Why bring dogs from Asia when there are dogs in

North America that are homeless or in shelters?

(Scroll down for photos)

For starters, let me clarify that Island Dogz does in fact rescue BC dogz that are in urgent need. We rescue all breeds, but specialize in Northern breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Malamutes and other  spitz type breeds.

At Island Dogz, we believe that Dog Rescue is a calling from above and we are called to help the dogs in Taiwan, where others rescue dogs from US shelters, or  from Mexico, or one type of purebred, or small dogs, or seniors, or from Northern Canada. Just as some Missionaries travel to destinations thousands of miles from home, and some go to the nearest low income community centre, some go to rural jungles and some to the inner city. We each have different groups we are called to help and after much research and weighing the pros and cons, we decided Taiwan, and specifically Taichung Universal Animal Protection Association ( TUAPA ).

This shelter high upon a mountain on this tropical South Eastern Taiwanese island, is "home" for over 1000 animals; mostly dogs, and a few cats. TUAPA is run by a handful of incredibly devoted workers and volunteers that struggle to spread their time, love, funds and care to all their "doggies". They also have a program to try to help control the growth of the stray/feral dog population. Volunteers go out into the community and catch dogs for  what is known as CNR or Catch-Neuter-Return. Dogs they come across with the greatest needs are brought back to "the mountain" shelter. Here they receive medical attention, immunizations and a spot in the shelter (if there is room of course). TUAPA is a "NO KILL" shelter, which means they care for a dog for life, unlike the city pounds that euthanize an unclaimed/unadopted dog after a week to 10 days. The dogs here are not in spacious kennels with raised Kuranda beds, blankets, good quality kibble, daily walks, toys and treats like the SPCA here so wonderfully provides for dogs in local shelters. TUAPA dogs are in raised metal cages, row upon row, or in groups on concrete floors, patiently waiting for someone to take them out to the yard once a week. And these dogs are the lucky ones!

Thousands of dogs roam the city streets and rural areas of Taiwan. They are considered by many as little better than rats, and are treated accordingly. Many are run over on the crowded streets, some accidentally, but often on purpose. Others are caught in wire snares and bear (gin) traps. These leave many of the dogs alive but with serious injuries that go untreated.  Dogs with amputations are common.   Another source of injury, both accidental and on purpose, are rubber bands. Some dogs have the bands cutting into their muzzles or necks from scrounging in discarded lunch boxes held closed by the bands. Others have had the bands put on them for reasons I cannot fathom. They bind into the flesh where ever they are placed; muzzle neck, tail, limbs etc. 

Although eating dog meat  has become less common in Asia , there are still underground butchers and markets for the meat of dogs. It is known as "fragrant meat" and is eaten especially in the winter months, as it is thought by some to keep the body warm. Some dogs are "farmed" and others are snatched off the street, and they are kept in cramped cages with little care to their condition to await their fate.  The slaughtering process can be excruciating as some feel that the meat is greatly enhanced by the dog's body producing high amounts of adrenaline...which is produced when they experience great pain. Our very first shipment of dogs from Taiwan included a wonderful young Siberian Husky that was broken out of such a slaughterhouse by extreme rescuers known (loosely translated) as "compassionate mothers".

We were also drawn to the hearts of the workers at TUAPA, they keep track of EVERY dog they send. They keep in touch with rescues like Island Dogz, that offer hope to their beloved "doggies". They post pictures and videos of the dogs before and after leaving Taiwan, they work tirelessly to make sure each dog has all medical needs met and all  paperwork ready for their trip. They go the extra mile to ensure the dogs arrive safely and comfortably. Each dog arrives in a  spacious crate with water, chew bones, absorbent pads incase of accidents, new harness, leash and ID tag. The passenger  that escorts them on their adventure brings complete folders with all immigration and medical records. After the dog is adopted by a new furever family, they ask that they still receive pictures and updates as they really do care about each individual dog even though the numbers passing through the shelter are massive.  We definitely wanted to be apart of a team with that kind of devotion.

 Stray dogs in Taiwan are a wide variety of breeds. The actual Taiwan  National Dog or Formosa  is  a midsided, compact dog with keen expression and large bat ears. The recognized colours are black, brindle and tan and they range from about 25 to 40lbs and a height of 16 to 21 inches at the shoulder. They are loyal, protective, alert and incredibly intelligent dogs. They are uncommonly sweet and well mannered with their families, but some can be wary of strangers. Many strays look like Formosa mixes, and can often look like minature lab or shepherd crosses with fine facial features similar to a greyhound.

 A large number of Taiwan strays are mixed black dogs, as they are thought to have the best gaurding characteristics. Siberian Huskies are also common as they are a favorite dog with young Taiwanese men, but don't do well in the subtropical climate and crowded urban setting of the cities. And then there are also any number of different types of dogs such as shiba inus, retrievers, hounds; just to name a few.