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A Shadow in the Wilderness
When Veronica Shea set out for her usual hike in California’s Angeles National Forest, she never expected to become part of an incredible rescue story.
As she rounded a bend on the trail, her eyes caught sight of a massive, dark figure moving along the cliffside.
At first, she wasn’t sure what she was looking at, but as she got closer, realization struck—it was a dog, struggling to survive in the wilderness.
A Hidden Pack in Desperate Need
Following the lone dog, Veronica soon discovered two more—thin, frightened, and barely holding on. The dogs were so malnourished that their ribs and spines were painfully visible.
It became clear to Veronica that these dogs had been abandoned, left to fend for themselves in the rugged mountains.
Determined to help, she made the difficult trek up the mountain day after day, bringing them food and working tirelessly to earn their trust.
The dogs, cautious and afraid, slowly began warming up to her. Eventually, they even ate from her hand—a major breakthrough.
But Veronica knew that gaining their trust wasn’t enough. She needed a way to get them down the mountain safely.
A Daring Rescue Mission
Realizing she couldn’t do it alone, Veronica reached out for help—and a team of rescuers eagerly stepped forward.
Together, they devised a plan: they would construct a remote-controlled cage large enough to fit all three dogs at once.
With careful precision, they lured the wary pack inside and gently carried them down the mountain to safety.
Finally, the three Mastiffs—now named Princess George, Grace, and Steve—were no longer alone.
Learning to Trust Again
Once rescued, the dogs needed intensive rehabilitation. Cheri Wulff Lucas, a well-known dog behaviorist and trainer in California, stepped in to help.
“These dogs weren’t adoptable in their original state,” Cheri explained. “They couldn’t be touched, they couldn’t be leashed—they were just terrified.”
Despite making progress, the Mastiffs remained extremely skittish, making it nearly impossible to find them the right home.
Cheri realized that the only safe place for them was her own property—a quiet, remote sanctuary where they wouldn’t be overwhelmed.
At first, she had no plans to keep them permanently, but as time went on, it became clear: they had already found their forever home.
From Rescue Dogs to Rescuers
As the months passed, Princess George, Grace, and Steve transformed into confident, happy dogs. They even became an essential part of Cheri’s work.
When Cheri took in a traumatized pup named Andi—who had spent seven years in isolation—the Mastiffs instinctively knew what to do.
“They surrounded Andi with comfort and reassurance,” Cheri recalled. “They brought her around in a way that I never could as a human.”
Seeing how naturally they helped rehabilitate other dogs, Cheri officially welcomed Andi into her pack.
A Happy Ending in Every Way
Years later, the once-fearful dogs are now unrecognizable. Their personalities have blossomed, and they live as beloved pets—not as cases in need of saving.
While Princess George and Steve love running and playing, Grace remains a bit more reserved, but one thing hasn’t changed—their unbreakable bond.
“If you came to my house today, you wouldn’t know their backstory,” Cheri said. “They’re just like any other dogs. They’re family.”
Watch the Unbelievable Mountain Rescue Below
From Fear to Forever Home—A Story You Won’t Forget
