08/15/2025
From Neglect to Hope: Dangdong’s Rescue
Sharing for Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE):
Dangdong — The Hunting Dog Who Waited in Silence
Dangdong’s story began in a quiet rural village in Goseong, where he spent the first ten years of his life. Raised as a hunting dog, he had been trained from a young age to catch pheasants and birds. For years, until about the age of seven or eight, he was occasionally taken to the mountains.
When he grew too old to hunt, however, Dangdong was chained behind a livestock shed and left there—neglected for nearly two years. Old road-view images still show him in the exact same spot, day after day. Over time, his fur became hopelessly matted and filthy, and his food and water bowls sat dry and crusted over.
A concerned citizen eventually reported his situation to the Goseong County Office, requesting at least some improvement in his care. The response from officials was disheartening: “If people can see the dog, we’ll get complaints. Move him further back or block the view with panels.” No follow-up visits were made, and nothing changed for Dangdong. He lived “out of sight” in a world where simply being seen was considered a problem.
When the animal welfare group CARE (Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth) first learned of Dangdong’s case, they wanted to rescue him immediately. Unfortunately, circumstances at the time prevented quick action. Still, his photos and story stayed with the team, who silently promised themselves: One day, we will get him out.
That day finally came.
On a scorching summer afternoon, following an investigation in another region, the CARE team drove straight to Goseong without rest, determined not to leave without Dangdong. They found him under the relentless sun—motionless, wary of strangers, flinching at human touch. Yet in his eyes was something unmistakable: a quiet, desperate will to live.
Approaching slowly and speaking softly, they were able to lift him into their arms. Removing his thick, rusted chain collar seemed a small act, but it carried the weight of many urgent questions:
What illnesses had years of neglect caused?
Where could he receive treatment, and how would the costs be covered?
With his fur and skin in such poor condition, what should be treated first?
Was a foster home available for him after treatment?
If no one adopted him, could CARE manage his long-term care?
Taking in an animal is never just a single decision—it is an ongoing responsibility. CARE was ready to shoulder that responsibility fully.
After speaking with Dangdong’s owner and persuading them to surrender him, the team carried him—frail and matted—back to Seoul. They named him Dangdong, after the village he came from, and vowed: Now, let’s give you a beautiful haircut, restore your health, and let your life flow again. We will protect you to the very end.
Medical tests confirmed heartworm and protozoan infections, but Dangdong is now safe in CARE’s care. The organization is committed to fighting for his recovery and is asking for public support so that an older dog like Dangdong can still have hope for a better life.
🐾 Help us give Dangdong the life he deserves.
Learn more: https://koreandogs.org/dangdong/
💗Donate to CARE:
Monthly https://animalrights.or.kr/pages/paypal.php
One Time: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/care8886
