A Place I Dare not Go

madeleine whitfield
Nov 4 · 2 min read

November 4, 2019

This is a place I’m longing to visit but absolutely dare not go —

I know the writing is Korean, but click on the link at the bottom and you’ll see my dilemma. This is an adoption cafe in Seoul, one of the many places to go to find adoptable dogs. Since the dog farms and practice of eating dogs is rapidly being phased out in Korea, there are hundreds, if not thousands of dogs up for adoption. This particular cafe is one place where someone can go to enjoy a coffee and get to know a dog. Wow! How can a person leave without a new friend in tow?! For those worried about unsuitable people just taking a dog, don’t be. There’s more to adopting an animal here than walking into a cafe!

Another service being offered to dogs, is travel accompanied by a someone who’s willing to take responsibility for the dog until it reaches its destination. So for example, I could volunteer to accompany a dog going to a home in Canada. I would do it if I was physically able to do all the walking and ferrying of a big cage in airports. For anyone flying this way anytime soon, could you ferry a dog to a new home? The International Humane Society is always looking for volunteers. I couldn’t find any specifically Canadian information about it, but here’s an article from the Washington Post explaining how it all works —

There are not only Koreans, but expats living here that have involved themselves in dog rescue operations. Here’s one that encourages volunteer participation. I’m tempted! I’m so afraid of making an impulsive decision, though, and I’m not ready yet. Neither is my house!

There are also cat rescue centres and mixed dog and cat places. There’s enough to do here that keeps people busy for years once they get involved. The energy is positive and invigorating.

madeleine whitfield

Written by

Interested in history and all things Korean, I am enjoying my retirement following my dreams and desires. My dream — to return to South Korea is now a reality.

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