Man Sells Ferrari to Finance Refuge for Dogs Experiencing Trauma
Twelve years prior, Hirotaka Saito was a thriving entrepreneur, joyfully driving his Ferrari to his office. Sadly, his company faced such dire financial setbacks that Saito believed the only resolution was to end his life. Just before Saito intended to leave his home for the final time, his large dog positioned himself at the entrance, as if intuitively understanding that something was dreadfully amiss. The man then realized that his pet had somehow perceived the situation and was doing everything in its power to save him. Touched by this, Saito opted instead to assist those who, like him, required a fresh start. Consequently, he established Wansfree, a shelter for dogs.
“A dog rescued me. Now it’s my time to dedicate my life to them,” Saito, now 54 years of age, shares on Instagram. He subsequently sold his luxury vehicle and utilized the funds to establish Wansfree. This shelter has a distinctive aim: to aid dogs whose prior traumas have led to aggressive behavior—especially those with tendencies to bite.
Instead of relying on physical corrections, Saito seeks to understand the root cause of a dog’s aggressive behavior and attends to them gently until they relax and cease their hostility. “They didn’t choose this existence–they are victims of human neglect and cruelty,” he explains.
Saito accepts dogs from various parts of Japan, knowing they face euthanasia if not welcomed by other shelters. Many arrive enraged or bound in heavy chains. The patient individual sits with them, donning three pairs of gloves—one atop the other—to protect against bites, although these precautions offer little protection.
Saito is also supported by his “staff dogs,” Neneji and Torajiro, whose calming presence assists the anxious new arrivals. “At Wansfree, we maintain that training should never involve violence,” he states, “as compassion is far more effective.”
“Moreover, it’s crucial to help them feel loved. Just have faith in them,” he told Sippo. “They’ll eventually stop biting, so I’m ready to wait as long as necessary. Even if they bite me, my feelings and approach toward them will remain unchanged. If I continue to express these emotions, I believe they’ll stop biting.”
Wansfree derives its name from wan, the Japanese onomatopoeia for barking, and free, which symbolizes Saito’s desire to free these dogs from suffering and neglect. At present, approximately 40 dogs coexist with him at the shelter. Embracing the healing power of nature, dogs have the freedom to roam both inside and outside around the clock, although feeding times are supervised to guarantee safe meals for all.
“We aspire to create a sacred space where a compassionate future begins,” the shelter’s website asserts. “We hold that kindness is the sole magic capable of safeguarding the future of the planet and fostering a peaceful society devoid of conflict.”
Since the inception of the shelter, numerous dogs have been rehabilitated and are now in pursuit of a forever home. Meanwhile, those dogs not considered safe enough for families will spend their lives peacefully at Wansfree. Saito now envisions expanding the shelter in 2027 to accommodate up to 300 dogs. He is also committed to advocating against euthanasia at government-operated dog pounds. Ultimately, offering dogs a second chance has infused him with purpose. As he shared with Japanese publication The Asahi Shimbun, “I’m in a better place now than ever. I’m incredibly fortunate to have come to this realization.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can locate a helpline in your vicinity by visiting the International Association for Suicide Prevention helpline. If you are in the United States, you can call 988 to talk with a mental health professional, available 24/7, in both English and Spanish. The lifeline also partners with Language Line Solutions to offer translation services in over 250 additional languages.
Wansfree: [Website](https://wansfree.com/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wansfree/)
Sources: [VOX POPULI: Why the owner of a dog rescue center lets his charges bite him](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15655170); [Wansfree on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DMaETMnzE2B/); [We never abandon any problem dogs, we trust them and wait for them to come to our shelter](https://sippo.asahi.com/article/14985552)
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