The Astonishing Moment a Hiker’s Discovery Changed Everything

Unexpected Discovery

While hiking through her usual path in the Angeles National Forest, an avid hiker encountered something completely out of the ordinary. Rounding a bend, she was taken aback by the sight of a massive black figure scaling the cliffside. Drawn by curiosity, she decided to investigate further, leading to an astonishing revelation.

As she approached, it became clear that the mysterious figure was, in fact, a dog. Her decision to follow it turned out to be life-changing for more than just herself. What she found next was nothing short of heart-wrenching.

The lone dog led her to two more, both in a dire state of malnutrition, and clearly abandoned. The sight was enough to compel her to take action. She knew she had to do whatever it took to rescue these helpless animals.

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Over the next few weeks, she dedicated herself to climbing the mountain daily to bring food to the starving dogs, slowly earning their trust. Her persistence paid off as the dogs began to accept her presence and even eat directly from her hand.

Lost Pack

Despite the progress, the hiker faced a significant challenge: how to safely get the dogs off the mountain. The idea of trapping them individually seemed risky, potentially causing the others to scatter. Realizing she needed assistance, she sought help from the community.

A group of rescuers quickly rallied to her side, devising a plan that involved a remotely controlled cage. Together, they transported the necessary equipment up the mountain and painstakingly constructed a temporary enclosure capable of holding all the dogs.

With careful coordination, they lured the dogs into the cage and successfully transported them down the mountain. The rescued Mastiffs, now named Princess George, Grace, and Steve, were finally safe but still faced a long road to recovery.

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Understanding the importance of professional help, the rescuers contacted Cheri Wulff Lucas, a renowned dog behaviorist, to aid in their rehabilitation. The dogs needed intensive training to learn to trust humans again.

Training Camp

According to Cheri, the dogs were initially terrified and unapproachable. They couldn’t be touched or leashed, making them unsuitable for adoption in their current state. However, with dedicated training, they began to show signs of improvement.

Despite positive responses to the training, the dogs retained a strong startle reflex, complicating efforts to find them a forever home. They required a unique environment, free from the typical stresses of urban life, due to their significant size and skittish nature.

Fortunately, Cheri’s remote property was perfect for their needs. Although she hadn’t planned on keeping them permanently, it became clear that her home was where they belonged. They were not only safe but also started to contribute positively to her work.

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As they settled in, the dogs showed their worth by helping to socialize other dogs under Cheri’s care. Their natural instincts made them excellent assistants in the rehabilitation process, a role they seemed born to play.

Trusty Assistants

The pack’s value became even more apparent when Cheri introduced them to Andi, a traumatized dog who had spent seven years in isolation. The Mastiffs immediately took Andi under their wing, providing much-needed comfort and reassurance.

Their gentle interactions had a profound impact on Andi, bringing her out of her shell in a way that Cheri could never achieve alone. It was a heartwarming transformation to witness, cementing the idea that these dogs were meant to be a part of her extended family.

As a result, Cheri decided to adopt Andi, making her the 12th member of her pack. Over the years, the Mastiffs have continued to thrive, each developing their unique personalities while remaining inseparable.

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Visitors to Cheri’s home would never guess the tumultuous past of Princess George, Grace, and Steve. They have transitioned from rescue cases to beloved pets, enjoying a life filled with love and purpose. Their journey is a testament to resilience and the power of compassion.