The Asher House Animal Sanctuary Tour

I had the honor and privilege to visit The Asher House in May 2026, a registered nonprofit animal sanctuary and adoption house, that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. My dear friend and workout buddy Sue, was personally invited by a phone call from Lee, to come out for a visit to meet his fiancé Sarah, himself and all the lucky animals that found themselves in their care, due to her charitable donations. I had been following Asher House since covid, when Lee’s posts somehow found its way into my feed and I was instantaneously an advocate and blown away by the kindness of this man’s heart for animals. I was beyond excited when Sue shared with me that she was invited to come out for a visit and then asked If I wanted to join her and her cousin, Liz, and niece, Tara, on this trip to Salem, Oregon. It was an instantaneous yes and I couldn’t wait to photograph all the animals and to capture Lee’s story and mission through my lens. It’s truly hard to put into words how incredibly impactful and touching this visit was and I hope you can see even a glimpse of that through my pictures. 

As our group anxiously awaited to meet the man behind this selfless mission and his pack, out in the distance, about 30+ dogs began running full speed down the hill to where we stood. Lee and Sarah made their way to greet us and the amount of smiles, laughter, joy, hugs, tail wags, slobber and love gave me goosebumps and chills. Lee and Sarah were so gracious, so genuine and so excited to have people there who have been instrumental in making contributions to support his mission. 

After Lee gave every single person the warmest hug and hello, he invited us on a pack walk. The pack walk is what hooked me initially to follow the Asher House instagram page, as he takes his pack of dogs, (can be up to 50 dogs) for a walk on various trails throughout his property. Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes, follow Lee along the trails and it’s such an incredible sight to see and to be apart of. As we trekked up a fairly steep climb, I asked Lee if he ever looses a dog on the walk and he said no, they all just stick by close to him and they know to keep with the pack and lunch is not far behind the walk. They are offered to come on the walk, but It’s up to them if they decide to walk. One of the dogs, Matilda, aka Tilly, was the strongest little-engine-that-could, as Tilly has neurological issues that make her walk more labor-some. But you can tell by her smile and her tail wag, she loves her life and her ability to be in the care of Lee and to be part of the pack. Her determination and smiling face, brought tears to my eyes to see so much spunk and life in an animal that someone may have not wanted to love and care for. Lee gave her an opportunity for a beautiful life to live her fullest self.

As we made our way back to the house where each dog has a place to call their own, Lee and Sarah walked us through their entire operation and their entire home, to reveal how much care and passion goes into what they have dedicated their lives to each and every day. They even walked us through their bedroom, which was lined with dog beds and consisted of two King sized mattresses, pushed together, where up to 40 dogs can sleep with them. Now that is what I call true commitment and a calling for this work. 

We continued on throughout their property to see not only do they care for dogs, but also cats, birds, pigs, wolf hybrids, llamas, donkeys and horses. Each and every animal on this property was seen, rescued, rehabilitated and most importantly loved and given a chance at life, as each and every animal was a story of someone not wanting them, someone not able to care for them, health issues that are costly, or simply not enough room at another shelter and would have been otherwise euthanized. 

If you ever feel like you have the ability to donate, this foundation is so very deserving of support. Lee, Sarah and his staff were so gracious for coordinating such a touching experience, showing a peek behind the curtain on what true passion and purpose looks like and I’m inspired by seeing the heart and soul they have put into this mission.  Asher House Website ‍Asher House on Instagram