Successful Capture After Two Failed Rescue Attempts; Shelter Admission 45 Days After Report
Adoption Finalized Following Temporary Foster Care; Gyeongju City Ramps Up Efforts to Boost Adoption Rates
An abandoned dog that had been stranded at the bottom of a reservoir cliff has finally found a new family after 127 days of rescue efforts and care.
On March 2, Gyeongju City announced that the abandoned dog rescued by the Gyeongju Animal Care and Protection Center, known as "Notice Number 2025-1153," has recently been adopted and has started a new life under the name "Yeoul."
Notice Number 2025-1153 Temporary protection promotional photo of the abandoned dog 'Yeouli' smiling brightly. Provided by Gyeongju City
This dog was first discovered through a report received on October 24 of last year.
The location at the time was a cliff below a reservoir in Cheonbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The path was too narrow for a fire truck to enter, and the terrain was so precarious that it posed a significant risk of falling for anyone attempting to approach without safety equipment.
The rescue team from the Gyeongju Animal Care and Protection Center, together with firefighters, immediately began the rescue operation. However, due to the difficulty in securing an access route, on-site rescue could not be carried out.
Afterward, the rescue official in charge regularly visited the site to provide food and check on the dog's condition while searching for a solution.
On November 5, the following month, the team attempted a second rescue with improved equipment, but the geographic limitations could not be overcome. Ultimately, after internal discussions, they decided to install a custom-made capture cage.
Although the cage was set up, the dog remained extremely wary and would not enter the trap.
In many rescue cases, even after a trap is installed, immediate capture does not occur, which often leads to prolonged rescue operations.
On December 9, when the dog was spotted at the site again, two rescue officials, equipped with safety gear, descended directly below the reservoir.
Despite the slippery ground and risk of falling, a long standoff ensued. In the end, the two officials managed to cooperate and capture the dog directly, completing the rescue.
The rescued dog was immediately transported to the Gyeongju Animal Care and Protection Center, where it underwent a thorough veterinary examination and was admitted to the facility.
This was 45 days after the initial report was received.
Even after admission, the adjustment process was not easy. The dog, which was extremely wary of people, was promoted under the nickname "Cheonbuki," but inquiries about adoption did not follow.
Nevertheless, the center staff continued consistent socialization training and care. Over time, the dog gradually began to approach people.
Judging that adoption would not be easy, the center decided to fully activate the temporary foster care system starting this year and promoted Number 1153 as the first candidate.
Soon, a citizen applied to become a temporary foster caregiver. Any Gyeongju citizen aged 19 or older can participate in the temporary foster program.
After observing the dog's condition for a certain period, the foster caregiver decided to proceed with adoption. Following 22 days of foster care, formal adoption was finalized on the 28th of last month.
Notice Number 1153 was welcomed into a family under the name "Yeoul" on that day.
Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young emphasized, "It is very important to build a bond and check adaptability to daily life through temporary foster care before adoption," adding, "Starting this year, we will further promote the temporary foster care system to increase adoption rates and actively support new beginnings for abandoned animals."
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