ARF Hamptons Welcomes Abandoned, 'Forgotten Dogs Of China'

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Four "forgotten dogs of China" are safe after being stranded for years after a thwarted rescue effort.

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons said the four French Bulldogs, rescued from China, are now safe at the ARF facility in East Hampton.

The dogs, originally saved from a slaughterhouse outside Wuhan in August 2022, "found themselves abandoned mid-rescue, leaving them stranded for years in a state of uncertainty," ARF said. "Now, after a long and arduous journey, they are finally safe at ARF Hamptons."

The four French Bulldogs — now named Jingle, Jolly, Joy, and Mistletoe — are lucky to be
alive, ARF said. Estimated to be between 4 and 10 years old, the dogs, "meat trade survivors," were
emaciated and abused when initially transferred to a facility in Beijing but were left in limbo
when their rescue was unexpectedly halted, ARF said.

ARF added: "In certain areas of China, dogs are brutally slaughtered for human consumption. These dogs are kept in deplorable conditions and suffer tremendous abuse before and during their slaughter. It is estimated that China slaughters 10 million dogs a year for human consumption, and to use their skins to manufacture leather products. There are no animal welfare laws in China that protect these poor dogs from such an evil and cruel industry."

Called "The Forgotten Dogs of China," their plight came to the attention of Brandy Cherven, co-founder of Run 2 The Rescue, in December 2024, when a transfer agent in Beijing reached out in desperation, ARF said.

"Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Cherven and her partner, Bonnie Klapper, quickly mobilized efforts to move the dogs to a safe foster care facility while seeking long-term placement for them," ARF said.

They connected with ARF in early January 2025 to discuss a rescue plan.

"After months of coordination and dedication, Jingle, Jolly, Joy, and Mistletoe landed safely at JFK Airport in New York City on Thursday, March 27 and were quarantined overnight at The ARK at JFK. The dogs were then transported to ARF Hamptons in East Hampton on Friday, on March 28, where they are receiving medical care, and the compassionate attention they need to prepare for adoption into loving homes," ARF said.

"Run 2 the Rescue is thrilled to be partnering with ARF in saving the lives of these precious dogs, all of whom were destined to be someone’s meal in Southeast Asia without our intervention," said Run 2 The Rescue co-founder, Brandy Cherven. "These dogs, rescued by Run 2 the Rescue from the dog meat trade butchers, will now find wonderful homes and live wonderful lives. A fairy tale ending after a horrific beginning."

"At ARF, we believe every animal deserves a second chance — no matter how far they’ve come or what they’ve endured," said Kimberly Nichols, executive director/CEO at ARF Hamptons. "These dogs were rescued from dire conditions in China, and it’s only because of the incredible generosity of our donors that we can offer them the safety, care, and love they deserve. We encourage everyone to be part of their journey: donate, share their stories, and help us give more animals the future they were meant to have."

And, ARF said, the rescue effort is not over yet — seven more dogs are expected to make the same journey to New York later this month.

"ARF Hamptons remains committed to providing these vulnerable animals with the second chance they deserve," representatives said.