A dog doesn’t need to be abused or abandoned to feel let down by people. Sometimes, simply being left chained outside for an extended period can break a dog’s spirit.
This was the case for a Husky in Oregon, seen only through the fence of his yard by neighbors. One compassionate neighbor, who occasionally brought him food, could no longer bear the sight of him in such distress and decided to take action.
Unable to communicate effectively with the dog’s owners and not wanting to confront them directly, she reached out to an experienced rescuer for assistance.
The Joy of Freedom
Once Lee Asher, the founder of The Asher House, a nonprofit sanctuary in Salem, Oregon, received the call from the woman, he immediately headed to the location.
Upon arrival, she guided him to the backyard where the Husky, named Joey, was kept. When they reached the entrance, Joey peeked through the fence, and Lee could see the sorrow etched in the dog’s eyes.
Once inside, the distressed dog began bouncing around with a combination of excitement and anxiety, a common reaction for dogs who have been neglected. Even this seasoned rescuer found it challenging to calm him initially, but eventually, he managed to do so.
After regaining control of the situation, Lee gently stroked Joey and placed a collar around his neck. He then opened the patio door and allowed Joey to step out first, prompting an exuberant display of freedom from the eager dog.
“For the dog, just outside your house isn’t going to be the most exciting area,” Lee remarked in The Asher House video. “But for him, this is like a whole new world.”
Seeing Joey’s transformation, the neighbor who initiated this rescue was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t contain her tears of joy.
This moment had been a long time coming, and it finally happened.
On His Way to a New Life
However, while Joey had finally escaped the backyard, the fight for his freedom was not entirely finished. It took several weeks of discussions for Lee and his partner to persuade Joey’s owners that rehoming him was the best option.
Fortunately, they prevailed in the end, and Lee expressed his excitement, saying: “We’re going to get him, and I’m just so thrilled with this news!”
Yet, because Joey had spent so much time isolated from people and other dogs, Lee understood that he needed additional time to adjust. Therefore, he opted not to take him directly to his sanctuary.
Instead, he brought Joey to Suite Dog Daze Boarding, a facility in Salem, Oregon, where the experienced dog trainer, Lisa, welcomed him. To help him gradually acclimate, Lee introduced Joey to several members of the dog pack.
Despite initial concerns about how well Joey would adapt, this remarkable Husky quickly proved everyone wrong by forming friendships with the other dogs, showing that he was prepared to meet the rest of the pack.
Before long, this Husky was on his way to his final destination – his new home.
Happier Than Ever
On the way to the sanctuary, Lee observed that Joey had transformed into an entirely different dog. He relished the presence of other pups, joyfully played with them, and wore a bright smile the entire time.
However, he truly flourished when he arrived at his new home. Gone was the neglected dog with a forlorn expression; instead, he radiated positive energy, spreading joy to Lee and all the other dogs he now shared his life with.
Joey embraced every single moment of his new existence and was happier than ever, making his rescuer proud of the role he played in this transformation. But none of this would have been possible without a compassionate neighbor, determined to assist this dog and offer him the freedom he deserved.
She is the genuine hero of this heartwarming narrative and serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to help those in need.
