In a heartwarming tale of redemption, compassion, and second chances, a 54-year-old man in Japan has traded luxury for love — selling his prized Ferrari to fur and closing his company to establish a rescue shelter for the most difficult of dogs.
Hirotaka Saito, the founder of the Wansfree canine rescue centre in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, has become a symbol of unwavering devotion to animals. His shelter is a safe haven for “problematic dogs” — animals scarred by years of neglect and abuse, many of which are considered too aggressive or difficult to handle by other shelters.
But Saito’s mission isn’t just about saving dogs. It’s also about repaying a life-altering debt to one four-legged friend who saved his own life.
Saved by a Dog
Twelve years ago, Saito was in a dark place. His business was facing severe financial troubles, and despair consumed him. He planned to end his life. However, on the day he intended to leave home to carry out his plan, his 70-kilogram pet dog planted itself at the front door and refused to let him leave.
That act of silent protest — a simple refusal to move — was enough to jolt Saito out of his downward spiral.
“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,” he said in an interview with Japan’s FNN News.
Trading a Ferrari for Freedom
Determined to live with purpose, Saito gave up his previous life entirely. He shut down his company, sold his luxury Ferrari sports car, and used the proceeds to buy a plot of land. There, he established Wansfree, a shelter unlike most.
The name “Wansfree” symbolizes dogs (often referred to as “wan-wan” in Japanese) and the freedom they find at the shelter — no chains, no cages, just compassion and open space.
Today, the facility is home to 40 dogs and 8 cats, many of which display aggressive tendencies like biting or incessant barking — behaviors often linked to traumatic pasts. These animals are usually the last to be adopted, and many are on the brink of being euthanized before they’re rescued by Wansfree.
“I want to let them know they are loved,” Saito says, describing how the dogs are allowed to roam without leashes, learning over time to trust again.
Love Over Luxury
Saito’s commitment goes far beyond a one-time donation. Every day, he works hands-on with the animals, wearing three layers of gloves for protection. Despite being bitten on several occasions, he continues to care for them with patience and understanding.
“Even if I get bitten, it’s okay. They’re scared. They need time,” he explained.
Dreaming Bigger: A Shelter for 300 Dogs
Though Wansfree already houses dozens of animals, Saito’s ambitions stretch far beyond the current facility. He plans to expand the shelter to accommodate 300 dogs by 2028, and is now actively seeking public support and donations to bring this dream to life.
He hopes to raise enough funds to buy more land, hire more staff, and create a sanctuary that can handle the emotional and physical needs of hundreds of troubled but deserving animals.
A Life Rebuilt with Purpose
Saito, once on the verge of giving up, now describes himself as being in the best spirits of his life. “I am better off now than ever,” he said, embracing one of the shelter’s dogs in a recent photo that has touched hearts across Japan and beyond.
His story has resonated deeply with animal lovers, mental health advocates, and those who believe in the healing power of unconditional love.
Why It Matters – Ferrari to Fur
In a society where euthanasia rates for unadoptable animals can still be high, Saito’s shelter offers a powerful counter-narrative: one that believes in rehabilitation, patience, and the intrinsic worth of every creature, no matter how “difficult” they may seem.
His journey is also a reminder of the profound bond between humans and animals — how love, loyalty, and even a quiet act of defiance at the front door can rewrite the story of an entire life.
How You Can Help
Saito is currently raising public funds to support the shelter’s expansion. Animal welfare supporters, philanthropists, and members of the public can contribute to help Wansfree continue offering hope to the forgotten and misunderstood animals of Japan.
In saving these dogs, Saito isn’t just rescuing lives — he’s proving that even the most broken spirits, human or canine, can heal with love.
