WEACT | 위액트

Rescue story

In March 2021, WEACT received a distressing report about dogs dying at #HwaseongPaltanDogFarm. Following an emergency meeting, we immediately initiated an urgent rescue mission to Hwaseong. Twelve dogs were confined in cramped cages or tethered with short leashes, lacking access to food or clean water. Instead, they were forced to subsist on a bowl filled with rotten scraps. During the day, these dogs had to endure the cold, with their entire bodies soaked from rain and snow. At night, in pitch-black darkness where they couldn't see a step ahead, they had to fend for themselves, without anyone to rely on. With the assistance of RE:BIRTH and volunteers from across the country, WEACT successfully rescued all twelve dogs, along with three strays. Emerging from a harsh and frigid environment, #weact_dante is now experiencing a warm world for the first time.

Personality

In Dante's rewritten "Divine Comedy," there’s no Hell or Purgatory—just Heaven! ♥ This adorable pup with squishy, potato-dumpling-shaped brown triangle ears is learning to enjoy a stable routine at #WeActTheHome, unintentionally becoming a pro at playing hard to get! Dante’s cautious nature keeps him from rushing into interactions, but his subtle steps to approach familiar caregivers for snacks or food make everyone’s heart melt. With no developed "muscles" to accept new things, he gets stressed by small changes. Dante is exactly the type of guy who pretends he's fine and acts like nothing's wrong, but eventually gets found out, making you keep thinking about him. Dante is steadily making progress and embracing new experiences at his own pace. Through consistent kennel training, he now recognizes his kennel as a safe haven where he can rest comfortably. When you say, "house," he happily trots into his kennel. Dante is also friendly with other dogs and is gradually improving with leash training.

With humans

At first, Dante was afraid of everyone after being rescued, but just like the late winter snow melting under the warm spring sun, his wariness of people is slowly fading away. Of course, he’s not at the “I love people!” stage just yet, but he has come to trust them enough to allow anyone to touch him. With his slow and calm nature, we can’t help but look forward to the days ahead as he continues to open his heart!

With dogs

Dante loves and relies on his doggy friends. He’s polite, carefully approaching them for a sniff and wagging his tail happily when he finds a friend he connects with. Though timid and cautious, Dante shows his playful side in the playground bouncing around with joy when with friends he trusts. While he’s energetic and sociable in familiar company, the presence of unfamiliar people in the play area can make him hesitant to relax.

Energy Level

Dante prefers outdoor bathroom breaks and seems more content when he can relieve himself outside. Ideally, he should have at least one walk per day. Dante prefers a slow and calm walk, taking his time to explore his surroundings rather than running around to burn off energy.

Needs help with

Dante favors outdoor potty breaks, but consistent house-training is needed as he occasionally marks indoors. He freezes with fear when a leash is put on, so a patient approach may be needed. He remains vigilant while walking, reacting sensitively to sounds and surroundings. If he's too scared, he sits down, and in those moments, you just need to wait a little. Progressing from leash attachment to comfortable walks will require step-by-step guidance and support. Caregivers must work steadily with him to desensitize his fear and build his confidence with various stimuli.

Health specifics

Dante is healthy overall.

Ideal family

Dante’s past in an unstable environment has left him highly sensitive to noise and wary of his surroundings, making it difficult for him to fully relax. He needs a quiet, comforting space where he can learn to soothe his restless heart. His ideal family would be patient and calm, allowing Dante to set the pace as he builds trust and works on skills like walking on a leash. Dante could benefit from a canine companion with a compatible temperament to help him adapt. He deserves a family willing to wait for him to open his heart, showering him with love and encouragement as he experiences many "firsts" in their care. Dante needs someone who will treat him as the most precious member of the family and help him embrace life at his speed.

Dante