A dog doesn’t have to be abused or abandoned to feel betrayed by a human. Sometimes, simply being left chained in the backyard for long periods can be enough to break their heart. This was the sad reality for one Husky in Oregon, whose neighbors only ever saw him through the fence, yearning for attention.
One compassionate neighbor, who occasionally fed the dog, couldn’t stand seeing him in such a state any longer. Determined to help but unable to reach an understanding with his owners, she knew she needed expert assistance. That’s when she called in Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House, a non-profit sanctuary in Salem, Oregon.
The Joy of Freedom
The moment Lee received the call, he headed straight to the house where Joey, the Husky, was being kept. As soon as he arrived, the neighbor showed him to the backyard. The sight that greeted him was heartbreaking—Joey’s sad eyes peered through the fence, silently pleading for help.
Entering the yard, Lee was met with a flurry of emotions from Joey. The dog’s response was a mix of aggression and playfulness, a common reaction in neglected animals. Even for Lee, an experienced rescuer and dog lover, it took some effort to calm Joey down. But eventually, he succeeded.
After gaining Joey’s trust, Lee gently stroked the Husky and placed a collar around his neck. Then, with a sense of triumph, he opened the patio door and let Joey out for the first time. The dog’s reaction was pure joy—a true reflection of what freedom means to a once-chained heart.
“Right in front of your house isn’t going to be the most fascinating part for the dog,” Lee said in a video shared by The Asher House. “But for him, this is like a whole new world.”
As Joey experienced the world beyond the fence for the first time, the neighbor who had initiated this rescue was overcome with emotion, her tears of joy flowing freely. She had waited so long for this moment, and finally, Joey was free.
On His Way to a New Life
Even though Joey was out of the backyard, the fight for his freedom wasn’t over yet. It took several weeks of patient persuasion before Lee and his partner were able to convince Joey’s owners that it was in the dog’s best interest to let him go. When they finally agreed, Lee couldn’t contain his excitement, exclaiming, “We’re gonna get him, and I’m just so thrilled for this news!”
Given Joey’s long period of isolation, Lee knew that immediate integration into his sanctuary might be overwhelming. So, he took Joey to Suite Dog Daze Boarding, a facility in Salem, Oregon, where he was introduced to an experienced dog trainer named Lisa. To help Joey acclimate, Lee also brought along a few members of his pack for support.
Despite initial concerns about Joey’s ability to adjust, the resilient Husky quickly dispelled any doubts. He made friends with the other dogs and was soon ready to meet the rest of the pack. Joey was well on his way to his final destination—a new home filled with love and companionship.
Happier Than Ever
Even during the journey to the sanctuary, it was clear that Joey was a changed dog. He relished the company of the other pups, played with boundless energy, and wore a constant smile on his face. By the time he arrived at his new home, Joey was no longer the neglected dog with sad eyes. Instead, he was brimming with positive energy, spreading joy to Lee and the other dogs he now called family.
Joey embraced every moment of his new life, happier than he had ever been. Lee was proud to have played a role in his transformation, but he knew that none of this would have been possible without the big-hearted neighbor who refused to look the other way.
She is the true hero of this story, a shining example of how one person’s determination to help can change a life forever. Her actions are a powerful reminder to all of us to never stop helping those who need it most.
4o