Aurora’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. Once destined for slaughter at a dog meat farm in South Korea, the three-year-old pup has traveled more than 5,000 miles to San Francisco, where she finally met her new adoptive family. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, compassion, and the tireless work of animal advocates.
From a Meat Farm to Rescue Care
Aurora’s story began in March 2023, when she was rescued from the Miryang dog meat farm in South Korea. She was found tied with a short chain, with no easy access to food or water — a heartbreaking reality for many dogs trapped in the trade. Shortly after her rescue, the team at Jindo Love Rescue discovered she was pregnant.
Aurora gave birth to four puppies — Daffy, Bugs, Babs, and Taz. One by one, her puppies found loving homes, while Aurora herself waited patiently for over two years. Caregivers described her as a gentle and shy soul who longed for kindness and stability.
A New Beginning in San Francisco
On August 28, 2025, Aurora’s journey came full circle when she landed in San Francisco to meet her new mom, Natasha Lee. The emotional moment was filled with joy and relief as Aurora, once chained and voiceless, finally had a place to call home. Natasha shared, “I am very lucky and fortunate to adopt her. The Jindo Love Rescue team are the real MVPs here.”
Aurora will now enjoy life alongside her new canine sibling, Solo, trading the fear of a meat farm for the comfort of a loving family.
The Work of Animal Advocates
Aurora’s rescue was made possible by the partnership between Jindo Love Rescue and In Defense of Animals, organizations that have rescued over 1,200 dogs since 2017. Michael Angelo Torres, a Bay Area campaigner, said, “It was incredibly moving to see them meet, and I look forward to hearing updates about Aurora’s wonderful new life in San Francisco with her loving forever family.”
Fleur Dawes, communications director at In Defense of Animals, emphasized the urgency of their mission: “Aurora was raised to be butchered, but instead she is now a beloved family member. With South Korea’s historic dog meat ban phasing in, half a million dogs are still trapped on farms. We are working urgently to save as many as possible before the 2030 deadline.”
A Changing Future for Dogs in South Korea
In 2024, South Korea passed a historic law banning the breeding, farming, and sale of dog meat, with the legislation set to fully take effect in 2027. Anyone found guilty of butchering dogs could face up to three years in prison. While the law represents significant progress, advocates caution that hundreds of thousands of dogs remain in dire conditions until the deadline is reached.
The U.S. banned the sale of dog meat in 2018, but global efforts continue to address this practice in countries where it persists.
Aurora’s New Chapter
Aurora’s transformation from a chained dog at a meat farm to a cherished family pet is a testament to hope and humanity. Her story proves that with compassion, collaboration, and persistence, even the darkest beginnings can lead to the brightest futures. As she settles into her new life in San Francisco, Aurora represents not just one dog’s survival, but the collective victory of all who fight to save lives like hers.
