Lee Asher's Impact on Animal Welfare Through Social Media and ‘The Asher House’ Sanctuary

Lee Asher's journey from finance executive to a leading advocate for animal rescue illustrates a profound personal transformation and a powerful impact on animal welfare. By leveraging his substantial social media following and founding the Asher House Sanctuary, Asher has not only saved countless animals but also reshaped how the public views and supports animal adoption.

From Finance to Animal Welfare

Lee Asher’s story begins in South Florida, where, as a teenager struggling with attention deficit disorder (ADD), he found solace in volunteering at a local animal shelter. This early experience sparked a deep-seated passion for rescuing animals. Asher’s life took a dramatic turn when he adopted Stella, a pitbull facing imminent euthanasia. "It was a huge eye-opener to me how many of these amazing, beautiful dogs that exude love, and that will be the best dog you'll ever have, just how many of them are going to be euthanized," Asher reflected.

Stella’s rescue was a turning point for Asher, leading him to sell his belongings and set out on an ambitious journey across the U.S. in an RV with his rescued dogs. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to making a difference in the world of animal welfare.

“Right now, rescuing is not considered the cool thing to do, but I believe rescuing/adopting is the coolest thing ever,” Lee says.

He adds that when you rescue a dog you’re literally saving two dogs: the one you adopted and the one you make room for in the shelter.

“We want to shine a new light — make it sexy, fun. We are two guys who are best friends and like to have a good time, like to go out, love people, and we are very passionate about rescuing dogs.”

The Asher House Sanctuary: Mission and Achievements

A Nationwide Journey

In 2018, Lee Asher and photographer Luke Barton embarked on a nationwide tour in a custom RV, visiting animal shelters in all 48 continental U.S. states. Their goal was to facilitate adoptions and raise awareness about the urgent need for shelter animals to find homes. The tour was a resounding success, exceeding expectations and helping to adopt out 71 dogs—far surpassing their initial goal of one adoption per state.

The tour was more than just a road trip; it was a powerful way to engage with local communities and spotlight the many animals in need of homes. Asher’s engaging approach, often sharing heartfelt stories and striking photos on social media, helped to draw attention to the cause and encourage people to adopt.

Home Base and Expansion

The Asher House Sanctuary is headquartered on a sprawling 240-acre property near Salem, Oregon. This serene setting provides a loving and supportive environment for many of the animals rescued by Asher. The sanctuary is expanding, with plans to acquire an additional 140 acres to accommodate more animals and enhance their facilities.

Looking ahead, Asher aims to establish a network of sanctuaries across the United States. The Asher House is transitioning to a nonprofit organization to support this vision. Asher’s goal is to create a sustainable model for animal care and advocacy, broadening their reach and impact.

Harnessing Social Media for Animal Advocacy

Creating a Connection

Lee Asher’s social media presence has been instrumental in his advocacy work. His Instagram account (@theasherhouse) is a vibrant showcase of his rescue efforts, filled with engaging photos and stories of the animals he helps. Asher’s personality shines through his posts—his humorous commentary and genuine affection for the animals make his content relatable and shareable.

Asher uses his platform to educate followers about the benefits of adopting shelter animals. By highlighting the unique personalities of the animals and sharing their success stories, he fosters a deeper connection between his audience and the cause. “We want people to realize how adopting a pet is cool and that they can find any breed or mixed breed of dog available for adoption,” Asher said. His approach has been effective in changing perceptions and inspiring more people to consider adoption.

Dogster asked Lee what people — those who can’t quit their jobs and hit the road with their pups — can do in their own communities. “Stop talking about rescuing, stop sharing every sad video, and instead go to the shelter!” Lee says.

Impact on Adoption Rates

Asher’s social media efforts have had a tangible impact on adoption rates. By creating emotionally resonant content, he has helped to shift public attitudes about shelter animals. His posts often include calls to action, encouraging followers to visit local shelters and consider adoption.

The appeal of Asher’s content, combined with his commitment to showcasing the animals in a positive light, has made a significant difference. His ability to blend storytelling with advocacy has proven effective in raising awareness and driving action.

Collaborations and Support

Asher’s work is also supported by various sponsors and partners. Companies like Best Bully Sticks and MyOllie have provided financial support and resources, helping to sustain the Asher House Sanctuary’s operations. These partnerships enhance the sanctuary’s ability to achieve its mission and amplify Asher’s message through joint promotional efforts.

The Community’s Role and Future Goals

Encouraging Local Involvement

In addition to his national efforts, Lee Asher advocates for community involvement. He encourages people to get involved with their local animal shelters, whether through volunteering, donating, or adopting.

"If you have the time to volunteer and walk a dog, do that. Many dogs in shelters are lucky if they get out of their cages once a week for a walk," Asher says.

Looking Ahead

Asher’s vision for the future includes expanding the Asher House Sanctuary network and continuing to leverage social media for advocacy. His dedication to improving the lives of shelter animals and educating the public about adoption is driving meaningful change. With ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a culture of compassion, Lee Asher’s impact on animal welfare is set to grow even further.

Conclusion

Lee Asher’s journey from a finance executive to an animal welfare advocate is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Through the Asher House Sanctuary and his influential social media presence, Asher has made a significant impact on animal adoption and care. His innovative approach combines grassroots efforts with a compelling online presence, effectively raising awareness and inspiring action. Asher’s work exemplifies how one person's commitment can drive positive change and foster a greater sense of compassion for shelter animals.