Worth the Wait
After spending 713 days with us, Archie got a chance at love with his forever family.
Archie's journey to San Diego Humane Society was longer than most. He traveled 6,000 miles from South Korea, after he and 29 other dogs were rescued from a meat farm in 2015. The plane ride to San Diego was just the beginning of Archie's journey toward happiness, health and a loving home.
Once in our care, the 30 Korean dogs received plenty of help; from veterinary care to behavioral rehabilitation. Twenty-three of the dogs were happily adopted into new homes, but the remaining seven were painfully shy and fearful. After spending their lives in cages, the dogs hadn't been exposed to new people, animals, sights or sounds during their critical socialization period. They had also learned to lie in their own waste because clean surfaces weren't available. But, thanks to your support, our Behavior Center was able to give every one of them a second chance.
As time passed, each Korean dog was adopted—except for Archie. We'll never know exactly what Archie endured in South Korea, but it affected him deeply. He needed extra patience, extra intervention from our staff and volunteers, and extra time. Archie stayed with us 713 days, making him one of the longest residents we've ever cared for.
In the nearly two years Archie was with us, we helped him learn that humans could be associated with positive interactions. We helped him learn the meaning of "play." We helped him slowly become less shy and fearful and begin to trust. And finally, after so much time had passed, a wonderful family decided to give Archie the loving home he so deeply deserves.
It wasn't just our staff and volunteers who stood by Archie while he waited for a loving home—it was also you.
By supporting San Diego Humane Society and by believing in our work, you make it possible for animals like Archie to know love. Archie's story, like so many others, is part of your legacy of compassion.
To learn more about ways you can make a lasting impact at San Diego Humane Society, and for dogs like Archie, contact Katie Chalmers at KChalmers@sdhumane.org or (619) 798-0498.