Biggie, a German shepherd, was found roaming around the banks of the LA river by Eldad Hagar from Hope for Paws, a canine rescue organization.
Source: Youtube/Hope for Paws
It is unclear how the dog ended up there, but he found himself at a section of the river which had no way in or out for miles. Hagar knew that this was going to be more than a one man job and enlisted the help of local residents from Compton, California.Their first challenge was to lower one of the rescuers down to the river to secure the dog. They decided on tying two ladders together, using only a leash from their limited supply of equipment, and prepared for a very unsteady 20-foot descent.
Source: Youtube/Hope for Paws
Hagar made the dangerous journey to the banks and once safely on the ground, decided it best to simply stay still and make his presence known to the dog, to avoid startling him.Then, when the German shepherd seemed calm, he placed treats on the ground to entice the animal towards him. This proved effective, until the volunteer reached for his leash, which scared the dog away.
Source: Youtube/Hope for Paws
Undeterred, the volunteer continued to try and relax the dog, offering him treats again, and eventually bringing the dog close enough to hand feed and pet him.He then began to comfort the canine, and covered his eyes before securing him with a leash. Hagar described to The Pet Blog Lady:
It took a while, but I was able to convince Biggie to come to me. It was just a beautiful thing to see how he melted in my arms.
Source: Youtube/Hope for Paws
Once he was shown love, Biggie quickly became affectionate and friendly, and allowed volunteers to bring him to the top of the wall in a cage without resisting the relatively dangerous technique.
Source: Youtube/Hope for Paws
The spectacle of a German Shepherd being air lifted along the LA river even attracted a crowd of cheering children, happy to see the dog safe. Hagar explains the team effort:
Then the team of volunteers from above pulled him up. This is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, so it was really heartwarming to see a bunch of people take the time to help us out.
Source: Youtube/Hope for Paws
The canine was then taken to their shelter, where he was given a bath and was cared for. He later moved on to the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC, where he was taken in by his foster father, who was so charmed by the gentle dog that he decided to adopt him and make him a part of family.
Source: The Pet Blog Lady
Biggie now lives with his human, his sister, a German shepherd named Hannah, and his brother, a pit bull named Riley.Watch the amazing video of Biggie's rescue below:[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr_yVhfBXX4[/embed]If you live in England, you can visit the RSPCA, and if you live in the United States, you can visit the ASPCA to get more information about pets available for adoption.Tens of thousands of dogs and cats end up in shelters each year, either due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. Consider adopting before you shop, and visit your local shelters before going to a breeder. Every dog and cat deserves a fair chance at a forever home.
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Rescuers Refuse To Give Up On Puppy Trapped 200 Feet Deep In A Well Despite The Odds
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