(CASTLE PINES, Colo.) — The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) shared a unique story from March of a rescue involving three Great Danes and a wheelbarrow.

HSPPR said the story started on a crisp morning in March near Castle Pines. Neighbors reported three Great Danes wandering the open countryside, and the reported that the dogs were clearly lost, hungry, scared, and very confused. HSPPR said Great Danes in distress are like mini horses with anxiety.

Courtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR)

Courtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR)

HSPPR’s Animal Law Enforcement Team sprang into action and spent days tracking the dogs, gaining trust, and staying one step ahead of the Danes’ unpredictable routes. Two of the Great Danes were secured deep in the field after considerable effort, but the story didn’t end there.

While officers were leading the Danes back to the truck, both dogs laid down and refused to move. Thankfully, a few neighbors were helping officers, and one had the ingenious idea to grab a wheelbarrow from their home, leading to what HSPPR called the sweetest, slowest, and bumpiest rescue operation they have ever seen with two officers, two confused, oversized dogs, one wheelbarrow, and a community of kind-hearted neighbors.

The next day, the third Dane was safely rescued and joined his friends at the Buddy Center, where Humane Colorado welcomed them with open arms.

Two of the Danes have since been adopted, and HSPPR said the third is on their way to a rescue partner for a little extra care before they find their happy tail.

“This story is a perfect reminder of why we are so proud of our Animal Law Enforcement Team. These officers cover over 5,400 square miles of Colorado. Last year, they answered over 46,000 calls, responded to emergencies, investigated cruelty cases, and protected pets and people,” wrote HSPPR.

HSPPR wanted to say thank you to all animal control officers and dispatchers for their hard work and dedication.