QUEBEC, Canada―Phoenix the dog quite literally rose from the ashes when she survived a devastating fire at a dog meat farm in South Korea, narrowly escaped being sold back into the meat trade and was luckily saved and flown overseas by Humane World for Animals where she found safety and love with a family in Canada.
A wildfire swept through the dog meat farm in Gyeongbuk Province, burning itto the ground and killing 700 dogs. Phoenix was one of only eight dogs to survive the flames (sadly, two later succumbed to their injuries), and local Korean animal groups persuaded the farmer to hand them over for veterinary care for their burns instead of slaughtering them for meat. It was the only act of mercy Phoenix had ever been shown by humans, and it was to transform her life forever.
After treatment for smoke inhalation and burns, Phoenix― originally named Guwon by the rescuers― was flown overseas by Humane World for Animals South Korea, which successfully helped campaign for a ban on the dog meat industry in the country, effective 2027.
It was at the Humane World for Animals care and rehabilitation center near Montreal, Canada that Terrebonne resident Tanya Thibaudeau met Phoenix and decided to adopt her.
See Guwon/Phoenix receiving treatment for burns here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RigkL8cpGqQ
Tanya Thibaudeau said: “Phoenix brings us a richer and happier life filled with unconditional love and companionship. She is curious and learns very quickly. I love the look in her eyes when she tries to understand something. She loves to play with other dogs, and remains calm and balanced, no matter what she has been through. It is extremely sad to know that an animal could have suffered such hardship. I feel immense relief that the dog meat industry will soon end in South Korea and am very happy knowing that many dogs will now be spared this cruelty. I adopted a golden retriever named Willow two days after bringing Phoenix home, so she has a companion. They are best friends and my heart swells watching them together.”
Sangkyung Lee, campaign manager at Humane World for Animals South Korea, said: “The death of hundreds of dogs in the fire at this dog meat farm will always be a tragedy, but Phoenix’s story of resilience and survival is an inspiration. Despite all the trauma she has been through― being born on a dog meat farm where she was destined to be killed and eaten, enduring terrible burns in a fire that killed almost every dog on the farm and then narrowly escaping being sold for meat anyway― Phoenix has survived against all the odds. Now she is living her best life ever in Canada with a family who love her. She really deserves her new name, Phoenix, because she rose from the ashes of that fire to start again and leave all her suffering behind her. Her story shows us that animals often regarded simply as food can possess remarkable qualities such as resilience and the capacity to form deep bonds with people. I am overjoyed to see her so happy and cherished.”
Humane World for Animals (formerly called Humane Society International) works across Asia to end the dog and cat meat trade. In South Korea, Viet Nam, Indonesia, China and India, we pursue change through legislation, community engagement, animal rescue, rabies vaccination and livelihood transition programs, working both directly and with local partners.
Download photos and video of the dogs here including Phoenix in her new home.
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