Irvine, California - This stray dog absolutely refused any help – much to the frustration of Suzette Hall from Irvine, California. The animal activist was at her wits' end with the pup, and in a recent Facebook post, Hall described the harrowing days when she just couldn't get a hold of the four‑legged friend.

"It was heartbreaking to watch," Hall said in her post last month.

"She would come down and play with the other dogs visiting the park, almost as if she desperately wanted to belong to someone again. But when the day got hot, she'd run back up into the hills and hide all alone."

The rescue operation dragged on for more than a week with the stubborn pup. According to Hall, she had been roaming the park alone for a month already.

Dogs Golden retriever dishes out sassy silent treatment during an icy reunion

The problem: many people left food for the dog, which nullified Hall's trap.

The treats inside didn't interest the clever dog at all!

And so, the same pattern kept repeating: Hall had to give up. "Every time I left, my heart broke."

With the help of a few allies, the Californian eventually took a completely different approach to finally achieve her goal.

The animal protectors made a small sign that they hung up all over the park. It read a plea not to feed the animal anymore.

In the end, however, they didn't have to starve the furry creature.

A further twist brought salvation: "Gus had patiently worked to earn her trust, and somehow, he was finally able to get a makeshift leash around her neck," Hall wrote.

Dogs Dog rescuer discovers laundry basket of abandoned pups: "I prayed the whole way there"

Hall was no longer on site at that point, so Gus and his companions eventually took the dog to her shelter.

Hall didn't mind missing the moment – in the end, she was simply overjoyed.

"Oh, sweet girl. You were worth every mile, every tear, every sleepless night, and every bit of heartache. You don't have to hide on that hill anymore. You're safe now."