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Ultramarathon Runner Rescues Running Dog
It was in the middle of the Gobi Desert where an unexpected friend entered ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard's life. A small chihuahua joined Leonard as he ran a 155-mile race. Determined to bring the little dog, now named Gobi, home to Scotland with him, Leonard spent six months in China getting her medical clearance. Leonard says running ultramarathons improved his physical and mental health, and brought him Gobi. Inside Edition Digital's TC Newman has more.
Пікірлер: 892
You’ve won better than gold medal, you won a best friend.
@gloriaa.garcia3985
28 күн бұрын
What a touching story.
@jean4667
24 күн бұрын
And a bigger heart!
@Amy1924-xr9vq
24 күн бұрын
Definitely and God bless both of them 😇💓
@bequinhas2007
23 күн бұрын
Great ❤
@aleisaetheridge8682
22 күн бұрын
Absolutely , this is kinda how I got my Cat. My family and I love animals but my youngest Son would bring home every one of them he sees that doesn't have a home and that didn't change after he grew up . We started rescue after he found a tiny kitten that was being chased by a pit bull and had already ran off the mother cat. He waited to see if she came back but after a couple of days , he brought him to the house , he works out of town , she Mom to the rescue and that was how We got Ricky and that started it all. We rescue kittens and cats that r let alone r have lived outside with no one looking after them. One day I got a call about a newborn kitten someone found and even though I had never raised a newborn , I said Yes , I had to r he wouldn't make it but I was still afraid he wouldn't. I watched a bunch of videos by the Kitten Lady and now he's 3 and I do completely adore him and he's a big beautiful Fluffy Darling I couldn't live without , that's just the cat distribution system at work lol
I like how she's not what you typically imagine when you picture a running dog, but her perseverence makes up for her tiny legs.
@counterculture10
Ай бұрын
So true LOL
@Bonnie-tg1jk
4 күн бұрын
But she's a terrier...they don't give up!
@kayeruss7313
Күн бұрын
She must've been exhausted! Those little short legs having to keep up with this long-legged guy!
That dog picked the right person as her human. She's stinking cute too.
@timRosco1760
26 күн бұрын
❤😊
@teeniequeenie8369
25 күн бұрын
No kidding he crossed the continent for her❤
@aleisaetheridge8682
22 күн бұрын
Animals r very good judges of character and usually pick the very best people , this is proof of that and look what he did to have her , she picked very well lol I love all animals but I adore Cats and dogs so much , I'd have a pet cheetah and giraffe if I could lol
@johnmartinsen963
20 күн бұрын
Nothing better than connecting with dog that changes your life...ALWAYS for the better❣❣❣
@sonneversets3530
15 күн бұрын
@@teeniequeenie8369 Very similar true story of ‘Arthur, the King,’ that was out earlier this year. Mark Wahlberg plays the adventure runner who was chosen to save Arthur, too. Looks like a large version of Gobi. Almost mirrored stories! Incredible! Get the book, or see the flick.💜🐾👍 Maybe a movie will be made about this couple, too.👍🐾♥
Thank you for going back to China to get Gobi. She was more important than winning a race.
@cocoshi2306
15 күн бұрын
I'm so happy for Gobi. She finally found the love and happiness that she truly deserves. Thank you, Leonard, for your compassion and kindness ❤
“I don’t particularly like running.” Says the Ultramarathoner.
@BlmnotinAfri.-_-
Ай бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@RMA8159
Ай бұрын
I’m just good at it
@momotaroreincarnatednthtim6303
29 күн бұрын
Maybe he doesnt like it but the experience of seeing places while doing that.
@yukikohattori8044
29 күн бұрын
😅
@levigrey2309
25 күн бұрын
I get it though. I can draw pretty well (well enough to make a living off it anyways) yet I don't particularly like drawing. It's an odd thing. You can do it, you feel the need to do it, but it's not something I necessarily enjoy.
He still ended up winning!
@Megan_Fiorilla
Ай бұрын
Fr!? No way! This needs to be a movie!
@touchofgrey5372
Ай бұрын
Awesome!
@rosestorms5396
Ай бұрын
@@Megan_Fiorillathat would be one boring movie
@ozgal6929
29 күн бұрын
@@rosestorms5396that's your opinion and it's not a popular óne
@dealyah
29 күн бұрын
This sounds like the mark Wahlberg movie "Arthur the King"
'Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you'. Beautiful man. Very few would care half this much, and the world would be a very different place if they did.
@counterculture10
Ай бұрын
Yes, I agree. I think it also goes to show that this kind of magic in life can happen anywhere, anytime...you just have to be ready for it with the right mindset. It would have been so easy for Leonard to ignore the dog and push on, focusing on the race. Yet something in him sensed that what was happening with the dog was bigger than the race. Who would've thought that in the process of running to prove that he was "good enough" to himself and his friends that he'd fall in love with a stray dog in a desert in China, and that this happenstance would not only change his life but allow him to reconcile his past? An absolutely amazing story!
@JudyChartrand-uv6oi
28 күн бұрын
So true. Life is more than a prize. I’m sure little Gobi has no idea how famous she is and what she has accomplished just by being herself. A lesson humans could live by.
@TheGypsyVanners
27 күн бұрын
And no one mentions this, but seems like a caring understanding wife.
@jeaninejones4382
19 күн бұрын
I read the book several years back. It’s a great story. Even better because it’s true.
@TheGypsyVanners
18 күн бұрын
@@counterculture10 it is. And I appreciate the word Happenstance
Dogs know good people! Thank you for saving her! 🐾
@jewelseng9900
Ай бұрын
True
@Masticas.
Ай бұрын
Its crazy dog didn’t end up on someones plate in china
@BellaKarim23
Ай бұрын
@@Masticas.It’s actually been banned and is illegal now. Has been forever more or less a decade. Plus a dog that small is less attractive for the meat market, but yeah she got lucky with that
@brendamonintja7617
27 күн бұрын
Thank you gor rescuing this sweet little furbaby! ❤
@carolineridlington5010
22 күн бұрын
@BellaKarim23 ...but it IS still going on...now today...and l no doubt tomorrow.....
This man expressed that his upbringing was rough. I wonder if he realizes that in saving Gobi, he became the man (protector, nurturer, guide), that he needed in his childhood. Full circle. High-five that he chose to not become what he survived. Gobi is adorable!!! ❤
@dianeandries1331
5 күн бұрын
Correct. So great ❤
@lovingatlanta
7 сағат бұрын
@jdmarr - 👍🤩💝Yes he does realize that. He said so @ 5:55 - 6:12
What a crappy friend to say, "Yo... Your dog ranaway sorry I can't help you anymore!"
@kallieo.9226
Ай бұрын
Exactly what I was thinking! That person won't his friend 😒.
@hebneh
Ай бұрын
NOT a friend.
@JoshuaMartian-go3tm
29 күн бұрын
Yeah, I thought maybe that "friend" sold the dog cuz she was so popular. Turns out he was just an irresponsible, selfish person.
@samjohns3227
28 күн бұрын
That is not a friend.....
@JudyChartrand-uv6oi
28 күн бұрын
I was thinking something similar. Not a friend I would trust again. I think she also, was running off to find her friend. So happy they were eventually reunited.
I believe Gobi didn’t get lost. SHe ran away to find her soulmate. So grateful these two reunited.
@JudyChartrand-uv6oi
28 күн бұрын
I keep thinking how she must have felt, wondering where he was. Then going out to look for him. What a dog!!
@cloudie9druoid172
25 күн бұрын
💯👍🏻
@nicatlaca
20 күн бұрын
Tear breaking really. I love that fur ball. 🥰💕
@MshAhmxiO1
11 күн бұрын
No it was the wrong person who wasn't careful enough to keep Gobi safe during that time apart.
NEVER leave a loved one behind. Better loosing an air ticket than who you love.
You won a far greater race--a life race--the first time you went back for Gobi. And you're still winning that race. Good on you. I'm glad your heart took the lead.
Who else smiled through whole video?? ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
What a wonderfully beautiful story! Gobi is so stinking CUTE! ❤ Running has helped my daughter stay sober! On her 5 year sobriety anniversary, she ran and completed a 50-mile run! She has also adopted a running doggo partner, too!
@soledadwhitney1628
29 күн бұрын
Good for her! I'm glad that she found her self an have a better life!
@judycee4
28 күн бұрын
Congratulations!
@FullFrontalFromage
25 күн бұрын
Oh wow, a big run on her 5 years! What a beautiful way to celebrate. I love that. Take care, both mom and baby girl ❤😊
@MamaPinks
25 күн бұрын
@@FullFrontalFromage Thank you, I am one proud Mama over here! 🥰
“I don’t particularly like running.” must mean something different to me than to this man.
@cynthiaholland13
25 күн бұрын
He might do it for health
@NoriMori1992
4 күн бұрын
Didn't you watch the rest of the video after that?
@NoriMori1992
4 күн бұрын
@@cynthiaholland13 "Might"? Did you not watch the rest of the video?
Gobi looks at her happiest running with her human!
Thank you for choosing the dog. Way better than winning any race.
Gobi may have changed your life in many ways, but you changed her life in a great way. Getting her out of China, giving her love and a home You both needed that one true friendship of unconditional love and trust. This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever heard. However, I’m a total dog lover, so that makes it tops. Also, all that you did to recover Gobi demonstrates the condition of your heart. So loving. Dogs sense this in humans.
I had a little cry when you found her after she was lost.
Destiny? Fate? It was meant to be. These two were divinely brought together for each other's sake!
@cloudie9druoid172
25 күн бұрын
So true especially since she came out of nowhere. What a story
@juliesong4123
24 күн бұрын
💯
I think as soon as you went back across that water you had decided she was your dog❤ You won the best prize that day, you won Gobi❤❤
Gobi was sent to you for a reason, and you were meant to find her. Beautiful story. Cheers Rosemary Western Australia 73yrs
I think he loves that dog.
I read the book. Rescuing Gobi was an incredible story. The book was well worth reading. So glad she was rescued, I hope the story inspires others to rescue these grateful and loving animals. ❤️😻🐶💖
Interestingly, people that hard trauma in their lives...wind up loving dogs more than people and wind up helping other animals. Thank you for having such a big heart and loving and saving Gobi! Happy life!❤️🙏😇
@bunjijumper5345
3 күн бұрын
That's why I am a vegetarian. I can not fathom the thought of any animal suffering.
It should be noted, that the "friend" who was looking after Gobi and lost her, did not actually give a full explanation on exactly what happened. Effectively, the "friend" avoided anything to do with it after Gobi was "run off". In other words, the circumstances why Gobi was missing, was also suspicious.
The real gold medal was the friends we made along the way
Who would ever think that you would find a dog in the most unexpected place? I think the universe made a way for the two of you to meet.
When you save a life, you win at life,
What a beautiful story of love and compassion. Just what the world needs to hear.
Gobi changed his life and probably saved it, too!!!
@WNT2BLV
13 күн бұрын
The “friend” most likely abandoned the dog.
Choking back tears when you went back thru the water to get her.
I just find it amazing that little Gobi ran the entire race with him. Just a phenomenal little soul. I'm so pleased for Gobi that she got her happy ending. I wish that for them all. What a darling little dog. Very moving when he was speaking about going back for Gobi across the water. Just remarkable. Her little tail wagging is everything. ❤🇦🇺
I’m surprised she could run 100 miles and not have bloody paws. I’m dog crazy, and Gobi is just the kind of dog I’d pick. Beautiful story. Welcome to the good life! 🎉🎉🎉💜😽🐾
@qdllc
24 күн бұрын
Running on pavement = bloody paws. Running on trails…not so much. Also, if the dog spent enough time running about on rough surfaces, the pads would toughen just as your feet would develop callouses.
It was meant for you to meet this precious girl! I am so happy for both of you!!
That dog knew you were her soul mate
Given what China still calls 'a festival 😭" , this is extra special. Bless them both! At last, her love had come along just in time.
Omg, I read his book right when it came out! The story was so heartwarming, I am so happy that you never gave up on trying to bring Gobi home. Especially how hard it was for you to bring Gobi back internationally.
@freyamccauley
25 күн бұрын
Stop blaspheming.
Nobody will remember anything else about that race but these two story
@Natasha-oz6ik
22 күн бұрын
Sooo true
The dog chose him and him specifically.
The dog is a tenth your size. She is a major hero!
This story brought tears to my eyes.
Something similar has happened to me in Mexico. I was adopted by a pit with paralized legs (abandoned in an irrigation channel) and another one with muscle atrophy who welcomed me when no one knew me. The latter is fully recovered but still dealing with scabies.
@DogGran
Ай бұрын
Have you heard of a lemon rinse? (Cert. Dog behaviourist here)
@clairevariandeacon6906
27 күн бұрын
God bless you, not everyone will take dogs with medical needs!!!
@elizabethwezelman8547
11 күн бұрын
Thank you for rescuing two beautiful dogs that many others would have ignored. I pray you will be richly blessed for your selfless care and love.
Wow, this little dog picked the right man! I admire this man so much for taking responsibility for caring for this precious little dog!
Incredible story! Gobi is your defining moment. She chose you that fateful day. Karma works in mysterious ways and rewards you in ways you will never expect.
Dion Leonard and Gobi's miraculous friendship will always amaze me. They were meant to be together. I cant get enough of this story. Got the book and watched most interviews Fabulous story - so uplifting and encouraging Gobi NEVER gave up on herself Dion NEVER gave up on Gobi
You're already a winner in life because you put love first! ❤️🏆
Love this story . . greetings from Spain with 3 rescue doggies.
@melissagrant4178
Ай бұрын
You should get his book finding Gobi
@JudyChartrand-uv6oi
28 күн бұрын
Me with 4 rehomes and a rescue cat. Wish I could have 4 more.
@psychokitty7268
2 күн бұрын
Greetings from Florida
Thank you Jesus, for finding this precious baby and joining this wonderful family together!
@Natasha-oz6ik
22 күн бұрын
Amen
Not much a friend who was supposed to watch the dog until she was cleared for travel.
Wow! This man is a hero!!! What a heart he has! What compassion! This is absolutely beautiful! May Gobi live a long and hsppy life wuth you for msny years to come!
The dog was sent to you to find unconditional love.
@crm208
Сағат бұрын
So thankful Gobi was not eaten. I believe I heard the Chinese people eat dogs and cats. So sad I hope it is not so.😢😮😮😮
This happend years ago.I remember reading a book about it
@NotoriousJeffy
Ай бұрын
There is a movie with mark walhberg called arthur came out a couple years ago about this story
@melissagrant4178
Ай бұрын
The book is called finding Gobi it one of my favorite, didn't know where was a movie
@mbooks5777
Ай бұрын
@NotoriousJeffy I believe the Mark Walberg movie is based on a similar story but not this one. It was a dog who found Mikael Lindnord during an adventure race in Ecuador. Sadly that dog got spine cancer and has passed 😔 Gobi has been made into a cartoon movie "Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart" ❤
You proof people that saving a life no matter what life is better than winning a race
There's more to work here than you just accidently meeting this dog in the middle of the China desert, it's divine intervention, and you may never know the true reason. Soulmates brought to together. Gives me goosebumps.
For such a small dog, Gobi is adorable. I’m glad he was able find Gobi after all that happened.
This one of the best stories Inside Edition has ever covered ❤
Seems like a caring understanding wife - seems to accept him as him. And doesnt mind months in China for a dog she's never met.
If I could smash the like button many more times, I would. Thank you for making that decision to become a positive, loyal friend for her. She's adorable too.
What an amazing story! It’s so incredible that such a little dog could do a full week of running but I’m so happy that they found each other and now Gobi had found a forever home!
The universe gave you to each other for a purpose!💕💕💕
he's like the dad who never wanted the dog but put his life on hold for 6 months to bring her home. also its time for me to go hug my dog now lol
A mans best friend till the end....😢😢😢
Thats the moment you defined yourself as a human!❤❤❤
I followed these two a year or so ago & it is the most delightful story. Nice to see that Gobi is still around.
She picked the right person... imagine if Dion was a horrible individual and attacked Gobi... oh, just the thought of it is breaking my durn heart!! What a great story! She's a warrior... and a survivor.
Love the story. Glad you found a loyal best friend "Gobi" . Thank you for all you did for the dog. You will do good on your races.
@JudyChartrand-uv6oi
28 күн бұрын
Love conquers all. He gave more than was expected. His whole heart. Lucky little girl dog. And lucky him too.
Chihuahua: the ultimate ultramarathon pacer! 🏜🐕
"Treat your men like your beloved sons and they will follow you into the deepest valley"-sun tzu the art of war
Hoping Gobi is still going strong. Gobi has lovely protectors. How marvelous Gobi joined Leonard and his lovely wife.🙏
I’m curious who abandoned her in the desert in the first place. Sadly, abusive owners dump their unwanted pets in remote places. I hope he/she feels shame now.
@hebneh
Ай бұрын
She probably wasn’t abandoned; she probably was born a stray dog in the first place.
@Barbara-te7xz
22 күн бұрын
Or maybe someone helped her get out of a meat farm, but couldn't keep her. Money is tight for most people in China.
@Thepc425
7 күн бұрын
no one “went into the desert” to abandon a dog. 😑Gobi is a DESERT. People live there.
@Barbara-te7xz
7 күн бұрын
@@Thepc425 so he "ran" off with someone's dog? There's a problem with people rescuing livestock guardians in the western USA
It's beautiful that he had the resources to be able to stay in China that long!
I knew of this story but not in this detail. What a wonderful story. Also read one about a dog who followed a team of ultra racers who had to make a similar decision to pick up a trailing dog or win their race. They went back for the dog and ultimately took her home. Love the hearts of these kind souls. Tail wags!!!!!
Love is when you'd rather going through rough time with him or her, than enjoying happiness without that individual.
This would be such a better world to live in if more people were like this. In fact, if people loved like dogs love it would nearly be Heaven! This is such a wonderful story, and Gobi didn't just find love and a home. She gave the kind of gift that only the trust and love of a dog is able to give. It's the highest honour that exists on Earth to be chosen by a dog.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Wow, that's a lot of effort put in for a dog. I don't know people who would do that for other people.
@gamtngirl3655
29 күн бұрын
Yikes. That is kind of sad to hear you say that. I’m so sorry.
Indeed you’re a winner!🏆
I hope to see the movie GOBI in the near future. What an incredible story.
Dedication to find Gobi, she is destined to be your pet and friend forever!
No sir…you absolutely won ….the grand prize.
Such a beautiful and sweet story!
What a wonderful man. I sure hope he has a family because he would be such a great family man.
@melissagrant4178
Ай бұрын
He have a girlfriend
WOW ! what a woderfull Story. You really deserve her, little Dog Gobi. Mr. Leonard from Scottland, even if you lost her in China - you diden t give up and you was searching, until you found her. What a Story !! And a very happy ending in Scotland with your wife and Cat, Gobi found her forever BEST Home with you. Good Luck to you all. From Switzerland.
I put this on to do chores but I had to stop and have a good happy cry!
That's one of the most beautiful and most remarkable stories I've ever heard. Bravo to both of them!
Men and dogs have always had a special bond
Such a heartwarming story! Clearly Gobi saw the good man in him! So much better than a medal!
Some friend, dang!! I'd rather have an enemy than a "friend" like that. I'm so glad they found each other again. It was Divine intervention!
I've watched this several times since it first came out and I tear up every time. Love that little dog .
Lovely story. You did the right thing and I’m convinced that dog was meant for you. Thank you for rescuing Gobi. U R a good man.❤
She's beautiful!
👍🤩💝🏆🎉OMG this story has highly impacted me. 💰💰He obviously had the financial means to be able to do all that he did for Gobi. They both won in that relationship! 🏆
You must be a very good man.
I’m impressed Gobi is a really good runner 🏃♀️
Just loved this story.... You definitely won the "compassion race" and a best friend, blessings to both from central Portugal
The dog is so cute❤❤
My kind of person! I love this man!! She's adorable. What a love story. Things happen for a reason.
Sometimes the Almighty sends us angels in fur with a sweet face and pure heart. Gobi is so precious-may she live a very long and loving life. God bless her & Leonard. x
We find what we need at the time we need it most. Sometimes it’s not what we want. Sometimes we miss it out of fear,arrogance,or many other reasons but love and opportunity does come for us all. The is beautiful and the story made this man cry like a baby tonight. Thank you!