​This week we get to share with you Nicholas and his mom Sharon's story. Nicholas (formerly Mario) was rescued by another rescuer in the middle of China. Saving Harbin Dogs committed to finding this adorable boy a home. He deserved an amazing home afhaving been rescued from a slaughterhouse. He flew to a rescue partner in Miami June 2019. After that Sharon and her family found this adorable little boy and it was love at first site. Keep reading for Sharon's story on her experience finding Nicholas.
Nicholas was truly a we rescued each other story. We rescued him from Big Dog Ranch Rescue. He was just coming out of quarantine after arriving from China. It was love it for site for both of us I think. We had heard about the dog meat trade in China and always thought it was a horrible thing and knew Big Dog Ranch Rescue was working with rescues in China. Since he was still in the quarantine area when we met him we needed to decide right away if he was for us and we knew right away that he was. It has been a perfect match ever since the first day. The first night he was with us he felt right at home. When he was in China his name was Mario but we changed it to Nicolas as he was born on December 28 according to his rescue papers which we know technically is not the true date but what a coincidence it was that it’s our wedding anniversary. So he was named by our daughter Elizabeth as he is a Christmas dog so Nicholas after Saint Nicholas was the best match for a name. Nicholas loves to play with his toys and cuddle and give love. He loves to play with other dogs and run around the dog park. He has actually traveled and taken some car trips too and just loves being around us. He has so much love to share. We just wish we could connect with his foster mom as she obviously did a great job with him while he was in China and let her know that he’s OK but I know Eva has done that as I send pictures to her often. I can honestly say he is the most grateful little dog and I really feel like he knows he was rescued. He is a great protector both my husband and I and we couldn’t be happier. You can follow Nicholas on his own Instagram...
@nick_o_doodle.

A beautiful girl with an all too familiar story. Our beautiful girl Abbey (formerly Dawn) was rescued from the meat trade. Our partner rescue committed to her and turns out Beverly and her husband were looking for another pup. Here's her story...
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We found Abbey through Arizona Golden Rescue. They reached out to their members about goldens from the meat trade coming in from China. My husband and I were interested immediately. We have a female golden named Mollie and we felt she needed a brother or sister. We contacted AGR and said we want a dog and they told us they have a girl named Dawn available. We were excited!!! AGR followed the story of their long trip to the United States and we couldn't wait to meet our new girl. Long story short, she was brought to our house, and we were introduced to a darling golden girl. We immediately fell in love with that beautiful, sweet face. We had heard of the Chinese meat trade, which is deplorable,and just couldn't imagine her ending up like that. Dawn, now Abbey, is an amazing, sweet girl. She adjusted well to our household, but had a bit of separation anxiety at first if we would leave for any length of time. Luckily, we have many chew toys and bones, because chewing on them helps her calm down. She is so loved by my husband and me and not only has a 10 year old Golden fur sister, but a 14 lb chiweenie brother. Abby and her brother play endlessly and it is a joy to watch them wrestle. Abby was not interested in toys when we first got her, but now chooses toys from the toy box and has them all around her. She also now brings us a toy as a gift when we return from an errand, something she learned from her fur sister. She is an absolute joy and love. She makes us laugh because when she runs, she waddles. We are so grateful to have this love bug in our lives. She is happy with us and we couldn't be happier with her. We would absolutely get another dog from China. We were so happy with the process and love Abbey so, so much.

Nemo (formerly Ty) came to us after a breeder sold him to a meat truck, likely because he had one eye. He was a scared little boy but having one eye didn't stop him. Nemo was so adorable and stole everyone's hearts. The same goes for Erin, who spotted this boy on our page. Erin's family was no stranger to our rescue. They are loyal supporters and adopters too having already adopted 2 of our dogs. When another member of the family, Erin was ready for a pup she came to us and saw Nemo...
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My family had already adopted 2 dogs Saving Harbin Dogs had saved so I was already following their Facebook page. I had just moved to Savannah for school and was looking for a dog to keep me company. I started looking through the available dogs album when I saw Nemo. He was so small and cute...I knew he was the dog for me! He was very shy and scared at first but he’s slowly warmed up and now he’s a very happy happy boy. I would do it again!

​Reece was just a puppy when he was rescued from a dog meat truck. We took 12 dogs from that truck that day. All had mange and some ended up with distemper. Reece's skin healed but still he had to wait to be able to travel. He made it to his home Christmas Eve 2019. That's where he met his new family. It's hard to say who is luckier as Reece and his new mom Shawn are both equally amazing! Read Shawn's story below.
2019 was a tough year for us. We lost 2 of our 3 furbabies within 4 months of each other. It was a sad time not only for us but for our 3rd dog, Tripper, as well. I knew it was time to bring another member into our family. I’m involved with a lot of rescues that I help do transports for so I know how many fantastic dogs need home all over the US. By being on Facebook I was aware of the atrocities that happen in China with dogs, I just didn’t know you could adopt one until one of my rescue friends, M Velma, adopted Bob, a French bulldog. She is the one who let me know about Eva and Saving Harbin Dogs. One day there was a picture of a fluffy little puppy named Reese and he stole my heart! To think of him as a 6 week old baby living over there and destined to be tortured and eaten well it just broke my heart! I knew I needed him as much as he needed us! I reached out to Eva and she explained the process of how the adoption would work. On December 24, 2019 my mother and I drove to Logan Airport in Boston and we met the wonderful flight volunteers who brought not only my Reece (I changed the spelling of his name to reflect the start of his new life in the US) but a poodle my mom adopted and named Holly and another poodle that coincidently a woman in the next town from me was adopting!
Being involved in rescue I was aware it would take time for Reece to adjust. We tell adoptive homes it takes 3 days for a dog to decompress, 3 weeks to start to know your routine and 3 months to feel at home. Having Tripper helped Reece feel more confident which was a big help. He was very scared of my boyfriend Ian for those first three months. Slowly he has become more comfortable with him but is still scared when meeting new people especially. We often wondered what he went through at such a young age. Those wounds, though not visible, are starting to heal thank Goodness. He is the sweetest, gentlest and most adorable dog. We are anxiously awaiting another member from Saving Harbin Dogs to join our family whenever the COVID travel bans are lifted!

These two boys are just so cute. Both Migo (formerly Milo) and Tuzi (formerly Cosmo) were saved from life in thr "little yard". Neither had an easy life but that all changed when Sarah and her family found these two. Read Sarah's story to see how each of these boys came into her family's life.
We are a family that longed for another dog but due to my sons' allergies we knew we had to be specific when it came to the breed of dog. The high costs of purchasing a dog from a breeder locally wasn't possible for our family's budget and local rescues didn't have compatible dogs for us. Years went by but we kept searching. A friend invited to me to a FB group, Chance's Bridge to Home from China rescue, which I accepted. I read about the founder, Beth, her passion for saving the dogs from the horrific torture of the meat trade in China and scrolled through the dogs that were in need of a home.
A video with dogs crammed in cages in the back of a pickup truck...terrified, crying, wet, filthy, starved and obviously traumitized...they were all saved that day and Migo (then Milo) was one of those pulled from that truck. I messaged about Migo and was told he had a horrible "before" life and was in need of patience and a whole heap of love. Being home most of the time and Migo was allergy-friendly, I said YES!! I was given his flight details and sent his "spa day" pics. We met eyes at Toronto airport when Eva (founder of this amazing rescue Saving Harbin Dogs) passed me Migo and told me to hold him tight as he shook like a leaf in my arms. Migo cuddled into my neck and possibly felt HOME for the 1st time in his 3 years. I hugged Eva with all of my soul that night in Toronto and have thanked her every day since. Those next few days were tough, Migo didn't really want to be with any of us. Migo didn't know, treats, toys, play, car rides or walks. Sometimes he was ok with me, but mostly wanted to stay in his cage...and shook continuously. Until, about 1 week after we brought him home he came out of his cage, voluntarily and then never went back in. He had a long way to go, but he was possibly going to accept us.
After adopting Migo the scrolling of available dogs on the Saving Harbin Dogs site didn't stop. I firmly believed that in order to rehab Migo to his best, was another confident pup that could show Migo the way a little.
Migo was with us a little over a month when I messaged Eva about Tuzi (then Cosmo) and I got to learn a little about his personality and see if he would be a good friend to Migo. When I made the decision (took all of 1 day, lol) to adopt Tuzi, I knew my family would be in for an amazing surprise. I was back in Toronto and Tuzi was handed to me. Full of love and life, ready for any adventure with all the confidence in the world. Tuzi came home 3 months after we adopted Migo and within 1 week they were the best of friends, playmates and snuggle buddies.
Migo has learned to be a dog, plays with people and toys, loves treats and will fully with confidence learn to take direction without being scared...one day, on his time and that's okay with us. Tuzi is trainable, adores ALL FOOD, is super smart and loves with all of his 10lb body. Both of my Saving Harbin Dogs rescue pups have been the biggest blessing. I owe so much to both Eva, Beth and ALL the people intertwined with these rescues. You are fighting the good fight and demanding change in a Country that hasn't protected these dogs. I refer someone to Saving Harbin Dogs and Chance's Bridge to Home almost daily stressing how horrific the dog meat trade is in these areas. I pray we will be able to adopt again soon and save another little life from the horrors of the dog meat trade. Until then, I will keep clicking on the DONATE button on Instagram and cross my fingers that it IS enough. Rescue will be my forever breed until the shelters are empty and the puppy mills all shut down and backyard breeders are no longer profiting from folks who simply don't know that KIJIJI and craigslist is FILLED with people profiting from over breeding. I will scream the joys of ADOPT DON'T SHOP and will be loud for those who have no voice.
Everyone working to end the dog meat trade in China currently is a HERO and I am forever grateful to you for pulling my sweet Migo and Loveable Tuzi. They are HOME. They are FAMILY. They are SPOILED. They are LOVED.

Our little senior Sparky was found abandoned in a cardboard box on the street. He was a cuddle bug from the beginning. We took him in thinking that we would likely be his home for the remainder of his life. But he struck gold! He was adopted to a loving home in Canada where he lives with Michelle.
I found Spraky on the Chance’s bridge to home FB page. When I saw Sparky I fell in love with him. I never thought I would ever own a Chihuahua! Lol I couldn’t believe That he was 12 years old and had been surviving on the streets of China I knew he needed a life of luxury with someone who adored him.
I had heard about the Chinese meat trade but have been enlightened since following the page. I have been mortified and disgusted by their practices in China. When I talk to friends about it they will usually say “that’s true?? I thought people just said that!”
Sparky did have some trouble adjusting to the cold outdoors. He came to us in October so it was a cold winter for him. We kept a shovelled space outside but he often had accidents in the house. Now that it’s summer he loves to lay and bask in the hot sun lol what I find truly sad is that even though he has food at all times available to him he will often search outside and eat things like my sons chalk or clumps of dirt I feel like those are remnants in his memory of the days he couldn’t find food in the streets
We love Sparky but he is absolutely my dog and I adore him he wants to sit with me at all times being cozy underneath a blanket wear I always wonder how he breathes! Lol and has to be in bed under the covers with me.
I would absolutely do it again

Craig is as adorable as they come. He has the familiar story that we all know too well. Meat trade survivor who we rescued from the shelter. This adorable pup made his way to a rescue partner of ours and found his forever human, Kim. Hear how Kim found this little man and hit the jackpot!
On August 4 I hit the jackpot and Craig came into the lives of myself and my family. After losing my Wheaton in 2018 I decided to look on the Good Karma website and saw a picture of Craig, a rescue from China. Never thinking he would still possibly be available I applied for his adoption and was contacted for a meet. His wonderful foster Rose brought him to my home for a visit and it was instant true love and he never left! During his visit I had my parents present as all of my pets have been considered complete family members. Craig immediately sniffed around, tail wagging and had such a wonderful personality. So friendly and unafraid which surprised me after the uncertain life he had in China. He adjusted to his new home immediately. Craig has a cousin, Benji, a terrier mix and Lulu, my boyfriend’s standard Poodle. Along with my brother’s family dog, Beamer. They play all together and are ALL rescues. He also plays with my Himalayans and sometimes I think Craig thinks he’s a cat! Craig has brought so much joy to myself and my family. Until Covid hit I worked full-time so he would spend the day at my parents playing with Benji and Lulu. Now that I am working remotely, I am home with him all day. He sleeps next to me every night. Craig loves to go on walks, bark at the mailman, ride in the car and socialize with the neighborhood dogs while on walks. He’s also a fan of sleeping in and I have to gently wake him with a belly rub to stir him. This miracle of a pup was taken off of a meat truck headed to slaughter by a local rescue. His time at the rescue is unknown but the conditions were deplorable. He suffered lack of food, disease and cold. In March 2019 Eva Dudas from Saving Harbin Dogs went to the shelter and took 10 dogs back to the pet clinic where he went through quarantine, was vetted, cleaned up, fed and prepared for to be sent to the US for adoption. He was a mass of matted fur and after being bathed and shaved down transformed into a beautiful little dog. Craig was kindly sponsored through Good Karma by Dorian Wagner and her colleagues and traveled the long journey to the US with volunteer Melissa Ramirez via Beijing/Russia/Canada and finally Miami. This boy even has a passport and was small enough to fly inside the cabin! Good Karma Rescue put him in foster care with Rose Mierbeth until he was ready for adoption. Craig is always happy and aims to please and is loved by my entire family. He immediately fit right in and there was really no transition period. He has a cough due to some trachea trauma. I look into his eyes and can only imagine the horror that he has seen and mistreatment he was forced to endure prior to being rescued. I am aware of the cruel dog meat trade and have a hard time seeing what goes on, and still goes on in China and other countries. Sadly, I imagine that Covid has halted any adoption and transfer of pets to the US, but once we hit our new normal I would like to adopt or sponsor future Harbin rescues. The volunteers are dedicated to save and rehabilitate as many dogs as possible. Their hearts are big and I am so thankful to Saving Harbin Dogs and Good Karma for saving my Craig. I can’t image a single day without him. He is my heart and soul. Craig is afraid of nothing because I believe he has already experienced the worst. My brave boy is tiny but has the heart and courage of a lion.
Craig and I send a million thank you’s to Saving Harbin Dogs, Good Karma and all those who saved his life. Especially Eva Dudas, Dorian Wagner, Melissa Ramirez, Rose Mierbeth and to all the volunteers who made sure Craig was safe from further mistreatment, vetted, cleaned up and never hungry or thirsty.

Carrie and Natalie are a couple of lucky girls. They have pretty much the same story. Rescued from a meat truck and put in the shelter where we found them. We pulled these girls got them healthy and ready for their new life with Denise. Denise has her hands full with these 2. Check out her story...
I learned about Saving Harbin Dogs when a friend shared a post on Facebook. I am fairly active in animal rescue, and spend more time online looking at Rescue dogs and cats than anything, so I immediately went to the FB page -- it was love -- and horror -- at first sight.
I had known about the dog meat trade in China for years, having been to the open market in Guangzhou, I knew there were a few aisles I could not go down -- I knew about the Yulin Dog Meat festival and always sign petitions urging officials to DO SOMETHING. I did NOT know how widespread the dog meat trade is in China -- I had no idea that people use dogs for breeding, and then when they are finished with them sell them for slaughter. There was so much I did not know.
I donated and kept looking, with no intention of adopting -- until I saw Carrie and Natalie. At the time we had one young pug/boston terrier mix dog (Belle) and 14 year old lab. Crazy little Belle needed a playmate, and we knew "when the time was right" we would get her one. When I saw these little lovelies, I knew the time was right! I sent a message and Eva responded -- there was an application in for Natalie, I said, put me down for Carrie, and completed the process -- she let me know later that I was approved and I began to see more and more photos of them always together -- and then she told me the app for Natalie fell through so I could have either -- what could I say but BOTH!
As it turned out, on the day that they were to arrive at JFK, I was scheduled to be speaking in Las Vegas for work. I arranged the first flight out ‪at 6 AM‬, but that still did not get me there in time, so I had a friend from NYC come to meet the plane -- and I did not want to fly them cargo to Atlanta -- so another friend who works for Delta flew up to meet me so that we could each take one with us on the flight back, in the cabin. I sent all the equipment for transport by Amazon to my friend in NYC. So, it was thrilling to know that these precious pups who had been discarded, at one moment had someone traveling from Las Vegas, NYC, and Atlanta to meet welcome them finally HOME.
They have miraculously adjusted to their new life. They LOVE their new sister Belle (sadly our senior lab passed away just a few days before their arrival) and welcome her as one of them. They have brought so much joy and CHAOS and laughter AND CHAOS and love AND CHAOS to our family. They have been to the beach with us twice and LOVED it. They are naughty and into everything -- it is like having toddlers in the house again -- but you know what joy they are. My daughters are over the moon in love with them.
I tell everyone that I can their story -- because I want to bring awareness to the plight of dogs and cats in China, and hope that one day, together we can affect change. I send monthly donation to Saving Harbin Dogs, and did a birthday Facebook fundraiser -- I want to do more. Would I do it again? Well ..... I already am longing for a couple of sweeties that are currently waiting their forever families but surely I am not THAT crazy .... or am I?

This striking boy is Dougie (formerly Scotty). Not only is he a gorgeous dog he's super strong and determined too. Dougie came to us after being rescued from a dog meat truck. We took him in all was going well with his care until we found out he tested positive for distemper. We were devastated. Distemper can claim a life insanely quick. Dougie, however, had different plans. He kicked distempers ass and now he's in Canada living the good life with Bree and the rest of his new family. Bree's story...
One day in late December, a post popped up on Facebook of a family who had just adopted the sweetest dog from China. In their story, they mentioned how their newest member had been rescued from a ‘meat truck’ and brought to Canada to join their family. We were absolutely shocked and appalled to find out that the meat trade in China existed. It was a rumour you always hoped wasn’t true.
We immediately joined the ‘Chance’s Bridge to Home China and Local Dog Rescue’ group to be informed of any new rescues to adopt. We were interested in finding a large breed (preferably older) to join our growing fur family. It didn’t take long for them to post the perfect fit for us.
Dougie (formerly Scotty) is a 3 year old Alaskan Malamute with the kindest eyes and gentlest soul. We could tell that immediately from the pictures they had posted. His owner had sold him to the meat trade and was luckily rescued by Saving Harbin Dogs and brought to us on January 18th, 2020.
The first morning Dougie was in Canada, he made several new friends with the dogs at the dog park and absolutely LOVED running in the snow. He is incredibly loving, smart and really, just a big teddy bear. We have a small teacup Yorkie named Tank, who wasn’t too sure about the big ‘dragon’ we brought into the home, but now, they are the sweetest pair melting hearts everywhere they go. Dougie watches over him like a protective big brother.
Dougie is the best thing that could have ever happened to us. Dougie has taught us not only how to love more deeply, but to enjoy life to its fullest. There is no doubt in our mind that we would do this again and we encourage the hundreds of ‘Dougie fans’ we meet daily to do the same.
Thank you to the angels that are saving these magical beings. We are so grateful for the work you continue to do.

Feta is such a special girl. A true survivor too! First she was rescued from a dog meat truck with a few other dogs. The she was brought to the clinic and it was found she had distemper. Distemper is such a horrible, evil and scary disease. The outcome is not usually promising. We think she knew she was safe and would have a great life from that moment on and she fought. Feta was determined to beat the odds and that is exactly what she did. Thalassa found this little girl through our partner rescue after searching for several months and it was a perfect match! See what Thalassa has to say...
Feta (Zoey) has been exactly what we needed.... She's perfect... Spunky friendly and very happy...
How it all started was through a friend's post on FB... I had been looking for a new family member for roughly 7 months or so.... I've always rescued and I had heard of the meat trade industry in Asia... I contacted my friend and she gave me Beth's (Chance's Bridge Home) info and I got in touch with Beth and ended up finding my little fuzzy face Feta...
Our first meeting was November 30th 2019 at Toronto International Airport.... I was very excited and nervous and Beth handed me this little fluff ball and we both looked at each other and Feta just sort of relaxed in my arms. That was it.. It was perfect....
I can't express how easy Feta has fit in... She now has 2 best cat friends... She doesn't do anything wrong.... We did have an issue with stairs but that went away in 2 days.... And a couple of surprises inside but other than that I can't complain....
After this experience with Feta I will definitely rescue again....
Thank you for all that you do to save these little souls....