SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – Happy and Joy, two Alabai dogs gifted to President Yoon Suk Yeol and the First Lady during their Central Asian tour, were relocated to their new home at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon on the 11th.
According to a press release from the presidential office, while the presidential couple had personally cared for the dogs at their residence, taking them on walks and providing treats, the decision to relocate them was made due to their rapid growth.
As a farewell gift, the couple presented each dog with a scarf and large treats, wishing them well in their more spacious new environment.
Alabai, also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the national dog of Turkmenistan, can grow to weigh between 90-100kg, with a shoulder height of 70-80cm when standing.
When the dogs were first received, local experts advised that they should be separated from other pets after six months of age and required ample space to roam as adults to maintain bone health.
The presidential office had been considering plans to relocate the dogs to an external facility such as Seoul Grand Park after their initial stay at the presidential residence.
Happy and Joy arrived in Korea in June when they were approximately 40 days old and lived at the presidential residence alongside other pets, receiving veterinary care, professional training, and socialization education.
Now seven months old, the dogs have grown significantly, reaching around 170cm when standing on their hind legs and weighing over 40kg each. In response to their growth, the presidential office designated Seoul Grand Park as their specialized care facility.
Seoul Grand Park was selected for its proximity to the metropolitan area, making transportation manageable, and its spacious grounds near Cheonggyesan, providing ample room for the dogs to exercise. The facility is also considered ideal for the Alabais to develop social skills with other large dogs.
The dogs were transported in specialized vibration-free vehicles designed for animal transportation. After a health check and adjustment period, they will join ten other dogs currently at the park, including Pungsan and Jindo breeds.
A Seoul Grand Park official stated, “We will take all necessary measures to ensure Happy and Joy can live healthy and happy lives in an environment that respects animal rights.”
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
