SHANGHAI (SCMP): A 54-year-old man in Japan closed his company and sold his luxury sports car to help fund a shelter for “problematic dogs” after his own pet saved him when he tried to commit suicide.
The Wansfree canine rescue centre in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, offers its services for free.
It cares for difficult dogs that animal-lovers find impossible to deal with, The Asahi newspaper reported.
The animals it shelters usually bite indiscriminately and bark and snarl at everyone. Their fierce tempers are usually the result of abuse, said the head of Wansfree, Hirotaka Saito.
Previously, Saito owned a company, but his life took a traumatic turn about 12 years ago when the enterprise got into financial difficulties.
The situation got so bad that Saito planned to leave home and take his own life.
However, his 70kg pet dog parked itself at the front door and refused to budge, stopping him from leaving his home and executing his suicidal plan.
Moved by the actions of the dog, Saito no longer wanted to die, and he decided to take on a little-known activity in Japan at the time: rescuing dogs who bite people.
“When I realised that I was saved by a dog, I believed that what I could do is save dogs for the rest of my life,” Saito told another Japanese media outlet fnn.jp.
“I will spend all my money on dogs,” he added.
Saito sold his luxury Ferrari sports car to buy land and open the shelter where dogs can roam, free of their heavy chain leashes.
“I want to let them know that they are loved,” said Saito.
Despite wearing three pairs of gloves for protection, Saito has suffered bites, but he continues nonetheless.
Wansfree is now home to 40 dogs and eight cats. Saito said he is seeking to raise public funds in the hope of expanding the shelter to accommodate about 300 dogs by 2028.
He said he could not be in better spirits.
“I am better off now than ever. I am so fortunate to be able to realise that,” said Saito.
His story has resonated widely online.
“Dogs also have feelings like humans. They deserve our respect and love. I salute Mr Saito,” one online observer said.
“I am willing to offer my help in some form to this centre,” said another. - South China Morning Post
***Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/email sam@befrienders.org.my/visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre- in-malaysia).
