Heidi adopTED
In December of 2019 Heidi was rescued from a dog meat farm #시흥개농장 in Siheung, South Korea by our rescue partner @we.a.c.t and several other local rescue organizations. Like many animals in the agriculture industry, Heidi was one of the mama dogs who lived their lives at the farm giving birth to puppies over & over again only to have them ripped away and killed for their meat.
Heidi was pregnant upon rescue and severely anemic. She received blood transfusions and miraculously made a full recovery but Heidi’s pregnancy had to be terminated to save her life. After a long stay at the vet clinic receiving treatment she spent a year being cared for at boarding facilities in South Korea. Volunteers would visit her throughout the year to socialize her and to teach her how to walk on a leash. Finally, in February of 2021, WeAct found a foster family willing to take her in.
We learned a lot about Heidi with her amazing fosters in South Korea. She’s a quiet, easy going gal just figuring things out day by day. She loves being outside and walks are the highlight of her day! At her Portland foster home she’s been working on some fears of hers like baths and the crate. She is hyper-aware of her surroundings and startles easily. Heidi has a lifetime of trauma to work through and she’s just getting started!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE Heidi THINGS FROM HER FOSTER FAMILY…
Heidi is very gentle and docile
Potty trained - no accidents in the house
Good on leash - no major pulling (unless she sees a squirrel!)
Good in the car with harness and dog seatbelt.
Rarely barks (only when fearful or interest in meeting another dog)
Relatively treat motivated and open to training, though she’s quite independent and not especially a people pleaser relative to other dogs.
Doesn’t chew or dumpster dive. Overall, she’s really a low maintenance “roommate” who just wants to go on walks and outdoor adventures with you.
A FEW THINGS Heidi IS WORKING ON FROM HER FOSTER FAMILY…
Heidi still harbors fears from her previous life. She will need a loving and patient adopter who is willing to help her through the below issues:
Heidi is scared of loud/sudden noises. On a walk she may pull in the other direction if she hears a loud noice or machine. Sometimes there are certain pathways she suddenly becomes fearful of for reasons unrelated to noise.
Occasionally shuts down on walks. Sometimes it seems fear based, sometimes it seems like she just wants a breather. Usually a 30-60 second sit together reassures her all is well to move along.
She hates baths - it will take a little more time before she gets used to them, or at least is willing to put up with them.
She has an occasional habit of eating grass, but this upsets her stomach and causes vomiting
Heidi has made great strides in her crate training, but will need more work before she is fully comfortable being left alone in there.
With humans
Heidi may not seek out attention, but she is OK being approached, even by new people - she will let people touch her without any issues.
With her caretakers and their human friends, she likes to be nearby/in the same room, but will not get especially close. In general, she will not initiate a cuddle, but will allow a hug from her caretakers. This may change in time. She will allow you to pick her up without reaction, though it’s clearly not her preference.
With dogs + cats
Heidi is initially pretty curious about other dogs, and is fine with being approached, but she tends to lose interest soon. She hasn’t really had much experience meeting dogs in different situations yet. Heidi hasn’t been in direct contact with cats, but she appears more curious than aggressive.
Activity level
In the house she is very calm, and just does her own thing, but no matter what time it is, when it’s “walk time” she is ready! She does need long and frequent walks (someone who can commit to at least 3 good walks per day).
THE IDEAL FAMILY FOR Heidi WOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
A family looking for a walking buddy because Heidi LOVES her walks and is happiest when she can sniff around outside. A fenced in backyard of her own would make her very happy. She is extremely gentle and sweet, and would be a great companion to anyone looking for a pup with an independent personality.
Patience, time to train, consistency, and lots of love!
Heidi’s Details:
Breed: Jindo Mix
Age: 5 years old
Sex: Female
Size: 46lbs
Color: Brown/White
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Microchipped: Yes
Vaccinated: Yes
Medical notes: Heidi likely needs some dental work sooner than later.
Housetrained: Yes
Site: Wildhearts Rescue
Location: Foster home in Portland
Intake Date: 08/08/2021
Good with cats: Unknown
Good with dogs: Yes, with a slow introduction
Good with children: Possibly with dog savvy children and a slow introduction
Good with adults: Yes, with a slow introduction