A 54-year-old Japanese business owner sold his company and his luxury sports car to help fund a dog shelter after his pet saved him from a suicide attempt.
Hirotaka Saito traded his life as a businessman to help ‘problematic’ dogs get a second chance at life, opening the Wansfree Canine Rescue in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
He was inspired to make this abrupt move twelve years ago when his company ran into dire financial straits. Things were so grim that he made plans to move out of his home and take his own life to escape the situation.
As if it sensed Saito’s intentions, his pet dog stood in front of his door and refused to let him leave the house. He now credits the canine for saving his life, and to pay it forward, Saito is helping other dogs find their forever homes.
54-year-old Saito sold his business and his sports car to fund a rescue for dogs after his own canine saved his life.
Japanese man opens rescue for biting dogs after pet saves his life
Wansfree Canine Rescue takes in dogs who have been surrendered or abandoned due to ‘problematic’ behavior like biting and growling — behaviors that Saito says often result from abuse or neglect.
“When I realized that I was saved by a dog, I believed that what I could do is save dogs for the rest of my life,” Saito told local news outlets. “I will spend all my money on dogs. I want them to know that they are loved.”
South China Morning Post / fnn.jpThe Wansfree Canine Rescue center houses 40 dogs – but Saito is hopeful it can expand to hold 300 canines by 2028.
To help fund the rescue, Saito sold off his business and even got rid of his Ferrari. He used the profits to purchase land, where he built an open-range center where dogs can roam freely.
Wansfree Canine Rescue currently houses 40 dogs and eight cats, but Saito is hopeful that it can expand to hold 300 animals by 2028.
“I am better off now than ever. I am so fortunate to be able to realize that,” Saito said.
This is the latest dog-related moment to steal hearts on social media after a retired man went viral for handing out treats to dogs passing by the beach in Oceanside, California earlier this year.
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