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_Al is now experiencing a warm world for the first time.

Personality

Will You Be Al’s Kind Human Friend? Al is full of charm, especially when he's playing with his dog furiends. His playful expressions, as he teases his buddies and happily smiles, are just one of the many things that make him so special. When he's with other dogs, Al’s energy is always high as a kite!—he becomes more active and lively, spreading positive vibes wherever he goes. While Al might look like the life of the party with his dog pals, his behavior around people is a bit different. Al has had some fears about being around humans. When he first arrived at his foster home, he was so scared that he wouldn't even move from his kennel for days. Slowly, however, he began playing with his dog companions and exploring the house, sniffing around, and even discovering the stairs. As time passed, Al started gathering his favorite toys and creating his own little kingdom—showing us a more playful, cute side of himself. For Al, new people and unfamiliar places are always challenges to overcome, but with encouragement and patience, he will always rise to the occasion. He’s a resilient dog, full of inner strength, and though he may not have been comfortable with grooming or touching at first, he now accepts these things calmly. Even when he's scared, Al doesn’t react aggressively; instead, he may shy away or express his discomfort by pulling back, but never in an aggressive way. Al needs a family that approaches him with gentle encouragement rather than firmness, and kindness rather than force. He’ll need time to build trust, but with steady support, you’ll see him blossom. Please be patient and supportive, and look forward to the moment when Al finds the courage to show you his true, loving self.

With humans

Al is a thoughtful and reserved dog who feels most comfortable in his own space, especially within his kennel, where he can relax and feel safe. While he can be a bit shy around new people, he walks calmly on a leash when given enough personal space, matching his handler's pace without issue. However, when his space is reduced—such as when a leash is put on—Al can feel a bit overwhelmed and may freeze as he takes a moment to adjust. Touch can be a challenge for Al, but when familiar hands gently stroke his forehead or under his neck, he can be surprisingly calm and even enjoys the attention, closing his eyes in bliss. It's important to understand that Al's comfort with touch grows slowly, and he will need a patient, understanding family who is willing to give him time to adjust and build trust.

With dogs

Al not only enjoys the company of his friends but also deeply relies on them. Whether his friends are bigger or smaller than him, Al gets along well with all of them. He especially loves rolling around and playing with friends he feels a connection with in the play ground. If a friend doesn't show proper manners, Al will let them know by giving a gentle warning to show that certain behavior is not okay. Al feels more relaxed and at ease when he's with a friend. When he's in the play yard alone, he can be a bit tense, but when accompanied by a buddy, he shows a more laid-back side, even following his furiend to share a snack.

Energy level

When Al is with his dog friends, his energy level skyrockets! He loves running around, playing, and tumbling with them in an active, carefree way. However, when he's with people, Al tends to be a bit more on edge and cautious. If Al finds his forever family, it's important to help him gradually build confidence and allow him to expand his comfort zone at his own pace. While encouraging him to engage and become more active is important, the priority is to give him the time and space he needs to feel safe and supported. Daily walks—at least twice a day—will be key to helping Al thrive. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to enjoy sniffing and exploring the world around him. Since Al loves being around his dog friends, providing him with chances to meet other dogs during walks will help him stay happy and relaxed.

Needs help with

Al is generally accepting of the leash when approached slowly, but he tends to freeze up when the leash is put on. He can become more tense in unfamiliar places, narrow paths, or outdoors, so consistent leash training and regular walks are important to help him feel more at ease. Al is comfortable relieving himself both indoors and outdoors, though he prefers to do so outside. He does tend to mark indoors, so some potty training and housebreaking will be necessary to help him learn the appropriate places to go.

Health specifics

Al is in good health with no issues.

Ideal family

Al has some fear when it comes to people. Since his rescue, he’s been making slow but positive progress in building trust with humans, and we’re hoping to find a family who can patiently wait for him to open up at his own pace. If you can offer a calm, supportive environment and help Al continue to grow through positive experiences, you’ll be the perfect match for him. It would be even better if you’re willing to learn about and provide the training Al needs, such as leash training and socialization, to help him feel more comfortable. Al enjoys the company of other dogs, so having a dog companion who is good with humans could make a huge difference in helping him adapt and thrive. Al is a bit more fearful when it comes to new things, so it’s important to avoid rushing him. Take it slow and allow him to be gently exposed to new experiences without overwhelming him. When Al shows signs of fear, offering encouragement and patience will help him gain confidence over time. Right now, Al feels most comfortable in his kennel, but he’s dreaming of a family who can show him that there’s something even stronger and more secure than his kennel— a family that will be his safe, unbreakable support for life.

Al