A Story of Redemption, Unconditional Love, and Second Chances

A Life Dedicated to Rescuing Traumatized Dogs

Hirotaka Saito, 54, is the head of Wansfree, a canine rescue association in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture. He dedicates his life to caring for dogs that even experienced animal lovers find challenging. These dogs, deeply traumatized by past abuse, struggle to trust humans, often resorting to biting, barking, and snarling.

Saito's journey began with a life-altering experience. His company faced severe financial difficulties, leading him to contemplate ending his life. As he prepared to leave home, his 70-kilogram pet dog stood firm at the door, refusing to budge. This act of unwavering loyalty made Saito realize the dog understood his intentions and was trying to stop him. This realization reignited his will to live.

Determined to dedicate his life to serving others, Saito chose to focus on rescuing dogs who bite people, a relatively unknown practice in Japan at the time. The dogs brought to him were often chained and filled with anger and misery, their eyes devoid of emotion.

Despite the constant pain of bites and the risk of losing fingers, Saito persevered. He removed the chains, offering freedom and love to these traumatized animals. While many dogs gradually calmed down, some remained aggressive. Yet, Saito never abandoned them, patiently waiting for them to heal.

His hands, once used to grip the steering wheel of a Ferrari during his company's prosperous days, are now permanently swollen and red-black from internal bleeding. However, Saito's spirit remains unyielding. He expresses immense gratitude for his current path, stating, "I'm better off now than ever. I'm so fortunate to be able to realize that."

Today, around 40 dogs reside with Saito in Yaizu. Some bask in the gentle sun, lazing on the grass and yawning, their harrowing pasts fading into the distance. Their peaceful existence is a testament to Saito's unwavering dedication and the transformative power of love.