Lee Asher - How Rescuing Dogs Rescue Us
In this episode of All About Change, Lee Asher shares his journey from a troubled childhood to founding an animal rescue sanctuary. Asher examines the unique human-dog bond and how dogs provide solace through life's challenges, drawing from his experiences finding comfort at animal shelters.
Asher discusses how his innovative adoption promotion campaigns on social media, like touring the country with adoptable dogs, aim to change societal perceptions about shelter animals. He also offers insights on responsible pet ownership, emphasizing a mindset focused on the animal's wellbeing over human desires.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 23, 2024 episode of the All About Change
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1-Page Summary
The Unique Human-Dog Bond
According to Lee Asher, dogs form incredibly strong bonds with humans that go beyond mere companionship - dogs have been known to stay by their owners' sides even in life-threatening situations. This devotion stems from humanity's millennia-long shared history with dogs descending from wolves.
Asher's Journey to Animal Rescue
Asher's difficult childhood - feeling like an outcast due to disabilities and being bullied - bred empathy within him that drew him to animal shelters for solace. He now sees these challenges as crucial preparation for his life's calling in animal rescue.
After unfulfilling corporate work, Asher shifted to pursuing his passion, filming shelter dogs for adoption videos that went viral. The pandemic prompted him to open The Asher House, a 240-acre sanctuary offering animal rehabilitation.
Promoting Adoptions Through Innovation
To change perceptions of shelter animals, Asher toured the U.S. in an RV, showcasing adoptable dogs and demonstrating the joys of rescues on social media. He aims to be emotionally honest, sharing the solace he finds with animals to build trust and challenge misconceptions.
Asher stresses adopters must understand the responsibilities of pet ownership. He warns against adopting for social status, encouraging a mindset focused on the animal's wellbeing over human desires.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While dogs often form strong bonds with humans, not all dogs may exhibit the same level of attachment or loyalty; individual temperaments and experiences can affect their behavior.
- The history of domestication is complex, and while dogs have evolved from wolves, the nature of their bond with humans is also influenced by breeding, environment, and individual interactions.
- Personal adversity can indeed lead to a greater sense of empathy and purpose, but it is not the only path to finding one's calling in animal rescue or any other field.
- The success of viral adoption videos and social media campaigns in promoting animal rescue is significant, but it may not address deeper systemic issues related to pet abandonment, overpopulation, and shelter resources.
- Traveling and showcasing adoptable dogs can be an effective way to raise awareness, but it might not be sustainable long-term and could potentially stress the animals involved.
- While prioritizing the animal's wellbeing is crucial, the narrative against adopting for social status may overlook the potential positive impact of influential figures promoting adoption and responsible pet ownership.
- Emphasizing the responsibilities of pet ownership is important, but it may also be necessary to provide ongoing support and resources for new pet owners to ensure the wellbeing of the animals post-adoption.
Actionables
- You can deepen your bond with your dog by practicing mutual gaze exercises, which involve looking into each other's eyes to stimulate oxytocin release, similar to the connection between humans. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration, ensuring your dog is comfortable and relaxed during the process.
- Create a "Paws and Reflect" journal where you document your experiences and feelings about your dog, noting moments of loyalty, protection, and companionship. This can help you appreciate the depth of your relationship and may inspire you to advocate for animal welfare in your community.
- Volunteer for a local animal shelter's social media team to help create content that promotes the adoption of shelter animals. Use your personal stories or observations to craft engaging posts that highlight the individual personalities and stories of animals looking for homes.
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The Unique and Deep Human-Animal (Especially Dog) Bond
The bond between humans and dogs is profound and deep-rooted, stretching beyond basic survival needs and into the realm of emotional support and genuine companionship.
Dogs and Humans Share a Profound Bond Beyond Survival Needs
According to Lee Asher, the relationship between dogs and their human counterparts far exceeds practicality. Dogs are known to develop strong attachments, sometimes prioritizing their bond with humans over their self-preservation.
Dogs Develop Strong Bonds, Often Staying With Their Humans Even In Danger
Asher recounts an intense story of a dog who, after its owners passed away, chose to stay by their side rather than seek water, ultimately leading to its own death from dehydration. This narrative is a testament to the loyalty and selflessness that dogs often exhibit toward their human families.
Dog-human Bond Rooted In Shared History; Dogs From Wolves, Co-evolving With Humans For Millennia
Asher also discusses the historical significance of the dog-human relationship, a connection that traces back to the time when dogs were wild wolves. Over millennia, they have co-evolved with humans, resulting in a bond that extends well beyond the mutual benefits of survival and into the territory of emotional support, love, and companionship.
Animals' Presence Heals and Holds Val ...
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The Unique and Deep Human-Animal (Especially Dog) Bond
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Counterarguments
- While dogs often form strong bonds with humans, not all dogs exhibit the same level of attachment or loyalty; individual temperaments and experiences can affect the nature of the bond.
- The narrative of a dog staying by its deceased owner's side is an extreme example and may not represent the behavior of all dogs in similar situations.
- The co-evolution of dogs and humans is a complex process, and while there is a significant bond, it's important to recognize that not all aspects of this relationship are fully understood or solely beneficial; there have been negative consequences for both species.
- The positive impact of dogs on human well-being is well-documented, but it's also important to acknowledge that some people may have allergies, phobias, or other reasons for not experiencing these benefits.
- The concept of loyalty in animals, inclu ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your bond with your dog by setting aside daily 'us time' where you focus solely on activities that foster connection, like learning new tricks together or exploring new walking routes. This dedicated time helps reinforce the emotional support and companionship your dog provides, as you both engage in mutually enjoyable activities that strengthen your bond.
- Enhance your dog's well-being by incorporating sensory enrichment into their environment, such as puzzle feeders that stimulate their mind or scented toys that tap into their evolved hunting instincts. By catering to their natural behaviors and providing mental stimulation, you're acknowledging their historical connection with humans and their evolution from wolves, which can lead to a happier, more content pet.
- Create a ...
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Lee Asher's Journey to Animal Rescue Calling
Jay Ruderman and Lee Asher delve into Asher's past to explore how his challenging childhood experiences shaped his empathy and propelled him toward his eventual calling in animal rescue.
Asher's Difficult Childhood Shaped His Empathy and Desire to Help Others
Asher describes growing up in a narcissistic home and realizing early on that he did not want to emulate his parents' misplaced priorities and values. Being bullied at school because of his scoliosis and wearing a back brace, along with severe learning disabilities and ADHD, made Asher feel like an outcast, fueling his depression and sense of not belonging. Seeking escape, he found solace in animal shelters, which became his refuge and purpose.
Outcast as a Child, Asher Found Solace In Animals, Foreshadowing His Future Calling
Ruderman references Asher's connection with animals as a child, suggesting that Asher's experiences of being bullied and dealing with physical issues like scoliosis led him to empathize with animals. As an outcast, Asher gravitated toward animal shelters, paving the way for his future animal rescue endeavors.
Asher Viewed His Struggles As Essential Preparation, Not Obstacles
Reflecting on his difficult upbringing, Asher now sees his personal challenges as integral to his life's purpose rather than obstacles. He adopts a mindset of seeing each hardship as a necessary ingredient in preparing him for his calling. Asher believes in a definition of success that isn't solely based on financial gain but also living a life of value.
Asher's Shift From Corporate to Animal Rescue
Asher’s journey led him from an unfulfilling corporate life to the fulfillment found in animal rescue.
Asher's Promise to Save the Dogs
From a young age, Asher adopted and fostered dogs, envisioning a sanctuary as his ultimate goal. His idea in 2017 to film shelter dogs for adoption highlighted the plight of these animals and gained significant traction on social media. Asher focuses on the joy his rescue videos bring both to the dogs and to the viewers, using this positive impact to battle his own depression.
...
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Lee Asher's Journey to Animal Rescue Calling
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Counterarguments
- While Asher's difficult childhood may have contributed to his empathy, it is not the only path to developing such traits; individuals can develop empathy through a variety of life experiences.
- The idea that personal struggles are essential preparation for one's life purpose could be challenged by the perspective that many people find purpose despite not having faced significant hardships.
- The shift from a corporate career to animal rescue may not always lead to fulfillment; some individuals may find fulfillment in corporate settings or other professions.
- The success of Asher's adoption videos on social media might not solely be due to their content; success on social media can also be influenced by marketing strategies, timing, and platform algorithms.
- The notion that commitment to a life mission always leads to personal fulfillment could be countered by the argument that life satisfaction can also come from a balance of various interests and commitments, rather than a single mission.
- The de ...
Actionables
- Reflect on your past challenges to discover your empathy drivers by writing a personal empathy map. Start by listing past difficulties and identify the feelings and insights they evoked. Then, connect these to how they can fuel your current passions or interests, much like finding solace in a cause that resonates with you.
- Create a small-scale impact project based on your interests to experience fulfillment. For instance, if you're drawn to environmental causes, start a mini recycling program in your neighborhood. Document the process and share it on social media to inspire others and potentially discover a deeper purpose in this activity.
- Volunteer in a field that aligns with your values to test your c ...
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Operating an Animal Rescue Organization and Sanctuary
Lee Asher’s journey from showcasing adoptable shelter animals to founding a sanctuary reveals the impact of personal dedication and social media on animal rescue efforts.
Asher's Tour Changes Perceptions of Dogs For Adoption
Asher began with an adoption event in San Francisco, but despite low initial turnout, he managed to change the minds of three first-time shelter visitors who had considered buying from a breeder. These individuals were surprised by the quality of dogs available for adoption and each went home with a new pet.
Highlighting Adoptable Shelter Animals, Asher Encouraged More People to Adopt Rather Than Shop
Dissatisfied with typical shelter marketing that he felt focused too much on sick and sad dogs, Asher sought to present the positive side of shelter dogs. To do this effectively, he got an RV and toured the country, visiting shelters to highlight adoptable dogs on social media and encourage more adoptions.
Asher's Skill In Connecting With Animals and Adopters Ensured the Outreach's Success Despite Skepticism
Asher’s ability to connect with and care for each of his dogs played a crucial role in the success of his outreach. He invited people to his speaking engagements, where he continued to promote the adoption of shelter animals, further debunking the stigma around them.
As the Tour's Popularity Grew, Asher Founded a Permanent Sanctuary For Animal Care and Rehabilitation
Inspired by the response to his tours, and responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Lee Asher founded The Asher House. This sanctuary became not only a home for rescued pets and animals but an institution for personalized animal care and rehabilitation.
Asher's Sanctuary for Rescued Pets and Animals
Established as a haven for a variety of animals, The Asher House sanctuary, referenced both implicitly and explicitly by Asher, spans 240 acres where animals ...
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Operating an Animal Rescue Organization and Sanctuary
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Counterarguments
- While social media can be a powerful tool for promoting adoption, it may also create unrealistic expectations about the condition and behavior of shelter animals.
- Encouraging adoption over purchasing from breeders doesn't address the need for responsible breeding practices and the role they play in preserving certain breeds and their characteristics.
- The success of individual outreach efforts like Asher's may not be easily replicable, as they can depend on a unique combination of charisma, resources, and circumstances.
- The establishment of a sanctuary, while noble, may not be a scalable solution to the problem of animal homelessness and may divert resources from other effective strategies like spaying and neutering campaigns.
- Operating a sanctuary on donations can be financiall ...
Actionables
- You can start a social media campaign to highlight the stories of shelter animals in your community. Use your personal accounts to post photos and stories of animals that are up for adoption, focusing on their personalities and the joy they can bring to a home. This could involve visiting local shelters, getting to know the animals, and using hashtags to increase visibility.
- Create a small-scale local network for pet fostering and adoption. Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors to see if they would be interested in temporary fostering or adopting. Provide them with resources and information on how to care for these animals, and maintain a list of interested individuals to contact when a local shelter has animals in need.
- Volunteer your time to improve the living conditions of animals a ...
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Innovative Approaches To Promoting Adoptions and Awareness
Lee Asher's innovative use of social media and video has expanded his reach, inspiring many to adopt rescue animals and raising awareness about the true nature and needs of shelter pets.
Asher's Social Media and Video Use Expanded His Reach and Inspired Rescue Animal Adoption
Lee Asher's journey to leverage social media began around 2016, when he filmed his activities with animals, preferring to be present with them rather than focusing on his phone. By 2017, Asher realized that videos would be an effective medium to share his message. His following skyrocketed in 2018, thanks in large part to consistent video content.
Asher's aim through his videos and tour, traveling through 49 states in an RV funded by a successful Kickstarter and a substantial donation from Best Bully Sticks, was to highlight adoptable animals from local shelters and demonstrate the enriching relationships one can forge with rescue dogs.
Showcasing Loving Relationships With His Rescue Dogs, Asher Aimed to Challenge Misconceptions About Shelter Animals
By showcasing his personal journey, including dealing with depression and the solace he finds with animals, Asher builds a trusting relationship with his audience. This emotionally honest approach likely challenges existing misconceptions about shelter animals, emphasizing the joys and positive changes they bring into human lives.
Asher's Bond With Followers and Portrayal of Rescue's Transformative Power Drive His Success
Asher strengthens his bond with followers by sharing his emotional state before creating rescue videos, portraying the impact and positivity that come with being around animals. The success story from his first adoption event validates his approach and the potential for transformation through animal rescue.
Asher Stresses Understanding Pet Care Duties Before Adoption
Lee Asher warns against adopting animals for social media clout or personal image.
Asher Warns Against Adopting Animals For Image Rather Than Wellbeing
Asher criticizes elements ...
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Innovative Approaches To Promoting Adoptions and Awareness
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Actionables
- You can create a simple photo diary of your experiences with a rescue pet to share the realities and joys of adoption with your personal network. Start by taking daily photos or short videos of your life with a rescue animal, focusing on both the challenges and the happy moments. This can be as simple as using your smartphone to capture candid moments, like your pet's reaction to a new toy or their progress with training. Share these stories on your personal social media platforms to provide an honest look at pet ownership, which can inspire others to consider adoption.
- Volunteer to write pet biographies for your local animal shelter's website or social media to help potential adopters connect with the animals. Use your storytelling skills to craft engaging and heartfelt descriptions that go beyond the basic facts. Highlight each animal's personality, quirks, and what makes them special. This can help animals find homes more quickly and encourages adopters to think about the unique traits of each pet, rather than just their appearance.
- Organize a 'Meet a Rescue' day in your community where peo ...
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