Apollo
One Animal, One Decision, One Chance.
On April 23, 2017, while investigating and mapping dog farms in South Korea, K9 Global Rescue found two dogs confined in small cages behind a family home in the countryside. The dogs were in clear distress. Although the owners claimed they were family pets, K9GR believed the dogs were being raised for sale to dog meat traders.
After negotiations, the owners agreed to surrender the dogs. K9GR did not pay for either dog.
Found In South Korea
The younger dog, later named Apollo, was approximately six months old. He had been born inside the cage and had known only confinement during the first months of his life.
The Damage Caused By The Cage
The cage had a steel mesh floor. To keep his feet from falling through the wire, Apollo pushed against the mesh as he grew. Over time, that pressure damaged his development and caused his paws to grow sideways.
The Journey To The United States
On June 6, Apollo was cleared to leave Korea and made the journey to the United States with one of K9GR's founders. Apollo went to Denver, where he lives with Jon, K9GR's founder, and his family.
Surgery, Recovery, And A New Life
After multiple veterinary visits and consultations, Apollo required two extensive surgeries and therapy to straighten his paws as much as possible. His recovery was not simple, but Apollo remained gentle, loving, and trusting.
Some dogs stay with you forever. Apollo is one of them. His story is a reminder that rescue is not abstract. It is one animal, one decision, one chance at a different life.
"Saving one dog will not change the world, but for that one dog the world will change forever."