NOTICE: No new content has been added since Animal Rescue Korea closed in 2014. Phone numbers, email addresses, shelter policies, and other details may be out of date. Information is kept for historical purposes only.
Sunny
Quick Bio
Age:
Senior (over 8 years old)
Gender:
Male
Breed:
Spaniel (Cocker)
Size:
Medium (7-20kg)
Colour:
Black & White
- Special needs
Description:
Update (November 22): Whoop whoop! Sunny! You amazing, beautiful soul! You're going home! I am so beyond happy for this wonderful little guy that he has a warm and loving home to spend the rest of his life in and that he will leave us eventually, hopefully remembering the good moments in his last few months. Thank you, thank you Amy!!!
Update (November 17): Sunny had a visit from a potential foster today and was just out of this world happy!! He was so excited and had so much energy. Fingers crossed for this special boy :)
Update (October 30): Sunny is still waiting for a foster home to live out the rest of his days....it's getting really cold now :/ Even though he is sick, Sunny acts normal and has energy and a good appetite - it really wouldn't be difficult to foster him aside from giving him some medicine. Please consider providing him with a warm and loving place to to remember when he leaves us.
This is Sunny. He is a beautiful and sweet boy who has been living at the shelter since he was 2-years-old, in 2003. He has been diagnosed with cancer, that has already spread to his bones. It is a very sad situation, and we are hoping he does have to spend his last few months in the shelter. Right now, he is kept separate in a cage in a small room. We are looking for a palliative foster to provide him with a warm and loving home until his time comes. He has lived his whole life as a shelter dog, he really deserves to leave this world with some beautiful memories. The weather is cooling down quickly and the shelter's heater is currently broken (we are fundraising to get it fixed); this makes it all the more difficult for Sunny to feel comfortable in his current state. All expenses including medical will be covered by the shelter.
Please, if you can help, it would mean the world to Sunny.
Comments
marlajoy
Oct 11, 2012 09:15
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There is absolutely nothing more heart breaking than stories like this. Poor boy! I'll be praying that this boy's last days will be filled with love and peace!
hfr1
Oct 11, 2012 20:41
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This story just breaks my heart. I have a spaniel that looks just like Sunny, so this really hits home for me.
I'm interested in helping out, however, I need some more information about Sunny before I can commit. Is there anyone I can correspond with?
marlajoy
Oct 11, 2012 20:47
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Click on "simply_ulee" above and you can send her a private message.
simply_ulee
Oct 11, 2012 20:49
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Hello hfr1, I'm so grateful you are interested. I volunteer at the shelter every weekend, however I don't know too much about Sunny's condition at this point; I only just found out from a fellow volunteer yesterday. What kind of information do you need? That way I can put you in contact with the right person.
hfr1
Oct 11, 2012 21:12
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Well, I realize there might be no way of knowing this seeing that he has lived his entire life in a shelter, but I need some info regarding his behavior and personality.
1. Does he get along with other dogs?
2. Is he house trained?
3. Does he bark a lot?
4. What kind of care will I have to give him...I've never looked after a dying dog before.
5. What is his personality like? Grumpy/happy/lethargic..etc?
This is just off the top of my head. Basically any information about the doggy would be awesome. I've never met him before so I don't know what to expect at all. Also, I'm leaving Korea at the end of February so that might become a problem. I'd hate to send him back to the shelter when he is at his sickest :( I've asked a friend if she'd be willing to be my back up, but understandably this is a huge thing to ask of someone and she needs some time to think about it. Also we both have other pets, so whether Sunny gets along with other animals is a very important factor here.
simply_ulee
Oct 11, 2012 21:49
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He does get along with other dogs, that much I know, as they are all kept in an open pen, maybe 20-40 small to medium sized dogs. None of these dogs are house trained. I will have to speak to the staff in regards to the other questions :) I will get back to you ASAP. Hmm, as for leaving in February, I'm not sure. The staff believes he will not make it the predicted 6 months, but yes if he did live past that, it could become a difficult situation when you leave.
clare_bell
Oct 12, 2012 02:14
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Oh man, poor sweet Sunny :( This is just too sad. I really hope he can get into a warm home. I bet Didi would love him hfr1 :)
hfr1
Oct 12, 2012 02:40
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I agree, Clare. This is a terrible situation. I won't mind taking him but I do have concerns about the barking (my landlord only tolerates Didi because she doesn't bark) and where he would go if he survives until March and I leave the country :/ I can speak to my vet though, he might take Sunny in for his final days if it comes to that. In the meantime I'll wait for a response from the shelter. Poor doggy!
hfr1
Oct 12, 2012 02:41
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Where exactly is this shelter? Perhaps I should go visit him one weekend?
allenjeong
Oct 13, 2012 16:52
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I don't think Sunny barks alot. He was the one very quiet among the spaniels :)
The shelter is located in Yangju, Gyeonggido. It's on subway line #1!
simply_ulee
Oct 14, 2012 03:34
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I am trying to find out all the answers to the questions asked :) I just saw Sunny today at the shelter, we took him out for a walk, and he was wonderful, raring to go! He is a lovely boy, and he didn't bark at all. He was just happy to be outside ^^
hfr1
Oct 14, 2012 04:07
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Thank you :) In the meantime I will chat with my vet and ask him if he will be willing to look after Sunny when I leave Korea next year March. Just in case. I really don't want to send him back to the shelter. Something we have to consider is that I live in Yesan, Chungcheongnamdo province. I'm not sure how we are going to get him down here. But we can work out the details later. One more question: Is he up to date with his vaccinations? I have another dog and she is flying internationally in January/February so I really cannot risk her catching anything at this point.
We'll find a way to make this work though, so whenever you have time we can have a conversation about the finer details concerning Sunny's move.
simply_ulee
Oct 14, 2012 05:39
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Thanks hfr1! Will get back to you asap, it's been a busy, busy weekend :)
simply_ulee
Oct 15, 2012 19:45
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Sorry for the delay, here are the answers to the questions you asked from a coordinator who knows him pretty well:
1. Does he get along with other dogs?
Yes. as far as i know, Sunny is one of the quiet ones among the other wild cocker spaniels at the shelter.
He is not shy rather energetic but never pick a fight with other dogs.
He has lived in the outside pen with other cocker spaniels till early this year
and he moved into the inside area but had no problems.
Right now, due to his current condition, he kept seperated with other dogs but still has a gentle nature.
However, i am not going to say i represent his nature 100% corretly just because
i have not seen him for 24 hours and my opinion is based on my observation when I was at the shelter.
2. Is he house trained?
No. I do not think so.
As mentioned in question #1, he was kept in the outside pen for most of his time so was basically allowed to pee/poop on everywhere
he wants in the pen.
The shelter does not do pee-pad training. It is just impossible.
Some dogs are naturally go to the area where newpapers are covered and would do their thing but I think Sunny just pee/poop
at anywhere.
Yet, I would not underestimate his ability to learn or do something very clever, you know, like going into the bathroom area to pee/poop.
3. Does he bark a lot?
He is quiet most of the time. Actually, I never heard him barking.
But, I am not going to say he DOES NOT BARK at all because he might be when he sees a stranger or hear some strange noises.
4. What kid of care will i have to give him?
Well, sadly, there isn't much we can do to improve his current condition as his cancer has already been spread
into his bone.
All we can do is to give him a medicine and good food to help him live until his time comes up.
He is currently on medicine and this is the most suitable medicine which could help him ease his pain.
So, What kind of care?
Just provide him a house where he can be kept warm, give him a healthy food (his apetite is still good),
give him a medicine for his cancer and for his eye (one of his eye shows cataract, which is common in cocker spaniel breed)
and most importantly, let him have lots of good memories by showing him some love.
Unless his condition is getting worse suddenly, the current medicine can be sent to the potential foster via mail.
5. His personality?
He is charming, sweet, gentle, energetic, happy, bright like sunshine even if he is pretty much at his last stage of life,
and loves people.
He still enjoys a short walk outside and shows his willingness to play around.
While he is on leash, he still pulls strongly on the leash and sniffs around.
He loves food although he is skinny. Bad cancer cells are getting all the nutritions. : (
He is affectionate but not jealousy.
He is independent.
hfr1
Oct 16, 2012 03:31
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Thank you for your extensive reply, I really appreciate it.
Does Sunny have any other health-related problems I should know of?
Like I said, I'm worried about my dog flying internationally.
Can I visit him sometime to see if we'll be a good fit?
simply_ulee
Oct 16, 2012 03:36
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I think it would be a really good idea for you to visit before deciding to foster him or not :) I normally go every weekend but I'm getting LASIK this weekend so I can't make it til the following Saturday. If you wanted to come then; or if you could make it on your own there before that might be better so if you do decide to go through with it, we can get the ball rolling a little faster :) As for any other health issues, I'm waiting on an answer about that. But I would say no, because he has lived amongst all the other small dogs in the shelter for years and they're all fine.
hfr1
Oct 16, 2012 03:46
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I can't go the weekend of the 28th, but how about Saturday 3 November?
How long does it take from Yongsan station to Yangju by subway?
simply_ulee
Oct 17, 2012 00:19
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I should be able to make it on that day, but I have a friend coming into town, so I have to double check :) As for health; most of the dogs there have not have health checks done so the staff is unsure whether Sunny is up-to-date on his vaccinations. We know he does have heartworms, that's the only sure thing. From Yongsan to Yangju will be about 1 hour on the subway (according to Jihachul), but add on another 30-40 minutes from Yangju Station to the actual shelter, depending on whether you want to taxi or public transport.
hfr1
Oct 17, 2012 20:00
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Simply_ulee, I spoke to my vet and he says that he thinks Sunny should get tested before before I expose my dog to him. I'm really sorry about this, but I cannot expose Didi to anything right now because I'm sending her to China to live with my sister until I join them next year.
I think it will be best to look for another foster for Sunny until I've sent Didi over. Once she is gone I will contact you. This will most probably happen in January. I realize that Sunny has limited time left and it breaks my heart that I cannot do more for him at this stage, but the risks are simply too high.
In the meantime, please let me know if there is anything else I can help Sunny with. What does he need? Can I send him some food, blankets, doggy clothes or vitamins?
I'll keep checking on his profile and I hope that he will finds somebody else to take care of him until then.
simply_ulee
Oct 17, 2012 23:02
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I completely understand; your own dog's health is obviously very important. Right now, there is one new potential candidate who might actually want to ADOPT him which is amazing. Any donations are always appreciated; I can find out if there's anything he needs specifically. Maybe a special food or if you could help with the medicine? I'm not sure, but I will let you know and any help would be amazing :)
hfr1
Oct 17, 2012 23:06
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Wow! That would truly be amazing! I really hope that the adoption works out for Sunny. He deserves warmth and love in his final stage of life. Sure, I'd help out with whatever he needs. Thanks for the quick responses!
simply_ulee
Oct 17, 2012 23:08
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Fingers crossed ^^
simply_ulee
Oct 21, 2012 08:55
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Sunny's still waiting for a foster home to live out the rest of his life!
melonheadz2
Nov 09, 2012 04:59
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What happened with this guy??
simply_ulee
Nov 11, 2012 07:51
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Unfortunately, all the potential fosters did not work out :( He is still waiting at the shelter.
monkeygirl74
Nov 22, 2012 18:25
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I am so beyond excited to pick Sunny up this weekend! My only wish is that I had found him sooner. He looks so much like my cocker at home I think it is fate that brought him to me. Thank you! <3
simply_ulee
Nov 22, 2012 18:54
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THANK YOU AMYYYYYYYYYY :) :) :)
hfr1
Nov 22, 2012 19:03
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I'm so happy to see that he has found a home! Please post some pictures for us when you guys are settled.
linhorobin
Nov 22, 2012 21:40
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Great news!! So happy this sweetie has a safe and loving place to live! Thank you so much for adopting him!
marlajoy
Nov 23, 2012 01:54
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Thank goodness!!! Such wonderful news!! :) Thank you!
monkeygirl74
Nov 25, 2012 17:56
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I am pleased to report that Sunny is beginning to settle into his new home quite well after having had a bath and short walks through out the day yesterday. I hate leaving him home alone today as I go to work, but it must be done. He is absolutely one of the happiest little dogs I have had the pleasure of knowing. <3
marlajoy
Nov 25, 2012 18:01
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Thanks! Please keep the updates coming! I'm sure a lot of people are really interested on hearing about this sweet boy! :)
simply_ulee
Nov 27, 2012 23:18
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Thought I'd upload some pictures of Sunny in his home :) He is doing fantastic!
clare_bell
Nov 27, 2012 23:20
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YAY little sweetness!!!
marlajoy
Nov 27, 2012 23:27
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Oh gosh! He is looking great! I'm so happy! :)
monkeygirl74
Dec 03, 2012 00:57
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Just a quick update on Sunny. Last Thursday his breathing got really bad so he went to the vet where he's been ever since. I just got a message that he will be coming back to me tomorrow. Poor little guy he is such a fighter! It will be nice to have him in the house again.
simply_ulee
Dec 03, 2012 01:04
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oh nooo, i'm sorry to hear that :S poor Sunny...
marlajoy
Dec 03, 2012 01:31
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Really happy he's coming back home!! :)
melonheadz2
Dec 03, 2012 02:18
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I'm so glad this guy is in a home now. I was worried about him and asked around to see if anyone was interested. I ended up taking a small female to foster as I knew my two male dogs would accept her much more quickly. I think they would have done a lot more barking and snapping with this guy and created more stress in his life. I'm so happy...it seems he has found the perfect place to meet his needs! Hope he feels better soon!
monkeygirl74
Dec 30, 2012 01:15
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It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing my last update on Sunny. This amazing little guy left our world last night. I feel privileged to have known him for the short time I did. He was a fighter and I am glad he did not have to go alone. He was only with me for a short time, but we bonded and he has a very special place in my heart. Thank you to Gemma and Ula for all of your help and support while I had Sunny.
marlajoy
Dec 30, 2012 01:27
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Thank you SO SO SO much for loving him in his final days!! You gave him a wonderful gift! Bye, Sunny! :)
linhorobin
Dec 30, 2012 02:58
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I second everything marlajoy said! You are very brave to have taken him in knowing this difficult day would be coming soon, and my thoughts are with you at this time.