Among the Grand Canyon's many mysteries is this one: How did it one remote, but stunningly beautiful extension of it end up being a home to stray dogs?

The strays, referred to as "Grand Canyon Hiking Dogs," sometimes follow hikers on their treks throughout Havasu Canyon, according to a report in the Arizona Republic.

"The dogs have learned to connect with people to get food," said Danyelle Schott. "They just follow you."

Schott was hiking with friends last March in Havasu Canyon, a branch of the Grand Canyon known for its pools and waterfalls, when they were joined by a group of dogs that tagged along for the duration of their eight-mile hike. The hikers tossed them food, and fed them water, then felt guilty when they left them behind.

That guilt led the four friends to contact members of the Havasupai tribe, whose lands the canyon is on, and ask how they could help. The result was an organization called HavasuPup, which focuses on assisting needy animals of the Havasu Canyon in northwestern Arizona.

Schott returned to the Grand Canyon in June to look for some of the dogs and puppies that had followed them out of the Canyon in March. One shepherd-mix puppy, which they named Havasu Trooper, particularly haunted the friends. They found her and took her home.

To date, HavasuPup has assisted in rescuing 40 animals and securing adoptive homes.

Schott said that the goals of HavasuPup are to remove most of the existing stray Canyon dogs; arrange for medical care if needed; secure adoptive homes; and through education and the spay/neuter program, assist in keeping the Canyon animal population healthy.

(AP Photo)