When viewers followed his journey on My Pack Life, people understood that Lee Asher sought to do more than just provide captivating storytelling. It was an opportunity to create community on and off the screen. During a special event at Raising Cane’s in Vancouver, Washington, Asher spoke poignantly about his connection with his animal family, the benefit that Raising Cane’s substantial donation will do for The Asher House, and his true feelings about giving dogs table food.
On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Raising Cane’s invited Lee Asher and a few of his dogs, Patrick, Butters, Cali, Matilda, and Tommy, to visit the restaurant. During the special event, they were presented with a $100,000 donation to The Asher House. The funds were part of the proceeds from the Golden Plush Puppy campaign from March 19 through April 29.
During the special event, Lee Asher spoke candidly about what the donation meant to him and his foundation. Reflecting on Raising Cane’s and Todd Graves’ commitment to community and charitable endeavors, Asher said, “true animal lovers make the world a better place. They spread joy and love. Raising Cane’s and all the supporters are committed to spreading the love through their donations. It is making the world a better place on every level.”
The $100,000 donation will help provide food, shelter, and other assistance to the animals who are part of the pack at The Asher Foundation. With more than 150 animals on the property, that donation will go a long way to help the organization.
Specifically, Asher said, “if money is energy, this donation is the energy to do so much more, to push forward and to save so many more animals.” In a way, Asher has created a community that includes people near and far.
That idea of community is essential for Asher and The Asher House. When asked about the importance of community, Asher explained, “I think that the reason why The Asher House is so successful is because our focus is the community. We want people to feel part of something, that they are not crazy for loving animals so much.”
“There is no success without a community, a community of belonging where people can go and not feel alone. We support that idea and encourage people to love their animals and let them to be your whole life.”
Lee Asher and friends enjoy a meal at Raising Cane’s
Since people’s animals are an integral part of their lives, they welcome them into every aspect. Asher often travels with part of his pack, and he welcomes them to the table. As seen during the Raising Cane’s event, Patrick, Butters, Cali, Matilda, and Tommy were quite interested in those iconic chicken tenders and fries. They joined Asher at the table.
Since this special event invited everyone to the table, the question had to be asked. Where does Asher stand on allowing his dogs to enjoy table food.
“I will start by saying, I would never try to convince somebody to give their dog table food. If you have the self-control to not give your dog table food, then I would like you to teach it to me. I am far from it.”
“I have a very difficult time not giving them what they want. To me, life is short. If they want a chicken tender, then I am going to give them a chicken tender. It’s like you’re never going to regret it, especially when the Raising Cane’s chicken tenders are so delicious.”
Given that Raising Cane’s has been expanding throughout the U.S., Asher and his pack have lots of options when they are traveling. As he shared, “when we’re traveling, being able to have a restaurant like this, that we can trust, and who is doing something good for others,” it is the place that they will frequent more often.
What can others do to create that sense of community both near and far? From buying one of the Cane’s Plush Puppies to support charities to enjoying a chicken tenders combo meal with your pack, Raising Cane’s has a warm, welcoming spot that always delivers on its One Love promise.