“The area is not somewhere people typically explore …”
By Caitlin Jill Anders
Published on July 8, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Philip Seo, the head dog trainer with Korean K9 Rescue, was out for a hike in Paju, South Korea, when he heard tiny whimpers coming from nearby. He immediately switched into rescue mode and followed the sounds, which led him to a puppy trapped in a ravine.
The puppy, later named Jjori, was wet, dirty and exhausted from crying out for help. He was unable to get out of the ravine on his own and was so excited when he saw his rescuer. Seo had no idea how Jjori had ended up all alone out there and knew he couldn’t leave him behind.
“The area is not somewhere people typically explore, and Philip would not have found him if Jjori had not started crying out after hearing footsteps nearby,” Gina Kim-Sadiku, executive director of Korean K9 Rescue, told The Dodo.
Seo rushed Jjori straight to a nearby animal hospital, where he immediately began receiving treatment for malnourishment, dehydration and several infections. He received a week of intensive care, and everyone was thrilled when he somehow pulled through.
“We feel incredibly fortunate that he was found when he was,” Kim-Sadiku said. “The area where he was trapped is prone to flooding, and rain was in the forecast. Had he remained there much longer, the outcome could have been very different.”
Seo picked Jjori up from the hospital and brought him to the rescue center. He still has a ways to go until he’ll be ready for adoption, but his rescuers are excited to help him continue his healing journey and watch his personality emerge more every day.
“Jjori is incredibly friendly, affectionate and people-oriented,” Kim-Sadiku said. “He is very dependent on human companionship and loves being petted.”
Even while out on a hike in the middle of nowhere, a puppy in need somehow found Seo, proving that there truly are no days off when it comes to animal rescue.
If you’d like to help Jjori, you can donate to Korean K9 Rescue.