Imagine hiking through a tranquil forest when something catches your eye—a strange, massive shape moving ahead. For Veronica Shea, this was no ordinary hike. It was the beginning of an extraordinary mission that would change her life and save three helpless dogs.
Back in 2020, Veronica and her dog were exploring California’s Angeles National Forest when she spotted what she first thought was a shadow. But as she got closer, the “shadow” turned into a giant black dog scaling a rocky cliff.
Curiosity turned to urgency as she followed the creature, only to find not one but three severely malnourished dogs, abandoned and alone in the wilderness. Their hollow eyes told her everything she needed to know—she couldn’t just walk away.
So, Veronica did something incredible. She returned to the mountain every single day for weeks, carrying food and slowly earning the dogs’ trust. At first, they kept their distance, wary and frightened. But over time, the three—later named Princess George, Grace, and Steve—began eating from her hand.
Yet, one question haunted her: How was she going to get them down safely?
When she realized she couldn’t do it alone, she reached out for help. A group of kind-hearted rescuers rallied together, building a makeshift cage right there on the mountain. After hours of patience and teamwork, the dogs were gently coaxed into the cage and brought to safety.
But this was just the start of their journey.
The dogs were terrified, unadoptable in their current state. Enter Cheri Wulff Lucas, a renowned dog behaviorist with a knack for transforming even the most traumatized animals. “They weren’t just scared—they were shut down,” Lucas explained.
With time, patience, and expert care, Princess George, Grace, and Steve began to heal. Still, finding them the perfect home wasn’t easy. These weren’t city dogs—they needed space, quiet, and understanding.
Ultimately, Lucas decided the best place for them was her own remote property. “If they get spooked, they’ll come back to me,” she said. And though she hadn’t planned to keep them, that’s exactly what happened.
It turned out to be the perfect solution. The trio thrived under Lucas’ care, even helping her with her work. They became her unlikely assistants, aiding in the rehabilitation of other troubled dogs.
“They’re amazing with socializing new dogs,” Lucas shared. “They know exactly how to put other dogs at ease without dominating or overwhelming them. It’s like they have their own secret language.”
One dog they helped was Andi, a hoarding survivor who had spent seven years without human touch. Andi was petrified of everything—until Princess George, Grace, and Steve worked their magic. “They did something I couldn’t,” Lucas said. “They gave her the confidence to heal.”
Now, years later, these once-abandoned dogs are living their best lives. Princess George is a couch potato who loves lounging with her furry siblings. Steve can’t get enough of backyard games, and Grace, though shy, has formed a close bond with Steve.
“They’re not rescue cases anymore—they’re just pets,” Lucas said with a smile.
Their story is a testament to the power of determination, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. What started as an ordinary hike turned into an extraordinary rescue—and a lifetime of love for three very special dogs.
So, what do you think? Could you climb a mountain for weeks to save lives? Share this heartwarming story with your friends and inspire others to never give up on those who need a helping hand (or paw).
