While hiking in the Angeles National Forest with her dog, Veronica Shea noticed something peculiar. As she navigated a curve, she spotted a “huge black thing” climbing the cliffside.
Upon realizing it was a dog, she felt compelled to follow it, which turned out to be a fortunate decision.
Lost Pack
The dog guided her to two other extremely malnourished dogs left alone in the wilderness. Believing they had been abandoned, Veronica felt it was her duty to assist them. For weeks, she trekked up the mountain to feed and earn the dogs’ trust. “You could see how malnourished they were, their ribs were visible, and you could count their vertebrae,” Veronica noted.
Gradually, the pack became accustomed to her presence and even began eating from her hand.
Though this was a significant milestone, Veronica needed a solid plan to rescue them from the mountain. She considered trapping them one by one but feared that this might cause the others to run away. Thus, she sought assistance.
Rescue Mission
When Veronica reached out for help, a dedicated team of rescuers stepped up.
We devised a plan: We needed to build a complex contraption that could be operated remotely.
Together, they carried equipment up the mountain and assembled a makeshift cage large enough for all the dogs. They carefully enticed the dogs inside and transported them down safely.
Now named Princess George, Grace, and Steve, the Mastiffs were finally safe, yet faced another long journey ahead.
Training Camp
In order to help the skittish dogs regain their trust, their rescuers contacted renowned dog behaviorist and trainer Cheri Wulff Lucas. “They weren’t adoptable as they were; they couldn’t be touched, or leashed, just terrified,” Cheri stated.
Although they adapted well to training, the pack maintained a strong startle reflex, complicating their chances of finding a forever home.
They would require an exceptionally special home, as they wouldn’t fit the typical dog park environment. Even a simple walk on busy streets would overwhelm them, especially considering their size at 125 pounds. However, since Cheri lived in a secluded area with no traffic or nearby homes, she felt confident about their safety on her property.
Though she never intended to adopt the dogs, that’s how things turned out.
Not only did the pack find a healthy and safe environment, but they were also able to assist Cheri with her training work.
Whenever I receive dogs that require socialization — to become less reactive around other dogs — I utilize my pack to help rehabilitate them. All three are very social and know how to engage with dogs without overpowering them. Their instincts are flawless, and that’s something I never taught them — they came with it.
Trusty Assistants
The pack was invaluable when Cheri began working with a timid pup named Andi. Having spent seven years in a pen without any human interaction, Andi was understandably terrified and overwhelmed.
As Princess George, Grace, and Steve observed Andi’s stress, they offered reassurance and comfort, helping her feel safe. “It was truly heartwarming to witness. Their support was something I, as a human, could never replicate,” Cheri remarked.
Seeing the bond that formed between Andi and the pack, Cheri decided to adopt her as well, making her the 12th member of her new family.
Years have passed and Princess George, Grace, and Steve look completely transformed.
Despite their differing personalities—George and Steve love to frolic while Grace remains a touch timid—all three dogs are inseparable.
If you visited my home and were unaware of their past, you’d think they are just regular pets. They are truly family now, not merely cases for me to manage.
