Every year, countless animals end up in shelters, hoping for a second chance at a loving home.

According to the ASPCA, about 6.1 million companion animals enter shelters annually. While some are lost pets that find their way back to their families, many are in need of adoption.

A touching example of rescue and recovery is the story of Mildred, a dog saved by Lee Asher.

Lee Asher is the founder of The Asher House, a non-profit sanctuary located in Estacada, Oregon. This organization rescues animals that have been abandoned or are unwanted, giving them the love and care they deserve.

He travels across the United States to promote dog adoption and shine a light on shelters and rescue groups.

In a heartfelt video, Asher picks up Mildred, his newest rescue, from the Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center. Right away, it’s clear that Mildred is very thin and requires immediate care.

Asher showers her with affection, petting and kissing her. Even though she’s still unsteady, Mildred walks around in the video.

You can hear the staff mentioning that when she first arrived, she could barely walk. Before they leave, the staff weighs Mildred and tells Asher she weighs about 70 pounds but should be between 100 and 130 pounds.

This shows just how poor Mildred’s health was before her rescue.

Asher and Mildred leave the vet together, but not before thanking the staff again and sharing a group hug.

He brings Mildred to his truck, where two other dogs are waiting to welcome her.

The other dogs are completely at ease with Mildred, and she even falls asleep between them on the drive home. When they arrive, the rest of Asher’s pack is there to meet the newest member of their family.

The dogs gather around her, some sniffing curiously. Even though it’s her first time there, it’s clear she fits right in. Mildred is eager to explore, but after a few steps, her legs give out and she sits down.

Asher quickly goes to her to make sure she’s okay.

Back at home, Mildred tries to climb the stairs but is too weak. Asher carries her up instead, and she heads straight to the bowl of dog food waiting for her.

She settles on a dog bed beside PomPoms, who doesn’t even wake up when Mildred lies down next to her. Two months later, Mildred is happy, healthy, and thriving at The Asher House.

In the video, you can see that Mildred looks much healthier and walks with confidence. She’s even running with the other dogs, trying to chase an ATV.

Asher shares that she’s doing incredible and describes her as, “sincerely the best gift the universe sent me.” Amazingly, she’s also riding a paddleboard with Asher.

Looking at her now, you might not realize she’s the same weak and skinny dog from two months ago.

He happily reports that Mildred now weighs 100 pounds, reaching her ideal weight in just a couple of months.

Asher is doing wonderful work with Mildred and the other dogs at The Asher House. The story of Asher and Mildred is truly inspiring!

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He shows us the amazing difference that genuine love and care can make for animals in need.

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, please consider adopting one of the millions of animals who need help.

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Source: USA Today