28/02/2025
This is worth reading, because your opinion is worth hearing.
(Note: Several individuals are getting confused. The pictures in the first screenshot are NOT from The Asher House. They are examples of rescues who were shut down. If you carefully read this, you will understand that we are not pointing fingers at The Asher House. We have always been a fan. We are bringing up this topic as a launching point to have a discussion about how we the rescues can provide more transparency for our followers. Something to ensure the community of a rescue’s work, and to reduce false allegations.)
Just so everyone knows, I’m the director of a Florida dog rescue. I’m putting myself on the line here by writing this. I do so, because I know where I stand as a rescue.
With all the questions now surrounding The Asher House Rescue, I want to get some feedback from the community. If you don’t know what The Asher House is, let me catch you up:
The Asher House is a popular 501c3 dog rescue in Oregon. The rescue has 7.3 million followers on Facebook and receives a considerable amount of donations from all over. We see this rescue get tagged in posts all the time. I have always assumed it’s a great organization. I mean... They are all over social media, the videos are adorable (especially the shirtless guy). As of recently, this organization is under a lot of scrutiny for several allegations. Please refer to a summary in the screenshots that were provided by google. I’ve seen a ton of allegations and state documented proof of issues from the property address of The Asher House (which caught my attention). There is a group on Facebook claiming to seek justice for the dogs that are, and have been, under this rescue’s care. They have quite a bit of evidence to share. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Not sure what the reality is surrounding this rescue. We will only truly know once the state gets through any investigations that may be occurring. Usually, the law doesn’t get involved in investigating until a great deal of pressure is put on the county. We always hope rescues are operating ethically, however, after seeing so many local rescues exposed over the years for mishandling of dog care and funds, this is a great time to have a conversation with the people who make animal rescue possible: Followers, Donors, Networkers, Volunteers, Fosters, Adopters, and Animal Rescues.
Ethical rescues are a necessity to help curb the homeless pet crisis. God bless these individuals. They are the people giving up their blood, sweat, and tears, on a minute-to-minute basis (no lie). They are volunteers trying to balance an astronomical feat with the rest of the responsibilities that life brings. It’s a sacrificial lifestyle. Only the strongest survive. It’s sad that it is even volunteer based. These people, just like teachers, firefighters, police, and nurses, are gems in our community, taking on incredible tasks, with little to no financial backing. That’s a conversation to have at another time. We applaud these individuals for the sacrifice they make. Ethical rescues aren’t perfect. Mistakes are made; however, their animals’ needs are met. They use funds wisely. They do whatever they can to find solutions and resolve them in ethical ways.
Okay, but wait a second... I keep using the word “Ethical” in the paragraph above. Are all rescues “ethical”? If not: Which rescues are “ethical?”. How do we really know? It’s easy to get a state license to operate a rescue. It’s easy to get an IRS license to become tax exempt. All that is required is the completion of several tedious forms. Make a website/social media page, post some sad pictures, and provide your donation payment processor.... WALA! That’s all it takes folks… So once again, with all the thousands of registered rescues in each state, HOW DO WE REALLY KNOW? And why do we keep hearing about rescues being questioned repeatedly by the community for questionable practices and dishonesty? Why are several rescues shut down each year (once the neglect has gotten beyond extreme and animals are found dead)? How does anyone know what is really going on behind the scenes, as your hard-earned money is donated and spent? Yes, there are annual reports that the rescue fills out (which goes into a public folder). A quick annual form, a few posts each week of smiling dogs, the update of a dog saved from euthanasia at animal control, and a cute website, does not provide anyone with the understanding if a rescue is performing ethically. I’m sad to say that the amount of well intentioned “animal rescuers”, who end up neglecting animals because of poor management and the inability to know their limits, is popping up all over. Even worse, “puppy flippers” operate under the guise of “animal rescue”. We sadly keep experiencing the fall out (after it’s too late). I can provide you with examples if this is news to you.
So, here’s where you all come in. What is needed to reform this loose operation? How do we take animal rescue to a higher level? Once again, I’m saying this as someone who is running the very thing I’m questioning. What is holding not only them, but myself to a higher standard? I know the law sees animals as “property” (sadly). We all know they are much more than that and have much greater expectations from the very people we fund to care for these innocent lives. I am confident in where I stand as a rescue. I want the community to know the ins and outs of not only my rescue, but of all nonprofit organizations who are responsible for animal lives. What can be done? It’s easy to say, “The state/government needs to…”, but we know how that usually goes. What can WE the people do? I want change. Please share your thoughts.
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