Gobi, a tiny stray pup from China, found a new owner in the most unique way we’ve ever seen.
Their soon-to-be new owner was running in the 155-mile 4 Deserts Gobi March 2016, a grueling marathon held on China’s largest desert this June.
As runner Dion Leonard was competing, the little pup joined in beside him.
“On Day 2, I was at the start line for the race stage and she was standing next to me looking up at me,” Leonard told The Dodo.
“I thought to myself this little dog isn’t going to last very long at my side as we raced off, but she ended up running the whole day and 23 miles distance.”
Extreme weather meant the puppy couldn’t compete during certain times, that’s when organizers would give her a life so she could stay with Leonard.
On the final day, the two crossed the finish line together.
Leonard is now trying to get the dog home to Scotland with him, but he does face some bureaucratic and financial issues that he is determined to overcome.
“Gobi picked me to be her pal for life, so I am doing what I can with some great support from around the word to make this happen,” said Leonard.
Dion Leonard was racing when the pup ran 23 miles with him in 1 day.
“On Day 2, I was at the start line for the race stage and she was standing next to me looking up at me”
“I thought to myself this little dog isn’t going to last very long at my side as we raced off”
“But she ended up running the whole day”
It was a perfect match between the extreme runner and the dog.
Look how cute this finish line photo is.
They quickly bonded and it was obvious they needed to stay together for the rest of Gobi’s life.
They are still working through the specifics but Gobi will hopefully soon join their new owner in Scotland.
“Gobi picked me to be her pal for life, so I am doing what I can with some great support from around the word to make this happen”
