serve at various disaster sites to protect the safety and lives of the public.