What began as a physically demanding cycling challenge turned into a life changing rescue that neither rider will ever forget.
Nicolás Pradilla and his trainer, Héctor Ramírez, were nearing the end of a three day bicycle expedition through Colombia when they made a decision that altered more than just their route.
It changed two tiny lives forever.
The experienced cyclists chose to veer off their planned path and take on rougher terrain, pushing themselves into a steep 25 mile uphill climb.
It was halfway through that grueling ascent when an unexpected sound cut through the quiet of the woods.
This touching rescue story was originally reported by Ashley Ortiz for The Dodo.
Crying Sounds In The Woods Bring The Ride To A Sudden Stop
As the cyclists pedaled upward, Héctor heard faint noises coming from below the trail. At first, the sounds resembled birds calling from the brush.
But something felt off. The cries were persistent and fragile, not like wildlife at all.
When the two riders stopped and looked down into the thick undergrowth, they saw the source of the sound.
Two tiny puppies were huddled together, covered in dirt and clearly abandoned.
They were hiding beneath heavy brush, likely left behind with little chance of survival.
For Pradilla and Ramírez, there was no hesitation. This ride was no longer about endurance or training. It was about saving lives.
Two Puppies Carried Uphill In Cyclists’ Shirts
The cyclists had hours of riding ahead of them and a challenging climb still to complete.
Even so, leaving the puppies behind was never an option. Without proper carriers or supplies, the men improvised.
Héctor gently placed one puppy under his shirt to keep him warm and secure.
Moments later, he passed the second puppy to Pradilla, who tucked the small body against his chest in the same way.
With the puppies safely pressed against them, the cyclists continued their journey.
For more than six hours, they rode with the fragile pups nestled under their shirts, protecting them from cold, fear, and danger.
It was an exhausting ride, but neither man complained. The weight they carried mattered more than the miles ahead.
From Temporary Rescue To Permanent Family
At first, the plan was simple. Help the puppies survive and then find them loving homes.
But something shifted during those long hours on the trail.
Sharing warmth, movement, and quiet moments forged an unexpected bond.
By the time the cyclists reached their destination, the idea of parting with the puppies felt impossible.
What began as a rescue mission turned into adoption.
Héctor named his puppy Remi. Pradilla named his pup Tinto, inspired by Colombia’s beloved coffee. The names marked the start of a new chapter for both dogs and their humans.
How Two Puppies Changed Their Humans’ Lives
The impact of the rescue went beyond saving the puppies. It reshaped the men’s lives in meaningful ways.
Pradilla had been living with his parents, where several dogs already shared the home.
Wanting to give Tinto the space and attention he deserved, Pradilla made the decision to move out and start fresh.
Finding a home for Tinto led Pradilla to find a home for himself as well. The process of building a new life together brought joy, responsibility, and purpose.
Sometimes, rescuing an animal helps humans grow just as much as it helps the animal heal.
Puppies Recover And Begin Their New Adventures
Months after the rescue, Remi and Tinto are thriving in their new lives.
Both puppies settled into their homes quickly, surrounded by care and patience.
Tinto has been recovering from deworming treatment, which temporarily slowed his ability to join outdoor adventures.
Now that he is feeling stronger, Pradilla is excited to get back on the bike with his four legged companion by his side.
The two are already planning future rides together, eager to revisit the activity that brought them together in the first place.
Remi, too, is enjoying life with Héctor, safe and loved in a home that began with a split second decision on a mountainside.
