Rescuing a stray dog is no small feat, especially when that dog is as large as a Great Pyrenees. These majestic creatures can be imposing due to their size, but it becomes a profound challenge when the dog in question has been living alone and has developed a fear of people.
This was the case with a stray Great Pyrenees, later named Miles, who had spent an entire year on his own, evading every attempt at rescue.
The Persistent Rescuer: Megan Allen Steps In
The story of Miles begins with Megan Allen, a dedicated dog rescuer based in Los Angeles and the founder of Zeppelin and Friends Rescue. Megan first learned about Miles through a Facebook post. The large, white dog had been living as a stray for a year, quickly running away whenever someone tried to approach him. Intrigued and concerned, Megan decided it was time to step in and attempt a rescue herself.
The very next day, she drove to the small, rural town in California where Miles had been sighted. Her determination was fueled by the harsh conditions she knew Miles faced: other stray dogs that would attack him and the extreme heat that often reached 110 degrees, making it difficult for him to find shade and shelter.
Gaining Trust: A Delicate Process
Finding Miles was not as challenging as Megan had anticipated, but winning his trust was another matter entirely. Despite his intimidating size, Miles was surprisingly calm and even seemed happy to receive treats from Megan. However, the situation took a turn when she tried to leash him. Miles, terrified by the leash, decided to flee, shattering the fragile trust that Megan had started to build.
Refusing to give up, Megan spent about six or seven hours searching the town for Miles. She was heartbroken but determined to find a way to rescue him. Eventually, she realized she needed additional help.
Collaboration Leads to Success: The Team Effort
Megan reached out to Danny Spanks from A SafeFurr Place Animal Rescue in Bakersfield, California. Danny was immediately on board with the plan to rescue Miles. Within a week of Megan’s first attempt, they orchestrated another rescue operation.
Danny arrived at the location slightly ahead of Megan and spotted Miles near a dog park. Using hot dogs as bait, he managed to lure Miles into the park and gently closed the gate behind him. This enclosed space provided the safety needed to prevent Miles from running away again.
When Megan and her friend Courtney arrived, they found Danny waiting with Miles, who was still visibly scared, especially of the leash. They had to carry him to the car because he was too frightened to walk.
A New Start: Miles’ Journey to Recovery
The relief of having Miles safely in the car was immense for everyone involved. However, the real transformation began when Miles was taken in by Mad Love Animal Rescue in Los Angeles. After some time to decompress from his ordeal, Miles was moved to a foster home managed by Kerstin Hicks of K9 Academy International, LLC.
Under Kerstin’s care, Miles underwent a remarkable transformation. He began to trust humans again, interacting with other dogs, walking on a leash, and even jumping into his foster’s lap. His foster mom provided the security and comfort he needed, which was evident in his behavior; Miles started to smile, realizing he was finally safe.
Finding a Forever Home: The Final Chapter in Miles’ Story
After receiving all necessary medical care, including vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering, it was time for Miles to find a permanent home. He was soon adopted by a loving family and renamed Cosmo. In his new home, Cosmo thrived, surrounded by care and affection.
Why We Rescue: The Reward of Transformation
The story of Miles, now Cosmo, is a testament to the dedication of animal rescuers like Megan and the community that supports them. It highlights the challenges and rewards of rescuing stray animals, especially those that have learned to fend for themselves and may not immediately trust human intentions.
For Megan and many like her, the joy comes from seeing a once fearful animal like Miles transform into a loving, trusting companion. It’s stories like these that drive rescuers to continue their work, knowing that each successful rescue changes a life forever.
