While out on her usual hike with her furry companion in the Angeles National Forest, Veronica Shea stumbled upon a peculiar sight. As she rounded a bend, a massive dark figure caught her eye, climbing the cliffside. Intrigued by what she assumed was a lost dog, Veronica made the decision to track it down, leading to an unexpected adventure in the wilderness.
The dog led Veronica to two other dogs in poor condition, left alone in the wilderness. Thinking they had been abandoned, Veronica felt compelled to assist the group. Over the following weeks, she trekked up the mountain to provide food and attempt to build trust with the dogs. “They were so skinny, you could clearly see their ribs and count their vertebrae,” Veronica recounted. With time, the dogs grew accustomed to her and even started eating from her hand.
Despite her significant accomplishment, Veronica faced the challenge of figuring out how to safely remove the animals from the mountain. She thought about trapping them individually, but worried that the others might escape if she did so. Realizing she needed assistance, Veronica called for help. In no time, a team of rescuers eagerly volunteered to lend a hand.
We brainstormed a solution. We need to devise a wacky gadget that can be controlled from a distance.
Working together,
they hauled the necessary gear up the mountain and fashioned a makeshift enclosure
large enough to accommodate all of them.
With caution, they enticed the dogs inside
and transported them down the mountain.
The Mastiffs, now known as Princess George, Grace, and Steve, were finally out of harm’s way. However, their journey to recovery was far from over. Their rescuers reached out to a renowned dog behaviorist and trainer in California, Cheri Wulff Lucas, in hopes of helping the anxious dogs learn to trust again. “When we first met them, they were just too scared – couldn’t be touched or leashed. It was a tough road to make them adoptable,” said Cheri. Despite showing progress in their training, the pack still exhibited a strong startle reflex, posing a challenge in finding them their forever homes.
It would require finding a unique and special home for these dogs, as they are not the typical canines that enjoy dog parks or city streets. Because of their size and potential to startle easily, they would be difficult to control. Luckily, Cheri lived in a secluded area with no traffic or other houses nearby, making it a safe haven for the pups. Despite not intending to keep them, she ended up becoming their permanent caregiver.
The group of dogs not only thrived in a safe and healthy environment, but they also played a key role in assisting Cheri with her training work. When dealing with dogs in need of socialization, the pack proved to be invaluable in helping to rehabilitate them. Their natural ability to interact with other dogs and their gentle approach made them perfect mentors for those needing to improve their social skills. Their assistance was particularly beneficial when Cheri began working with Andi, a pup who had spent seven years living in a pen with minimal human contact and was understandably fearful and anxious.
Princess George, Grace, and Steve noticed Andi feeling stressed and went out of their way to comfort and reassure her, showing an incredible bond. Cheri was so moved by Andi’s connection with the pack that she decided to make Andi the 12th dog in her family. Now, years later, Princess George, Grace, and Steve look completely different from how they did back then.
Source: The Dodo
Despite their different preferences for activities, George and Steve enjoy running around and being social while Grace is still a bit shy. However, they are still very close and inseparable. If you were to visit my house without knowing their history, you would see them as typical dogs. They have truly become beloved pets and no longer just special cases to me.