JAPAN MAN TRADES FERRARI TO BUILD SHELTER FOR DOGS
Hirotaka Saito was a prosperous businessman who drove his Ferrari to work with joy twelve years ago. Sadly, his business ended up experiencing such dire financial problems that Saito believed that suicide was the only viable option. As if knowing that something was seriously off, Saito's big dog positioned himself at the door when he was about to leave his house for the final time. The owner suddenly realised that his pet had somehow come to terms with the situation and was making every effort to save its life. Saito was moved by this and decided to assist people who, like him, required a second chance. So he started a dog shelter called Wansfree.
"I was saved by a dog. It's my time to dedicate my life to them now," the 54-year-old Saito posts on Instagram. He subsequently utilised the proceeds from the sale of his expensive car to launch Wansfree. Helping dogs whose past trauma has made them aggressive, especially those who are prone to biting, is the specific goal of this shelter.
Instead of employing physical punishment, Saito tries to determine the cause of the dog's violent behaviour and then lovingly cares for them until they cease becoming hostile. "They are victims of human abuse and neglect—they didn't select this life," he claims.
Saito accepts dogs from throughout Japan, knowing that if other groups don't accept them, they might be put down. Many come in chains or furious. Although they don't make a difference, the patient man sits with them while wearing three pairs of gloves, one on top of the other, to protect himself from dog attacks.
Neneji and Torajiro, Saito's "staff dogs," also assist him by providing a comforting presence that helps the anxious new pups get used to their surroundings. He continues, "We at Wansfree think that training should never entail violence because compassion works better."
Additionally, it's critical to give them a sense of affection. "Just have faith in them," he advised Sippo. I can wait as long it takes because they will eventually quit biting. My attitude and thoughts about them will remain the same even if they bite me. I believe they will cease biting if I continue to express these emotions to them.
Wansfree is named after the Japanese onomatopoeia for barking, wan, and free, which symbolises Saito's desire to free these canines from suffering and mistreatment. He and about 40 other dogs currently reside at the shelter. Dogs are allowed to roam freely both indoors and outdoors around the clock since their owners believe that nature may heal them, although feeding times are monitored to guarantee a healthy meal.
According to the shelter's website, "We wish to establish a hallowed space where a compassionate future begins." "We think that the only thing that can safeguard the planet's future and establish a peaceful, conflict-free society is compassion." Many of the canines that have been rehabilitated since the shelter's founding are currently looking for a forever home. Dogs who are judged unsafe for families will live out the rest of their lives in peace at Wansfree. In 2027, Saito intends to establish a larger shelter that can house up to 300 dogs. Additionally, he intends to keep advocating against euthanasia at dog pounds run by the government.
Giving dogs a second opportunity has, after all, given them a sense of purpose. "I'm better off now than ever," he said to the Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun. Being able to recognise it is such a blessing.