Finding Gobi

Sweet story about an ultramarathon runner - I did not know there was such a thing, and was slightly aghast to learn that people choose to do that to themselves for fun - who adopts a little dog while racing across the Gobi desert. My heart was in my mouth when the dog started following Dion in the race, but he really went above and beyond to get his little friend to safety out of China, including moving there for four months while Gobi underwent health checks and rabies tests. Gobi is now twelve years old and lives with Dion in America.

Finding Gobi is the story about how ultra-marathon runner, Dion Leonard, met a stray dog while competing on a race through China's Gobi Desert. The pup won the hearts of everyone who was part of the race, participants and staff alike. Dion knew he couldn't leave her behind - he somehow had to find a way to take her home with him to Scotland.

This story was so heartwarming. Gobi is an amazing dog. She completed the equivalent of two marathons as she ran to keep up with Dion during the race. She's lucky everyone involved had a kind heart. It's amazing how many people volunteered to help get this little dog to her new home, even when it looked like she might not make it. The story helped restore a little of my faith in humanity.

I didn't expect to like this book. I read it for a book club and was pleasantly surprised to find myself staying up to read just a bit more. It was light-hearted but not cheesy. I enjoyed that it was more about the journey of the author than about the little dog.

This is the story of Dion Leonard who finds his salvation in Gobi a cute little mutt who chose him while he was running across the Gobi desert. I'm still trying to decide if Dion is afflicted with cynophilia or cynomania but it's clear he has a thing for Gobi. You'll learn something about running ultramarathons and a little about finding lost dogs in China. You'll learn a lot about what it means to be obsessed over a cute four-legged friend.

This is quite an amazing true story. It is one of those feel good stories. It is told honestly and straightforwardly. I really like Dion Leonard and also learned a lot about the how and really the WHY someone runs in these long distance brutal races through deserts etc. Then to hear how Gobi just attaches himself to Dion and how Dion takes in this little dog with the big heart. Next the battle to help Gobi come to live with Dion in Scotland. A great read.!!!

While I found the descriptions of Deon's marathons rather boring, I did admire his determination to save Gobi from a life as a little stray in China. Gobi's story was touching and I loved how so many people, worldwide, supported Deon's efforts through social media. Gobi's journey wasn't an easy one, but thanks to the generosity of strangers, and her tenacious spirit, she finally found love, peace and her forever home. A sweet story.

It's 4am and I just finished this book. A beautiful story of doggy devotion and perseverance. Dion's determination to save his little friend and to give her a forever home is inspirational. If you love dogs you absolutely must read this.