Retired quarantine detection dogs join two-day trip with would-be adopters in Hongcheon
In short
South Korea's Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency said it held a two-day bonding trip on 17-18 October at Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon, for three retired quarantine detection dogs and families hoping to adopt them. Trinity Airways and Sono Pet took part in the programme, which the agency said aims to promote private adoption.
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The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency said on 19 October that it had held a two-day bonding trip for retired quarantine detection dogs and families hoping to adopt them. The programme, 'From 탐지견, To 반려견', ran on 17-18 October at Sono Pet Club & Resort at Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon. Yonhap reported that it was organised with Trinity Airways, formerly T'way Air, and Sono Pet, with the aim of promoting private adoption of retired dogs. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Three retired dogs took part: English springer spaniels Fury (퓨리, 7) and Nuri (누리, 9), and a beagle, Delta (델타, 9). Three prospective adopter families who had passed pre-screening joined them. Three families that had already adopted retired detection dogs also came with their pets and acted as mentors, sharing their experience of adoption, settling in at home and caring for the dogs, according to Newsis and Dong-A Ilbo. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Participants ran, searched for treasure and walked with the dogs. A trainer who specialises in correcting pet behaviour gave adoption and training education, and the programme included an explanation of the adoption procedure and a question-and-answer session. Asia Economy and Seoul Economic Daily, citing Trinity Airways, also listed an introduction to the dogs' role and the adoption system, one-on-one night walks, and one-on-one adoption consultation with the agency. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 ]
Reports differ on the size of the event. Newsis, Yonhap and Dong-A Ilbo count three prospective families and three existing adopter families. Asia Economy, Korea Economic Daily and Seoul Economic Daily say about 20 people took part, including families hoping to adopt and families confirmed to adopt, selected through recruitment since May. Korea Economic Daily also says the dogs at the event retired at 8-9, whereas the other outlets list Fury as 7. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Newsis and Dong-A Ilbo said Trinity Airways planned and ran the event, while Sono Pet provided a space for the dogs and families to take part in activities and rest, and supported the trainer's education. Korea Economic Daily, citing Sono International, said it operates Sono Pet Club & Resort. A Trinity Airways official said the company was glad to help the dogs start a new life with families and would continue corporate social responsibility activities. Participant Jeong Geun-ho (정근호) told Korea Economic Daily the trainer-led sessions were meaningful. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
The agency made adoption applications for retired dogs continuous in October last year and introduced an application QR code in July this year. Choi Myeong-cheol (최명철), head of the agency's Incheon Airport regional headquarters, said it was very meaningful that a foundation had been laid for the dogs to meet good families, and pledged continued efforts on the dogs' welfare and on promoting private adoption. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The agency said it is trying to encourage private adoption of retired detection dogs, and it has made applications continuous and added a QR code for applying. The coverage does not say whether any of the three dogs found a home.
Key facts
- The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency held the programme 'From 탐지견, To 반려견' on 17-18 October at Sono Pet Club & Resort at Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon, and announced it on 19 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Three retired dogs took part: English springer spaniels Fury (퓨리, 7) and Nuri (누리, 9), and beagle Delta (델타, 9). [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Three families that had passed pre-screening were hoping to adopt, and three families that had already adopted retired detection dogs joined them. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Activities included running, a treasure hunt and walks with the dogs, plus adoption and training education from a trainer. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Trinity Airways, formerly T'way Air, and Sono Pet co-organised the event with the agency. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The agency made adoption applications continuous in October last year and introduced an application QR code in July this year. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Asia Economy, Korea Economic Daily and Seoul Economic Daily put the number of participants at about 20 people, selected through recruitment held since May. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The agency held the two-day programme for retired quarantine detection dogs and prospective adopters on 17-18 October at Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The dogs were Fury (7), Nuri (9) and Delta (9); three families that had passed screening and three families that had already adopted retired detection dogs took part. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Trinity Airways and Sono Pet took part alongside the agency. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The agency made adoption applications continuous in October last year and introduced an application QR code in July this year. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- How many people took part. Three outlets that reported the agency's announcement count three prospective families and three existing adopter families; three outlets reporting company releases say about 20 people, including families hoping to adopt and families confirmed to adopt, took part.
- How old the dogs were when they retired. Korea Economic Daily says the dogs at the event retired at 8-9, while the other outlets list Fury as 7 years old now.
- Whether any of the three dogs has been adopted. The documents describe one-on-one adoption consultation and follow-up procedures but report no adoption decision.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Newsis and Yonhap published reports of the agency's announcement of the 17-18 October event. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Dong-A Ilbo published its report on the programme. [ 3 ]
- Asia Economy published a report on 20 October citing Trinity Airways. [ 4 ]
- Korea Economic Daily published a report on 20 October citing Sono International. [ 5 ]
- Seoul Economic Daily published a report on 20 October citing Trinity Airways. [ 6 ]