Lee Asher: Leader of the Pack

The Asher House Animal Sanctuary has found its place…

Editor’s Note: This story first ran in Press Play Salem 021 (Fall 2024)

Salem has a hidden oasis for dogs, farm animals, cats, and other creatures thanks to Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit that “rescues animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love and adventure.”

You may be familiar with Lee from his TV series, My Pack Life, which ran on Animal Planet in 2022. (You can now stream it on discovery+ or Max.) Lee moved his operation from Estacada to Salem less than two years ago for easier access to resources and to offer sanctuary to more animals. Lee, who lives at the sanctuary, works with a team of about 50 who help run daily operations such as feeding, grooming, and medication.

When we arrived to interview Lee, we were told he was out walking most of the pack, as he didn’t want us to be instantly overwhelmed by 180-plus dogs. While we waited for him in his makeshift office—a bus parked on his property in the middle of 240 acres surrounded by trees, a pond, and several barns—we were kept company by a smaller pack ranging from mastiffs to dachshunds hanging out around the bus.

A fluffy, white Samoyed instantly became my new best friend. Ken, yes, the Samoyed’s name is Ken, kept me company the entire interview while Callie the golden retriever, Rosa the mastiff, and Bo the chocolate lab competed for my attention. 

Lee arrived in grand fashion, surrounded by pups of various sizes and breeds. It was a pretty amazing sight to behold.

Lee hasn’t always been at the head of a rural, ragtag pack of pups. He started his career in finance in the hopes of eventually funding his passion project of saving animals. “Animals and helping people has always been my passion, and I always felt like the best way for me to do that was to have enough money,” he said. Eventually, he realized that he might never make enough money to do what he dreamed about and had to ask himself, “Do I wait or do I start just saving animals now doing what I can with the resources I have to make a difference and go from there.” So, at age 27 he quit his job, sold all his belongings, and bought an RV. He toured the country with a much smaller pack of dogs, promoting adoption events, for about three years. 

Luckily for the hundreds of animals he has since saved, he dove in with both feet and has not looked back. At 36 years old now, Lee explained, “There is no outside life for me. This is what we do.” The dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles all share the house and property. On any given night, he can have 30 to 60 dogs sleeping with him in his room.

When asked what he likes best about Salem, Lee said, without hesitation, “The people,” noting his fantastic, welcoming neighbors and the folks at Marion County Animal Services. They are amazing people with an amazing staff who know their dogs well. 

“Some of our best dogs, most loved dogs have been from there,” he said. 

Second on his list to the people was the food. Caring for all of these animals, even with staff to help, means Lee has a loaded schedule. With little time to shop and cook, he often picks up something from his favorite place, Beehive Station food truck pod.

Additionally, Lee said Marion County has been wonderful to work with, allowing them to build and grow as needed.

 “We have exceeded in such a short amount of time what I thought we would be able to do.”

Lee has long-term goals of creating more sanctuaries and fewer shelters. He believes that once people see that dogs of different sizes and breeds can live harmoniously with people who understand and can lead them, sanctuaries like his can help lessen the strain on shelters across the country.  

Asher House prioritizes dogs on euthanasia lists and rescues dogs from all over the country. Lee said that shelters are out of space in many places, and so many great dogs of all breeds are being killed.

He pointed to an adorable Boston Terrier who was jumping up on my leg for scratches. Typically a sought-after breed, but even they are on the lists. 

Lee encourages anyone looking for a dog to be patient and to talk to the staff at the shelters. They know the dogs and can help you find the best fit for your family. He discourages buying from breeders because they will tell you what you want to hear to sell a dog. 

Asher House has a permanent pack of about 85, but all other dogs are up for adoption. If you are looking to adopt a new family member, please visit their website. The list of available dogs is updated often. All adoptions are conducted through an online application. 

When asked about parting words of wisdom, Lee said: “Life is hard enough; support each other and support your local shelter.”

As for The Asher House Sanctuary, “It is just the beginning. We have done this in just two years. I just can’t wait to see what we accomplish in two more.”

Asher House is a registered nonprofit run through donations and fundraising. Learn more at theasherhouse.com

Lee also has a for-profit business that allows him to do this special work. Lillie & Lee (formerly Asher House Wellness) provides supplements for dogs at lillieandlee.com (Updated Aug 31, 2026)

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 21 (Fall 2024)

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Author: Tracy Torres

Tracy Torres has a penchant for funky shoes and fun music. She loves all of the activities Salem has to offer, and can often be found lurking (working) behind the scenes to make things happen.