In a quiet town in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, a man’s life was transformed by the unlikeliest of saviors—his dog. Hirotaka Saito, now 54, once ran a company and owned a luxurious Ferrari. But when financial hardship struck more than a decade ago, his world began to crumble. Overwhelmed by despair, he made the decision to end his life.
But on the day he planned to leave home for the last time, his dog—an imposing 70kg companion—stood firmly at the front door, refusing to let him pass. That silent, determined act of loyalty stopped Saito in his tracks and, ultimately, saved his life.
That moment became a turning point.
“I was saved by a dog,” Saito later said in an interview. “So I decided to spend the rest of my life saving dogs.”
In a bold and heartfelt move, Saito closed his company, sold his prized Ferrari, and used the proceeds to purchase land in Yaizu, where he founded Wansfree, a rescue shelter for dogs with troubled pasts. The center offers a safe haven for dogs often deemed unadoptable—those who bite, snarl, and bark incessantly—behaviors typically rooted in trauma and abuse.
Despite the risks—Saito wears three layers of gloves and still gets bitten—his devotion remains unwavering. “I want to let them know they are loved,” he says.
Today, Wansfree houses 40 dogs and eight cats, all free from chains and fear. Saito’s goal is to expand the facility to care for up to 300 dogs by 2028. He’s now turning to public support to make that dream a reality.
Looking back, Saito says he’s never been happier. “I’m in a better place than ever. I feel truly fortunate.”
His story has touched countless hearts across Japan and beyond. Online, many have praised his compassion and courage.
“Dogs have feelings, just like us. They deserve love and respect,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “I’d love to support this shelter in any way I can.” — The Star
