Gotcha Day! Have you heard of it? Do you know what it is? If you aren’t familiar, here’s everything you need to know.

Gotcha Day is the anniversary of when a pet is officially adopted and joins their forever home. It’s a special celebration that acknowledges the day a rescue pet finds a loving family, marking the beginning of their new life away from past hardships. For many adopters, Gotcha Day is as meaningful as a pet’s birthday—if not more so—because it represents a fresh start and a moment of love, commitment, and care.

This day is especially significant for adopted pets because it honors the journey they’ve been on and the transformation they experience. It’s a celebration not only of finding a home but also of the resilience and trust that rescue pets show as they settle into new environments and open their hearts to their new families.

In our family, we celebrated Gotcha Day on Nov 6th, the day we brought home our foster (fail), and soon to be adopted pup, Rumi. We had been looking to adopt for a year or so, watching the different dogs come and go through the rescue. Low and behold, a random foster would become the dog we were looking for, the newest member of our family. He had the temperament and personality we were looking for, in a small package that could easily travel with us to visit family. 

Rumi was part of the largest Korean puppy mill shutdown in history, where over 1400 dogs were rescued from horrendous conditions. Just seeing the photos and videos, reading and hearing the first hand accounts of what was going on just made you sick to your stomach. 

Celebrating Gotcha Day with Rumi feels like honoring a little miracle. His journey—from a heart-wrenching start in a Korean puppy mill to a cozy spot on our couch—reminds us of the resilience and love these dogs bring into our lives. When we look at Rumi now, it’s hard to imagine the pain he endured, yet he’s blossomed into the kind of dog who plays, snuggles, and trusts wholeheartedly. This is what Gotcha Day is all about: recognizing the courage it takes for a rescue dog to leave the past behind and embrace a new beginning.

Korean K9 Rescue does incredible work, saving dogs like Rumi from unthinkable conditions, and Gotcha Day is a way to honor not only our dogs but also the efforts of those who made their journey to a forever home possible. For our family, it’s a reminder of the importance of second chances and how one rescued dog can completely change your world. Celebrating Rumi’s Gotcha Day feels like celebrating his strength, his heart, and the joy he brings into our lives every day.

How are you celebrating your Gotcha Day?

If you’re inspired by Rumi’s story, consider opening your home to a rescue dog in need. Organizations like Korean K9 Rescue work tirelessly to give these animals a new chance at life, and you could be the forever family they’re waiting for. By adopting, you’re not only transforming the life of a dog but also creating memories that will fill your heart in ways you never imagined. Reach out to your local rescue, volunteer, foster, or adopt—and join the journey of making Gotcha Days possible for more deserving dogs.