Hikers Found A Pup In Malibu Creek Canyon, Horrified By What Someone Did To Him

It was just another sunny day in California when two hikers decided to wander off the beaten path in Malibu Creek Canyon.
They were just looking for a bit of adventure in nature, but what they stumbled upon broke their hearts.
As they made their way down a steep embankment, about 250 feet from the road, one of them caught a glimpse of something unusual behind a rock.
A pair of sad eyes peeked out. A dog.

At first, they thought maybe he was just lost. But as they came closer, their hearts sank.
The poor pup had zip ties cruelly wrapped around his mouth and neck. Whoever did this didn’t just leave him behind, they left him to suffer there all alone.
The dog didn’t trust them right away. And honestly, who could blame him? His whole world had been turned upside down.
He looked at them with eyes that begged for help but didn’t quite believe he’d get it. His whole body trembled with fear.

But these weren’t just any hikers. They were kind, patient people who weren’t going to walk away.
One of them lay down on the ground, lowering himself to the dog’s level, speaking softly and doing everything he could to show him that help had arrived.
It took a little time, but slowly, the pup started to inch forward. And then, he got close enough.
With careful hands and a lot of love, the hiker removed the zip tie from his mouth.

It was like he finally took his first deep breath in days, as the hiker shared in an interview:
“I was laying down the floor as he got closer and that was when I was able to yank the zip tie off his mouth. And I got to see the relief off the dog’s face.”
Once the pup’s month was finally freed, they gave him water and food, which he gladly accepted.
And finally, his walls began to crumble.

Not long after, animal control and the police arrived. Together, they got the pup, later named Argon, safely into a vehicle and off to the Palmdale Animal Care Center.
Argon was estimated to be around seven years old. A bit older, and clearly a survivor.
He had inflammation and some growths on his stomach and groin, but nothing that couldn’t be treated.
Once he got some medical attention and a chance to rest, Argon was moved to the Agoura Animal Care Center where he could heal, physically and emotionally.

The two hikers who found him stayed involved, checking in, offering support, and helping him start a new chapter.
They also wanted justice. Whoever hurt Argon needed to be held accountable.
Because no dog should ever be left behind like this, as they shared:
“No animal, no sentient being, should ever be put through the torture that this animal was going through.”

Despite all he’d been through, Argon was incredibly sweet and gentle. He didn’t let his past steal his spirit. Everyone who met him fell in love with that big heart of his.
But just when things were starting to look up, Argon was hit with another challenge: he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
His caregivers were heartbroken, but they didn’t give up on him. Not for a second.
They poured their hearts into making sure he knew he was safe, loved, and never alone again.

That’s when German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County brought Argon into their care, determined to give him the best possible treatment.
Argon began to believe in life again and show everyone that he wasn’t giving up. And no one was going to give up on him either.
Now all that’s left is for Argon to keep fighting, keep healing, and one day soon, find that forever home and people who’ll never let him down.
He deserves that. And so much more.