British Runner Wants To Adopt The Stray Dog That Ran Besides Him In a Challenging Desert Race

• 01

  Dion Leonard, a British ultra runner was participating in a grueling race through the Gobi Desert when a stray dog started following him and never left his side.

  
  via SlikTalk

   Even when the temperatures reached a scorching 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

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• 02

  The dog started following Dion during a portion of the race that went through the Tian Shan Mountains.

  
  via SlipTalk

  She instantly attached to Dion, who nicknamed her "Gobi." She would never leave Dion's side, even when they were in camp.

• 03

  Dion said he believes that Gobi was attracted to the bright yellow color of his gaiters.

  
  via Sliktalk

  "When she came into camp she followed me straight into my tent, laid down next to me and that was that – a bond had been developed." All the runners were impressed with Gobi, and immediately took a liking to the little terrier.

• 04

  Gobi became the race’s mascot – she embodied the same fighting spirit as the competitors.

  
  via Sliktalk

  Gobi became very protective of Dion, and Dion the same of her. He carried her across rivers and made sure she always had food and water during their travels.

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• 05

  He finished 2nd in his first 4 Deserts Race, but he knew his mission there wasn’t done yet. He wanted to bring Gobi home with him to Britain.

  
  via Sliktalk

  Unfortunately, he couldn't do that right away because of the strict laws about transporting animals between Asia and Europe.

• 06

  Dion launched a fundraiser to help with the costs of bring Gobi to the UK, as it is expensive costing around $6,500.

  
  via Sliptalk

  He is being assisted 4 Desert Club members and the SPCA in Hong Kong. Gobi is staying with the 4 Deserts Gobi March local manager until arrangements can be made. We hope everything works out for these two, and they are able to reunite soon. 

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