Jager, a beautiful Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix, came to Idaho Saint Bernard Rescue after personal circumstances forced his first owner to let him go.
Soon after, a kind family adopted him and gladly made space for him in their home.
As time went on, Jager started having a hard time with severe separation anxiety. It came out in destructive behavior that the family struggled to manage.
They put effort into helping him, working on training and trying to support him through it. Even so, it slowly became clear that he was better suited to life around other dogs in a pack environment.
Realizing that led to a major choice, one that moved Jager toward the kind of setting where he could finally feel most at ease.
A New Beginning With The Asher House
When Jager was returned to the Idaho shelter, the staff was uncertain about his future.
While they knew he needed a pack, finding the right home for him was a challenge.
That’s when they thought of Lee Asher, the founder of The Asher House in Estacada, Oregon, a nonprofit sanctuary that offers a safe haven for rescued animals.
Asher’s property is vast and filled with many animals in need, making it the perfect place for Jager.
“We reached out to Lee at The Asher House because we weren’t sure where else to turn… and we were thrilled and so grateful when Lee said yes to Jager,” Idaho Saint Bernard Rescue shared in a post.
Moved by Jager’s story, Asher immediately agreed to take him in. He believed Jager deserved another chance and was confident that his sanctuary could provide the support the dog so desperately needed.
“It was the best outcome for Jager because now he will never be alone, and it’s like he’s always been a part of Lee’s pack. Thank you, Lee, for your huge heart and all you do for so many dogs, including Jager, who’s now a cherished member of the family,” the shelter added.
Jager was transported to Oregon to meet Asher and his new pack.
A Fresh Start With New Friends
Jager was carefully introduced to his new pack. Fortunately, the other dogs welcomed him warmly, and he seemed to adjust well.
“He seems to be quite relaxed. It’s a lot for him in one day – a big road trip, meeting all these new people, meeting many new dogs, many new smells. He’s really doing wonderful,” Asher said.
Although Jager’s adjustment will take some time, Asher is confident that this is the right place for him.
“People really need to understand that a dog his size with separation anxiety is going to be a lot different from a small dog with separation anxiety. They can and they will do a lot of damage to the house because they are strong animals with sharp teeth. If you’re going to bring in a dog with separation anxiety, you have to be prepared for it,” Asher added.
While training programs can help, sometimes the best solution is simply spending quality time with the dog and providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
At The Asher House, Jager now has everything he needs to heal.
New Hope For Jager
Jager’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. With the love and support of his new family and pack, he is finally able to enjoy the companionship and care he deserves.
The Asher House is the perfect environment for him to continue growing, both emotionally and physically, as he embraces a new chapter in his life.