Ultra Runner Reunites With Stray Dog Who He Befriended On 155-Mile Race Through Desert

Dog lovers around the world were touched by the story of ultra runner Dion Leonard who found the perfect running mate while racing in the Gobi desert – a little terrier dog he nicknamed “Gobi”. And this week the two were unexpectedly and happily reunited under dramatic circumstances after Gobi went missing.

It was a few months ago that Dion and Gobi first met. Dion was racing in the 4 Deserts Gobi March when the stray dog appeared out of nowhere.

The two instantly bonded on the grueling week-long race, which takes runners through the desert in China. Gobi would follow Leonard everywhere and slept by his side. She refused to sleep anywhere else and protected him from anyone who approached him while he slept. Dion also made sure Gobi had plenty of water and food and carried her across rugged terrain.

As the race drew to a close, Dion realized he didn’t want to be separated from his tiny companion and decided to do whatever it would take to bring her home to Britain.

Due to the strict laws about transporting animals between Asia and Britain, Dion left Gobi in the care of a local race manager until arrangements could be made and he could raise enough funds. The process could take a few months, but thanks to the goodwill of many supporters and their story going viral, Dion soon had enough funds to fly Gobi home. But their adventure was not over yet.

But on August 18, 2016, Dion got the terrible news that Gobi had gone missing. Upon hearing the news, Dion immediately flew over to Urumqi, China to try and find her in person.

With flyers in hand, Dion, friends and volunteers searched frantically to find Gobi.

Although there are many strays in the area, fate was again in favor of these two friends and Gobi was found a week later! A local had recognized Gobi from a flyer and called Dion to let her know where she was.

“When we got there, I walked through the door and she came running towards me and ran around my legs and jumped up on me. It was love again at immediate sight,” he told the BBC. “I’m going to try to do two things tonight: try not to cry and not to swear, I’m so excited. It’s one of the best days of my life.”

Gobi was equally thrilled to see Dion and has stuck to him like glue since they were reunited! Just look how she cuddles in his lap!

With Gobi safely back in his arms, Dion has decided that he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Gobi comes home with him safely. That means he plans on staying in China for as long as necessary to make sure everything is in place.

That also means Gobi is getting leash-trained earlier than expected. But her dad isn’t going to take any chances. He’s never letting her out of his sight ever again!

You can support Dion and Gobi through CrowdFunder. Any funds raised above their goal will go to help other dogs like Gobi.

Share Dion and Gobi’s amazing story with your friends.

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