If you’re not already following Lee Asher, what are you doing?!
The social media sensation, Discovery+ star of My Pack Life, and full-time animal advocate is the ultimate dog dad — and now, he’s teaming up with Raising Cane’s for a collab that’s just as heartwarming as it is tail-wagging.
On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day (April 30), the pet-loving crew at Raising Cane’s dropped a $100,000 donation on Lee Asher’s nonprofit, The Asher House, in Vancouver, WA. Yep, you read that right — a six-figure check that will help Lee and his rescue squad continue their mission of giving abandoned animals a second (and way better) shot at life.
And when Celeb Secrets was one of the select few media outlets to catch up with Lee in an exclusive press convo, he was all heart.
“It really shows the importance of never giving up. Like, it wasn’t too long ago where we really didn’t know how to fund our sanctuary,” Lee said. “When I first decided to start a sanctuary, the biggest concern was being able to afford it. And this is such a beautiful testament to living your mission and not giving up and, and making sure that you do the right thing as much as you can.”
“For me, this is such a step forward. Money is energy; that’s all it is in my opinion. And this gives us the energy to do so much more and to push forward and save so many more animals. It really is just the beginning of something so beautiful.”
The Asher House isn’t just a sanctuary — it’s a movement. What started as Lee’s cross-country RV trip with a pack of rescue pups turned into a lifelong mission to rescue animals from euthanasia lists and give them a home. Now with over 200 animals, including llamas, horses, cats, and dogs (of course), Lee’s living his dream surrounded by love, fur, and a whole lotta community.
And if you’re wondering who stole the spotlight at the Raising Cane’s event (besides Lee, duh), it was his pup Matilda, who rocked her Cane’s bandana with pride.
“Matilda has cerebellar hypoplasia, and she was in the shelter for a long time and nobody wanted her,” he said. “I grew up severe learning disabilities and I always felt like nobody wanted me, and I was just kind of an outcast. I had special classes in school and I would get bullied every day.”
“I really felt that Matilda came into my life to show me that there’s no such thing as a disability and that everything in life that holds us back — that uniqueness — is what makes us so beautiful. And now Matilda is so loved, I’m lucky to be so loved, and it really is just a beautiful story of how her and I found each other.”
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Lee knows not everyone can take in a rescue animal — but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a difference. When Celeb Secrets asked what people can do instead, his answer was unexpectedly powerful.
“I don’t ever think that someone should get a dog because they need a dog. Get a dog because that dog needs you,” Lee told us. “It doesn’t matter if you go to a breeder or if you go to a rescue. This is a soul. This is a mind. You don’t know what you’re going to get, and you need to go into it knowing that no matter what the situation is, you’re making that decision to be responsible for that dog, and you’re gonna do whatever it takes to give them the best life in the world.”
But if you are looking to adopt a new dog, his advice is plain and simple. “Be a a good human.”
“Many people in animal rescue are quite cruel and extremely judgmental, and they actually scare people away from rescuing animals. It could be a pretty dark community, and I think just being a kind, non-judgmental human who has a beautiful, positive voice for animals is a great way to spread awareness,” the 36-year-old explained with a smile.
So, what’s next for the Asher House? When we asked about the future of his sanctuary, Lee didn’t hold back.
“I want The Asher House to outlive me. I don’t think I’ll be around to see it, but my goal is that no dog ever has to die in a shelter. There should always be an Asher House ready to take them in.”
And while he’s focused on forever homes for animals, we’re hoping Raising Cane’s opens a location way closer to the sanctuary, because Lee and the pups are officially fans.
“It was my first time trying Cane’s… and it won’t be the last!” he laughed. “If a dog wants a chicken finger, give them a chicken finger. Life is short.”
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Thanks to Raising Cane’s Golden Plush Puppy campaign (yes, the golden stuffed dog that supports pet welfare causes), over $350,000 was raised for organizations across the country. Lee’s $100K is the largest single donation he’s ever received — and a huge step toward his dream.
So if you needed a sign to follow your passion, rescue a pup, or just spread kindness — let this be it. And maybe grab a chicken finger (or three) while you’re at it.
For more on our day with Lee Asher at Raising Cane’s in Vancouver, WA, watch our full interview below and check out highlights on our IG grid at @celebsecrets.
