The mountain man who lived in the forest for 16 years with a pack of 31 dogs (NewsChannel 5)
A mysterious mountain man has been found living in the wild for 16 years alongside a pack of dogs - that as soon as he "howls" at them, they come from all over the forest.
Tony abandoned civilization in the US for a life in the woods, where he formed an incredible family bond with 31 dogs, with whom he sleeps for warmth during the cold winter months. The man known locally as "Mountain Man" spent 16 years away from human society in Natchez Trace National Park in Tennessee .
Tony somehow survived without a roof over his head and was last seen in 2016 with matted gray hair, wearing a ripped hoodie, skinny jeans and boots. Scottlund Haisley of Animal Rescue Corp told Channel 5 News at the time about the relationship Tony built with The stray dogs: "That was the only family he knew and loved." When asked about the animalistic howl that Tony makes, Haisley said: "They would come from deep in the forest from many directions right at him.
It was a tremendous sight.
I've never seen anything like it.
He sleeps with those dogs.
You can imagine how hot he was just because these dogs just piled on top of him."
The man who lived 16 years in the forest alongside 31 dogs (Photo: screenshot, NewsChannel 5)
They would come to him from anywhere in the forest as soon as he howled (Photo: screenshot, NewsChannel 5)
However, such a life without critically endangering health cannot go on forever - and Tony finally agreed to accept help only on one condition.
The mountain man demanded that each of his 31 canine friends be taken in by the animal rescue association and put up for adoption so they can live out their lives in a loving family home.
Channel 5 news cameras recorded the moment Tony, whose face was covered in dirt in a kind of celebration, called all his dogs to be taken to veterinarians.
Haisley said: "He was excited. He was happy. You can see the combination of victory and sadness, all in the same look on his face."
After being taken to a temporary shelter, Haisley said: "Almost 100% of these dogs are very sweet and want human contact."
The leg of one of the dogs that was found in a bad condition was amputated by the veterinarians to prevent further future damage.
The dog has recovered and is ready for training.
And he is not the only one
Injuries, hunger and a stroke: this is what happened to the man who lived in isolation for 40 years
To the full article
His condition was to provide a warm home for all 31 of his stray dogs (Photo: screenshot, NewsChannel 5)
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The dogs are taken for treatment and adoption (Photo: screenshot, NewsChannel 5)
Tony declined to be interviewed at the time and his current whereabouts have not been reported in the local media in Tennessee.
Channel 5 news viewers reported that they were deeply moved by Tony's love for animals.
One person wrote: "This man was not alone. He had more love than most people will ever have."
Watch the full report of News 5:
Shania wrote: "When a person makes an alliance with animals, it is very rarely broken. Tony never left his dog family for fortune and fame, he gave them a friend who will stay and help them deal with their world."
She added: "There aren't many people like Tony, because most people have ulterior motives. Trust and friendship, that's everything for me."
"It must have been heartbreaking to say goodbye to these dogs," commented a third.
"I can only hope and pray that each and every one of these dogs found homes with owners who love them the way he does."
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