I never grew up with dogs, and adopting Bailey, a rescue dog from overseas, was a leap into the unknown.
Yet here we are, six years later, and Bailey is an inseparable part of our family.
Choosing Our First Dog Together_Adopting a Rescue Dog from South Korea
Before adopting, we made one family rule: The dog had to be one we all loved.
Not just a dog my son wanted, or one I favored — Bailey turned out to be that dog.
Meeting Bailey: A Rescue Dog’s Story
Bailey came into our lives through a private rescue center in Korea.
At six months old, he was a poodle mix, and luckily, his coat was hypoallergenic—important for my allergies.
Bailey’s backstory was heartbreaking but, sadly, all too common.
He, his mother, and his sibling Max were abandoned by an alcoholic owner
who neglected and mistreated them.
Both puppies were rescued and initially adopted in Korea, but Bailey was returned to the center soon after.
Why Was Bailey Returned?_Adopting a Rescue Dog from South Korea
I never asked why Bailey’s first adoption didn’t work out, but I had my guesses.
He was slightly larger than the typical lap dogs preferred in Korea.
His fur wasn’t a uniform white, but a mix of brown, black, and white
—making him less popular compared to other dogs.
By the time we reached out to the center, Bailey was living with a foster parent who ran a café.
Watching videos of him playing, I felt an instant connection
—it was as if he was waiting for us. (My husband loves to tease me about this, of course.)
From Korea to California: Bailey’s Journey to His Forever Mom
With the help of incredible volunteers and the rescue center,
Bailey made his way from Korea to California to meet his forever family.
The moment we opened his crate at the airport, after more than 20 hours of travel in the dark cargo hold,
he came out wagging his tail, as cheerful and lively as ever.
He snuggled into my arms and my husband’s, as if he’d always belonged with us.
This was just the beginning of Bailey’s new life with us,
and the memories we’ve created since have been nothing short of heartwarming.
In the next part, I’ll share more about the adoption process and how Bailey has enriched our lives.
Stay tuned! 😊
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