Unlike the vast majority of folks out there in this cyber age, I love to read and I love to read many different genres. Though it may seem hypocritical of me to recommend this book to everyone because I haven’t yet been able to get my copy, I am familiar with the story and God knows we need more fairy tale endings, like this true life story has. At the very least if you haven’t already heard this story then look it up and read it’s summary, you’ll have to smile and be happy you did.
Dion Leonard is a marathon runner that narrates the story of Gobi, a precious little scruffy stray that found and shadowed him as he competed in a 155 mile race through China’s Gobi Desert in 2016. Gobi kept pace with Dion for nearly 80 miles, keeping up with him over the perilous Tian Shan Mountains, he doubled back repeatedly to help the little stray. While Dion did not win the race, his heart was won over by his determined, loyal new friend and he promised to get Gobi back to the UK and become a new member of his family. As we all know though, in life things are never quite that easy and after Gobi’s story went viral she disappeared from her caretaker’s home in China.
The story get’s frightening from there as Dion enlists the help of dog lovers to find the scrappy little stray. They are forced to deal with Chinese government operatives and not so nice dognappers looking for some fast cash,, among other shady characters. Dion recollects on his difficult childhood as a means of explaining his difficulties in forming close bonds and how significant his relationship with Gobi has become. Perhaps Dion could have omitted some of his own personal history but to better understand the relationship with the adorable little stray it may have been necessary, either way it’s a heartwarming tale that shows how a furry little pauper became a princess! A real good, feel good story that makes me wish that there were more happy endings for the endless number of our furry little four legged friends out there, homeless, hungry and never knowing what a loving home is.
thesmartcritic 