KINDNESS OVER LUXURY

Japanese Man Sells Ferrari to Build Animal Shelter After His Pet Dog Saved His Life

A 54-year-old Japanese businessman, Hirotaka Saito, made a life-changing decision after his own dog saved him from ending his life: he sold his Ferrari and closed his company to open Wansfree, a free canine rescue in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Specializing in “problematic dogs” – those with aggressive behaviour due to past abuse – the shelter currently cares for around 40 dogs and 8 cats.

12 years ago, during a financial crisis, Saito’s 70-kg dog literally blocked the door as he tried to leave to end his life. The dog refused to budge, stopping him from leaving his home and executing his suicidal plan. That moment shifted everything.

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.

Now, despite being bitten while handling aggressive dogs, he says he’s “never been in better spirits” and is determined to ensure every animal at Wansfree knows it is loved.

The Wansfree canine rescue centre offers its services for free. It cares for difficult dogs that animal-lovers find impossible to deal with, The Asahi newspaper reported.

Saito said he is seeking to raise public funds in the hope of expanding the shelter to accommodate about 300 dogs by 2028.

This heartwarming story reminds us how one act of kindness can transform lives – both human and animal.

Source: South China Morning Post (15 July 2025); Fb/WASTED (18 July 2025)