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Dogs Rescued From South Korea Find New Beginnings

ELVERTA (CBS13) – Half a world away in South Korea, they were set to be killed for their meat.

That is, until a group of rescuers stepped in and brought them to Northern California where their new story has just begun.

Meet Roger, a six-month-old golden retriever.

He may look happy and healthy, enjoying life in out in the open Northern California air. But it hasn't always been that way for him or his three companions.

You see, Roger, Tag, Llena and Myra were all rescued from the deplorable conditions of a dog meat farm in South Korea. It's just one of many farms in the country where statistics show anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of people have consumed dog meat in their lifetime.

These four were part of a group of 64 dogs rescued by the San Francisco SPCA. And that's when Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue in Sacramento stepped up to help.

The dogs had never worn collars, never had any affection and needed a lot of TLC.

"They are not familiar with humans, they haven't had a lot of interactions with people, so we are working to give them a safe place ... a quiet place out in the country where they can learn how to be dogs," said Sara Floor, board member of Homeward Bound.

They received medical care, and a dedicated group of volunteers started to work on gaining their trust.

In just a few short weeks since arriving at the sanctuary, the dogs are beginning to play with each other and humans too.

"To the point that Tag and Roger will come up to be pet and the girls are starting to become a little more accepting of human interaction," Floor said.

Opened in 2000, Homeward Bound has since rescued more than 8,000 dogs – and they hope these four special dogs will follow in those paw prints.

"Right now the dogs still have quite a ways to go. One of the great things about Homeward Bound is we have this permanent facility and so we can offer these dogs a home and the care that they need for as long as they need," Floor said.

And for those at Homeward Bound, they say watching them thrive is what's it's all about.

"The resiliency of these dogs is really amazing and it gives all of us hope for second chances and new beginnings," Floor said.

There are now applications from several people who want to provide the four with a forever  home.

For more information on adopting other dogs from Homeward Bound, head to their website: http://www.homewardboundgoldens.org/

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