What does it take to rescue 31 dogs from terrible living conditions, build a shelter almost overnight, and give animals that have experienced years of neglect a chance at a better life?

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Dr. Robert Forto and co-host Robin Lucas take listeners behind the scenes of one of Rebel Rescue South Korea's largest rescue operations. Robin shares the story of the 2021 Gumi rescue, an operation that began when another animal rescue organization discovered dogs living in extremely poor conditions and reached out for help.

With limited space and a new shelter still under construction, Robin committed to taking 28 dogs. Working with volunteers and other rescuers, Rebel Rescue prepared its facility to receive them. The total grew to 31 after three more Corgis were rescued.

Many of the dogs arrived frightened, poorly socialized, and suffering from serious medical conditions, including heartworm and other infections. The work of providing veterinary treatment, daily care, and rehabilitation was only beginning.

Years later, most of the dogs have found homes, but six remain at Rebel Rescue. Robin introduces listeners to Sammy, Matilda, Jeremy, Bobby, Wolvie, and Butters, sharing their personalities, challenges, and hopes for adoption.

Robert and Robin also discuss the importance of rescue partnerships, the realities of caring for traumatized dogs, and why finding the right home sometimes takes years.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

1. How the Gumi rescue operation began in 2021.
2. The partnership between We Act and Rebel Rescue South Korea.
3. Preparing a new shelter to accommodate dozens of dogs.
4. The medical and behavioral challenges neglected rescue dogs face.
5. What happened to the original 31 dogs.
6. The six remaining dogs still searching for permanent homes.
7. Why patience and realistic expectations matter when adopting senior rescue dogs.
8. How something as simple as a dog's name can influence adoption interest.

Help these dogs find their forever homes.

Follow @rebelrescuesk on Instagram to learn more about the six remaining Gumi rescue dogs and how you can support their journey.

Subscribe to Rescue Tails for more stories of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and the people working to give animals a second chance.

What does it actually take to keep a dog rescue running day after day?

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto puts co-host Robin Lucas in the hot seat for a behind-the-scenes look at life at Rebel Rescue South Korea. Robin wears many hats, handling everything from adoption and foster applications to finances, animal intake, volunteer coordination, website updates, veterinary needs, and communication with the English-speaking community. She does it while working a full-time night-shift job and navigating the demands of running a rescue in another country.

Robert and Robin also discuss one of the more unusual challenges of rescue work in South Korea: operating across languages and cultures. Korean volunteers, American military families, expats, adopters, and fosters may all interact with the same organization, making clear communication and consistent procedures even more important.

The conversation turns to volunteer management, leadership, delegation, safety procedures, and why simply expecting everyone to "figure it out" isn't enough. Robin explains the work underway to create more standardized routines so volunteers can spend less time wondering what to do and more time caring for the dogs.

Finally, meet Winnie, a young Pomeranian mix rescued from the breeding industry in South Korea. Despite a difficult beginning and problems with her back legs, Winnie is now in foster care and looking for a family willing to give her the commitment she deserves.