A life-changing friendship born in the Gobi Desert

Gobi didn't want to let Dion Leonard go and followed him for over 125 km during the 4Deserts Race: in the end she returned home with him who adopted her

Ultrarunner Dion Leonard received a life-changing encounter in an extreme ultramarathon across China’s Gobi Desert. During one stage of the “4Deserts Race,” Dion found himself running with a stray dog that ran alongside him for over 78 miles into harsh terrains and bad weather.

Instant was the bond between the two. The dog later named Gobi by Dion was a courageous and loyal dog, which stole the athlete’s heart. First, Dion was concerned about the race, but with the presence of Gobi, things changed.

Dion sacrificed his finishing position to care for the dog, even carrying her in his arms across most of the challenging stretches like river crossings. But that, of course, was nothing compared to what Dion decided after the race – adopting Gobi and bringing her home with him to Scotland.

The long haul to Edinburgh

Gobi’s journey to her new home was fraught with complications. While temporarily placed in the care of a woman in China, Gobi went missing. The news devastated Dion and drew global attention. Through social media, thousands of people offered moral support and financial donations to aid the search. After days of anxiety, Gobi was found, marking the start of a new chapter in their adventure.

It was a long and complicated process bringing Gobi to Edinburgh due to a lot of bureaucracy and strict regulations. Dion received these challenges with unwavering determination, showing commitment to their shared future. This experience changed him deeply, not just as an athlete but as a person.

Gobi proved to be more than a running companion; she became a source of inspiration, teaching Dion the importance of empathy, resilience, and genuine connections. Today, Dion and Gobi live a peaceful and affectionate life together. Their story, chronicled in the book Finding Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart, has become a symbol of universal love between humans and animals and a testament to how friendships can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances.