On June 20, 2010, Zak Anderegg was hiking alone in an Arizona desert. While trying to find his way through a canyon, he managed to find so much more: a stuck puppy and a heartbreaking example of just how cruel humans can be.
Take a look at how Anderegg handled finding a dog at the bottom of a 350’ canyon.
The exit.
The dog eating a much needed meal.
Unable to rescue the dog that afternoon, Anderegg left food and water and set out to fetch what he’d need to save the pup’s life.
He was back the very next morning, ready to bring the dog to safety.
The poor little guy had to spend some time at the animal hospital.
And even after that, it took him a while to get his strength back.
But it all led to him finding a new home and a new name: Riley.
Riley with his savior.
Riley living the life he was always meant to lead.
According to Anderegg, there’s no way Riley got down in that canyon on his own. As angering as it is to know that there are people out there who would leave a pet to die in a desert, it is comforting to know that there are also people like Zak Anderegg who would stop at nothing to help that discarded dog.
Check out this video for more on Riley’s rescue.
Look how happy Riley is! You can see his smile!