Lee Asher’s New Book ‘Saved by the Pack’ Is Out Now

I recently sat down with Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House Animal Sanctuary in Salem, to talk about his new book. Published by National Geographic, Saved by the Pack: How 50 Dogs Helped Me Find My Purpose shares the stories of 50 of the hundreds of dogs The Asher House has saved and the impact each has made on Lee’s life. Across 320 full-color pages, each chapter focuses on a different dog.

Although Lee started The Asher House in 2020, the story behind this book has been 16 years in the making. It took him about a year and a half to write. Lee discussed his struggles with severe ADHD growing up and how he was told he may never learn to read or write, so now, at 38, being approached by National Geographic was a monumental moment for him. While other publishers contacted him in the past, he felt the time and the organization were now right. He described National Geographic as “compassionate” and said they “got what we were trying to do. They captured the story and mission.”

When asked about the most significant moment in deciding to start The Asher House, Lee shared one of his beliefs: “Nothing in life is happening to you; it is happening for you.” He was reaching the end of a chapter in his rescue career, traveling around the country to visit shelters and promote adoption, but he felt he could no longer continue that way. Then COVID hit in 2020. Lee found himself at a crossroads; it was the catalyst he needed to move forward with his dream.

On what he hopes people take away from his book, Lee returned to his own experience. “If someone like me is able to write a book with National Geographic, there is really nothing off the table for anyone…,” he said. “If Lee Asher is able to write a book with National Geographic, you shouldn’t limit yourself to anything.”

Pick up Saved by the Pack: How 50 Dogs Helped Me Find My Purpose at your local book retailer beginning September 22.

Learn more about The Asher House at theasherhouse.com

Revisit our first story about Lee and The Asher House here. 

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 29 (Fall 2026)

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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.