When Dion Leonard embarked on the grueling 155-mile (250km) ultra marathon across the Gobi Desert, the last thing he expected was to meet a new companion.
But in the vast, harsh landscape of the desert, a small, determined stray dog found him. That encounter would change both of their lives forever.
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The Unlikely Beginning of a Friendship
As Dion pushed through the demanding terrain, a little dog began to run beside him. She wasn’t part of the race, yet her determination to stay close to Dion was undeniable.
Covering an impressive 77 miles (124km) over the course of the seven-day race, the dog displayed an incredible resilience that mirrored Dion’s own spirit.
Dion quickly grew fond of the dog, naming her Gobi after the very desert they were traversing together.
It seemed that, in Gobi’s eyes, Dion was the one to follow, perhaps drawn to his steady pace, or sensing a kindred spirit in him. Whatever the reason, Gobi chose Dion to be her companion at that moment.
A Connection Forged in the Desert
By the time they had covered 25 miles together, Dion began to feel a deep bond with Gobi.
Despite the physical and mental challenges of the race, he found himself sharing his limited food and water with her, ensuring she stayed hydrated and nourished.
Dion realized that Gobi, much like himself, had faced her own share of hardships.
Perhaps that shared experience of struggle and perseverance was what drew Gobi to him. Dion became determined to give Gobi a better future, one where she wouldn’t have to face the hardships of being a stray.
A Promise Tested by Challenges
After the race, Dion knew he couldn’t just leave Gobi behind. He promised her a new life with him in the UK.
However, due to travel restrictions, Gobi couldn’t accompany Dion right away. She had to stay in China, under the care of someone else, until the necessary arrangements could be made.
But then came the shocking news: Gobi had gone missing.
Dion was devastated, but he refused to break the promise he had made to her. Without hesitation, he flew back to China and launched an all-out search effort to find his new friend.
He personally handed out flyers and coordinated search efforts in the local area, driven by the hope that Gobi was still out there, waiting for him.
After 10 long days, the call came—a local had spotted Gobi and taken her in.
When Dion arrived at their house, Gobi instantly recognized him and ran straight into his arms, proving that their bond was unbreakable.
The Journey Home and a New Life Together
After being reunited, Dion wasn’t about to take any more chances. He decided to stay in Beijing for the four-month quarantine period required before Gobi could be brought to the UK.
It was a long and challenging wait, but Dion knew it was worth it. Finally, when the time came, Dion brought Gobi home, fulfilling the promise he had made to her in the middle of that desolate desert.
Since then, Dion and Gobi have been inseparable. Their journey together is a testament to the power of determination, love, and the bonds that can form in the most unexpected circumstances.
From a lonely stray in the Gobi Desert to a beloved companion, Gobi now enjoys the life Dion promised her—a life filled with love, adventure, and a friend who would go to the ends of the earth for her.
Visit their Instagram account @findinggobi or their site at findinggobi.com.
