By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
In some traditional Korean stories, dogs are described as faithful enough to sacrifice themselves to save their owners.
But it is vice versa for 127 abandoned dogs in a plastic greenhouse located in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim Jeong-ho has taken care of those deserted animals for 30 years, although the 68-year-old man has no regular income barring monthly state subsidies of 200,000 won ($212).
Aid from an animal hospital and an online pet lover club enable him to continue his merciful charitable work.
What's worse, he was diagnosed with terminal oral cancer one month ago. However, the serious disease seems not to have distracted his affection toward dogs.
``I am all right, but I am really worried about who will care for them,'' Kim said.
``I started by bringing in an abandoned dog 30 years ago because I could not ignore the poor animal.''
His memory of losing his German Shepherd during the 6.25 War spurred him to help the dogs.
He said after the financial crisis hit the nation in 1997, the number of deserted dogs skyrocketed.
``I hate those who love dogs when they are small and cute, but desert them when they're getting bigger, eating much or coming down with some diseases,'' said Kim, who is skilled at grooming dogs and has even given shots to dogs who have slight sicknesses like diarrhea.
After learning of Kim's situation, the Internet club, which volunteers to help abandoned dogs, has collected money for his operation, but the amount it has raised is much less than the 4 million won he needs.
``Thus far, I think I have lived off them, not taken care of them,'' Kim said. ``I hope to meet them again recovered.''
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ksw@koreatimes.co.kr