Stray dogs are deprived of the opportunity to feel human love and live alone. As they try to survive on the streets, they face dangers we can only imagine. Once rescued and adopted into a shelter, these puppies often have trauma and fears that they must overcome in order to become real dogs who can enjoy life to the fullest.
The next story is about one of his stray dogs, Lara, who ends up at the shelter traumatized and scared. As she spent her days hiding in a doghouse, she had no idea that her life was about to change.
Under the control of fear
Lala was a resident at Family Dogs New Life Shelter, located in Portland, Oregon. She was scared of people, and avoided socializing with the staff. Although they did their best to take care of her and make her feel safe, the doggo felt sad.
The shelter staff contacted Lee Asher, a dog rescuer and the founder of The Asher House, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Oregon.
When he came to visit Lala, she was shivering with fear in her hiding place under a table. Asher was deeply moved.
“I’ve seen a lot of scared dogs, but there was something about this one that really touched my heart.”
He started sitting on the floor with her, talking to her and trying to gain her trust. Gradually, he moved closer to her, and soon, the pup let him stroke her neck. Little by little, Lala became more relaxed.
“She would run up and smell me and then run away. She let me pet her a couple times,” said Asher.
Asher began teaching her to walk on a leash. At first, she would get frightened and take the leash off, but eventually, she got used to it.
Lala Is Eager To Start A New Chapter In Life
She was ready to go to foster care at his sanctuary. Asher knew that she still had a lot of anxiety, but he was sure that his pack would help her heal.
Lala seemed eager to go with Asher. She jumped in the truck before it was even open. Asher kissed her and promised her that she would have a great time at the sanctuary.
The adorable pooch climbed into Asher’s lap while he was driving and she put her head through the window. She was enjoying her freedom ride home.
“I knew this wasn’t the safest thing in the world, but she was just dying to be next to me, and I couldn’t move her.“
As soon as Asher arrived at the Asher home, he couldn’t wait to introduce Lara to his flock. He wanted her to feel as calm and safe as possible. He first introduced her to his little dog, who smelled her and welcomed her into his home.
Then she met a bigger dog. They were all happy to have him. They wagged their tails. Asher hugged Lara because he wanted her to feel safe and at home.
She covered her father’s face with sweet kisses, making her feel that Lara is loved more than ever.
Find your place in the sun
He was thrilled to see that she fit in perfectly into the pack. Lala became a confident doggo whose eyes sparkled with joy. She had a wide smile on her face.
Asher realized that this was the place where she belonged.
“She was so free… She was in her element. This was the place that she was born to be. Going across the trails and exploring, through the river. I don’t think she’s ever seen water before. I’ll never forget it.“
Thanks to Asher’s love and compassion, Lala succeeded in putting her fears behind her and turning her face towards the sun.
The delightful pooch changed her name to Ella. She is living her best life. She enjoys hiking and swimming in the creek with the pack. Ella’s forever home couldn’t be more perfect than it already is!
