Rescue story
In the summer of 2023, WEACT headed to a breeding facility in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do upon receiving a report. Despite having official government approval, the scene was more distressing than anything we had witnessed before. It was filled with severe abuse, illicit euthanizations, unauthorized c-section procedures, and other unlawful practices. Dogs with ruptured eyes, injured limbs, and such severe emaciation that they were in a state of shock were discovered. These unfortunate dogs had endured continuous breeding within cramped cages, with their lives disregarded, devoid of any compassion. Drawing from the evidence gathered at the scene and the tips we had received, WEACT confirmed the harrowing act of using a box cutter to open a mother dog's belly to extract the puppies. We also uncovered a freezer containing over 100 dog carcasses wrapped in newspaper. When the freezer became too crowded, the dogs were illegally buried in the nearby mountains. Initially estimating around 800 dogs at the site, we were ultimately astounded to discover a staggering total of 1,426 dogs. Fortunately, the dedicated efforts of approximately 20 fellow organizations who swiftly offered their assistance, volunteers from across the country, various government agencies, and the cooperation of Gyeonggi-do provided invaluable support for the rescue mission. Together, we achieved an unprecedented miracle by saving all the abused dogs. WEACT brought home 32 dogs, including #weact_nova.


Personality
Nova's right eye is blind, and her left eye is affected by cataracts. As she relies on only one eye, her movements tend to lean towards the left, making it challenging for her to accurately perceive her surroundings, even during meals. However, in spite of these challenges, Nova embraces her newfound freedom with the same zest as any other dog. She takes delight in savoring delicious food, finding comfort in soft blankets, and, above all, cherishing the warmth of a gentle touch. In her journey of adjusting to The Home, Nova is gradually building connections with both humans and dog friends. Although she feels uneasy in large or noisy environments due to her limited vision, Nova finds solace in the affectionate gazes of people and the friendly gestures of her friends, sparking a growing sense of excitement within her.


With humans
Nova has started showing much more interest in people. Although it takes some time for her to warm up to strangers, once she feels comfortable, Nova expresses affection by attentively following them. Simply approaching her fence is enough to grab her attention, prompting a warm welcome with a wagging tail.


With dogs
Nova doesn't show much interest in other dogs, but as she becomes more accustomed to The Home, she's discovering the joy of playing with them. These days, she actively approaches her friends to play and seems to be in a good mood during playtime.


With cats
Nova hasn't met or lived with cats before.


Energy level
Nova has significantly impaired vision, which makes it challenging for her to participate in vigorous activities. Additionally, challenges arise with unexpected objects or terrain when visibility is low. Consequently, she tends to favor familiar places over new ones. Despite these limitations, it is crucial to incorporate walks in familiar outdoor settings to maintain sensory stimulation. Once leash training is established, include daily walks to comfortable places as part of her routine.


Shedding/Barking
Nova rarely sheds and isn’t very vocal. However, lately, she may bark during mealtime.


Needs help with
Nova will require proper potty training. With a gentle and timid nature, she pays close attention to what her guardian communicates after building trust. Engaging in short walks through recall and leash training would be beneficial for Nova’s activity needs.


Health specifics
Nova's right eye is blind, and her left eye has stage 2 cataracts. The right eye may shrink due to eyeball atrophy, and consistent care and monitoring are essential as she requires eye medication twice a day. After undergoing surgery for patellar luxation, Nova needs rehabilitation activities such as flat ground exercises and stretching. Additionally, mammary tumors on the head and abdominal area were discovered during her rescue and subsequently removed.


Ideal family
Nova spent her entire life in a breeding facility, which has affected her health. Therefore, the best fit for her would be an understanding and patient family. While Nova may not express everything, it's important to know that she endured extended periods of pain and discomfort. Providing meticulous care and a safe environment to prevent collisions or injuries is crucial due to her limited vision. Currently at The Home, Nova enjoys the company of people, especially those she's familiar with. However, it takes time for her to fully open up, so an ideal family would be willing to patiently wait for Nova. Observing Nova's changes, the presence of friendly dogs at home could have a positive impact on her. However, given her timid and enduring nature, please check their compatibility and ensure they don’t distress her. Nova eagerly awaits a comforting family for her tired body and heart.


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