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Outlook: The marathon runner and Gobi the stray dog

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The marathon runner and the stray dog

19/10/2022 GMT

The marathon runner and Gobi the stray dog

BBC World Service - Outlook, The marathon runner and Gobi the stray dog

Dion Leonard found an unlikely running partner during a race in China

Whilst taking part in an ultra marathon across China's Gobi desert, Australian runner Dion Leonard met a stray dog who stuck with him, and became his best-ever friend.

Stories from around the world that celebrate humankind's best friend —  the dog.  

When Australian ultra marathon runner Dion Leonard took part in a race across China's Gobi desert he started being followed by a stray dog.  Dion named her Gobi, and remarkably, they completed the race together.  Dion was determined to bring her back with him to his home in Scotland.  But along the way, Gobi got lost.  Jo Fidgen spoke to Dion in 2016 about their special friendship.

In London, New York or any big city, it's not unusual to see homeless people, often accompanied by their dogs.  Sometimes the dogs need medical help and so Jade Statt started providing a free veterinary service. In May 2017, reporter Milly Chowles went to meet her, down at the 'dog station'. 

During the war in Afghanistan, US Marine Jose Armenta worked alongside his military dog Zenit. Their job was to search for roadside bombs. In August 2011, Jose stepped on a device and lost his legs.  He returned home, but then began a mission to be reunited with his canine teammate.  He spoke to Jo Fidgen in 2014. 

After an earthquake struck central Mexico in 2017, fashion designer Brisa Alonso was desperate to help in some way.  She came up with an idea to design and manufacture boots for search and rescue dogs.  Clayton Conn went to meet her in October 2017. 

If you'd like to tell us about your dog you can email outlook@bbc.co.com or record a voice note on your phone and send it to the same address. 

Presenter: Jo Fidgen

(Photo: Dion Leonard with Gobi the dog. Credit: 4 Deserts, Omni Cai)

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