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.

[@rodimcgeesums633]

You’ve won better than gold medal, you won a best friend.

[@gloriaa.garcia3985]

What a touching story.

[@jean4667]

And a bigger heart!

[@Amy1924-xr9vq]

Definitely and God bless both of them 😇💓

[@bequinhas2007]

Great ❤

[@aleisaetheridge8682]

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

[@salsanacho]

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]

So true LOL

[@Bonnie-tg1jk]

But she's a terrier...they don't give up!

[@kayeruss7313]

She must've been exhausted! Those little short legs having to keep up with this long-legged guy!

[@michellestr8998]

indeed.

[@michellestr8998]

@@kayeruss7313 But dogs have 4 legs.

[@Josephine-sm2db]

Thank you for going back to China to get Gobi. She was more important than winning a race.

[@cocoshi2306]

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 ❤

[@egyphon]

That dog picked the right person as her human. She's stinking cute too.

[@timRosco1760]

❤😊

[@teeniequeenie8369]

No kidding he crossed the continent for her❤

[@aleisaetheridge8682]

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]

Nothing better than connecting with dog that changes your life...ALWAYS for the better❣❣❣

[@sonneversets3530]

@@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.👍🐾♥

[@dogmama2many]

Dogs know good people! Thank you for saving her! 🐾

[@jewelseng9900]

True

[@Masticas.]

Its crazy dog didn’t end up on someones plate in china

[@BellaKarim23]

@@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]

Thank you gor rescuing this sweet little furbaby! ❤

[@carolineridlington5010]

​@BellaKarim23 ...but it IS still going on...now today...and l no doubt tomorrow.....

[@shubieify]

He still ended up winning!

[@Megan_Fiorilla]

Fr!? No way! This needs to be a movie!

[@touchofgrey5372]

Awesome!

[@rosestorms5396]

@@Megan_Fiorillathat would be one boring movie

[@ozgal6929]

​@@rosestorms5396that's your opinion and it's not a popular óne

[@dealyah]

This sounds like the mark Wahlberg movie "Arthur the King"

[@MsRotorwings]

“I don’t particularly like running.” Says the Ultramarathoner.

[@BlmnotinAfri.-_-]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RMA8159]

I’m just good at it

[@momotaroreincarnatednthtim6303]

Maybe he doesnt like it but the experience of seeing places while doing that.

[@yukikohattori8044]

😅

[@levigrey2309]

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.

[@MG-pj2oo]

'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]

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]

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]

And no one mentions this, but seems like a caring understanding wife.

[@jeaninejones4382]

I read the book several years back. It’s a great story. Even better because it’s true.

[@TheGypsyVanners]

@@counterculture10 it is. And I appreciate the word Happenstance

[@tata201233]

I believe Gobi didn’t get lost. SHe ran away to find her soulmate. So grateful these two reunited.

[@JudyChartrand-uv6oi]

I keep thinking how she must have felt, wondering where he was. Then going out to look for him. What a dog!!

[@cloudie9druoid172]

💯👍🏻

[@nicatlaca]

Tear breaking really. I love that fur ball. 🥰💕

[@MshAhmxiO1]

No it was the wrong person who wasn't careful enough to keep Gobi safe during that time apart.

[@Mister_Skar]

Never thought a comment would bring a tear to my eye but this just did.

[@danamillsap8902]

Who else smiled through whole video?? ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dianet2702]

NEVER leave a loved one behind. Better loosing an air ticket than who you love.

[@Five0Five]

What a crappy friend to say, "Yo... Your dog ranaway sorry I can't help you anymore!"

[@kallieo.9226]

Exactly what I was thinking! That person won't his friend 😒.

[@hebneh]

NOT a friend.

[@JoshuaMartian-go3tm]

Yeah, I thought maybe that "friend" sold the dog cuz she was so popular. Turns out he was just an irresponsible, selfish person.

[@samjohns3227]

That is not a friend.....

[@JudyChartrand-uv6oi]

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.

[@jdmarr2259]

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]

Correct. So great ❤

[@lovingatlanta]

@jdmarr - 👍🤩💝Yes he does realize that. He said so @ 5:55 - 6:12

[@dennyawright21]

Gobi looks at her happiest running with her human!

[@MamaPinks]

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]

Good for her! I'm glad that she found her self an have a better life!

[@judycee4]

Congratulations!

[@FullFrontalFromage]

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]

@@FullFrontalFromage Thank you, I am one proud Mama over here! 🥰

[@karenneill9109]

“I don’t particularly like running.” must mean something different to me than to this man.

[@cynthiaholland13]

He might do it for health

[@NoriMori1992]

Didn't you watch the rest of the video after that?

[@NoriMori1992]

@@cynthiaholland13 "Might"? Did you not watch the rest of the video?

[@JacGBoots1]

lol🎉

[@JudyChartrand-uv6oi]

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.

[@doodles3075]

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❤❤

[@lmlowe9100]

Thank you for choosing the dog. Way better than winning any race.

[@Five0Five]

I think he loves that dog.

[@cjcap9918]

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. ❤️😻🐶💖

[@dannschmit8604]

Destiny? Fate? It was meant to be. These two were divinely brought together for each other's sake!

[@cloudie9druoid172]

So true especially since she came out of nowhere. What a story

[@juliesong4123]

💯

[@madmadmona]

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.

[@pammicakes41]

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]

That's why I am a vegetarian. I can not fathom the thought of any animal suffering.

[@heathercurry898]

I had a little cry when you found her after she was lost.

[@alanguages]

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.

[@cindyleastorch194]

Choking back tears when you went back thru the water to get her.

[@txmoney]

When you save a life, you win at life,

[@roses9339]

Gobi was sent to you for a reason, and you were meant to find her. Beautiful story. Cheers Rosemary Western Australia 73yrs

[@diniasantos9117]

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.

[@janetbradbury5021]

The dog was sent to you to find unconditional love.

[@crm208]

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.😢😮😮😮

[@rogerbrimner6836]

Thank you and the volunteers in China!

[@linda-louiseanthony9802]

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. ❤🇦🇺

[@gena6645]

It was meant for you to meet this precious girl! I am so happy for both of you!!

[@normacherylwashington4872]

Gobi changed his life and probably saved it, too!!!

[@lesleycarney8868]

Love this story . . greetings from Spain with 3 rescue doggies.

[@melissagrant4178]

You should get his book finding Gobi

[@JudyChartrand-uv6oi]

Me with 4 rehomes and a rescue cat. Wish I could have 4 more.

[@psychokitty7268]

Greetings from Florida

[@margotdanziger4678]

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]

Stop blaspheming.

[@countrygirl432]

That dog knew you were her soul mate

[@susansweet5140]

This story brought tears to my eyes.

[@Jean-hn2op]

Wow, this little dog picked the right man! I admire this man so much for taking responsibility for caring for this precious little dog!

[@rainbowfox1934]

The dog is a tenth your size. She is a major hero!

[@robpeters5204]

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.

[@ElsjeMassyn]

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

[@soniaperez2417]

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!

[@elizabethvargas9602]

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]

Have you heard of a lemon rinse? (Cert. Dog behaviourist here)

[@clairevariandeacon6906]

God bless you, not everyone will take dogs with medical needs!!!

[@elizabethwezelman8547]

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.

[@juliej5917]

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]

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.

[@serenitynow85]

The real gold medal was the friends we made along the way

[@yolandahebert2350]

You're already a winner in life because you put love first! ❤️🏆

[@enigmadrath1780]

"Yeah so your dog's run off and I can't look for her. Bye." And that, kids, is how my friend became my mortal enemy.

[@kathyi6236]

Thank you Jesus, for finding this precious baby and joining this wonderful family together!

[@Natasha-oz6ik]

Amen

[@cadebecker2486]

The dog chose him and him specifically.

[@amarapoetry7011]

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

[@DanielHernandez-cm3om]

You proof people that saving a life no matter what life is better than winning a race

[@kimt1054]

That's one of the most beautiful and most remarkable stories I've ever heard. Bravo to both of them!

[@hanbury22]

For such a small dog, Gobi is adorable. I’m glad he was able find Gobi after all that happened.

[@rizlaruler7404]

Nobody will remember anything else about that race but these two story

[@Natasha-oz6ik]

Sooo true

[@victrola2007]

Given what China still calls 'a festival 😭" , this is extra special. Bless them both! At last, her love had come along just in time.

[@loriburton7374]

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.

[@beccimathews2677]

What a beautiful story of love and compassion. Just what the world needs to hear.

[@shan6736]

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.

[@sandramorey2529]

I followed these two a year or so ago & it is the most delightful story. Nice to see that Gobi is still around.

[@BG1965sylva]

The universe gave you to each other for a purpose!💕💕💕

[@MARGARETPOTTENGER-qh1or]

What a beautiful life changing gift! They don’t call them man’s best friend for nothing. You rescued her more than once. What an amazing relationship you’ve been blessed with. 😂❤

[@hanbury22]

This one of the best stories Inside Edition has ever covered ❤

[@tracycooper1804]

Thats the moment you defined yourself as a human!❤❤❤

[@bekind5738]

I hope to see the movie GOBI in the near future. What an incredible story.

[@patriciakunz1198]

Hoping Gobi is still going strong. Gobi has lovely protectors. How marvelous Gobi joined Leonard and his lovely wife.🙏

[@lizgalindo5657]

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]

Love conquers all. He gave more than was expected. His whole heart. Lucky little girl dog. And lucky him too.

[@gabrielavandertouw8682]

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.

[@yvonnemurray5537]

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!

[@TheGypsyVanners]

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.

[@jenniferj4675]

Not much a friend who was supposed to watch the dog until she was cleared for travel.

[@1105pitbull]

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!!!!!

[@jeanro243]

Indeed you’re a winner!🏆

[@markdamico4608]

I've watched this several times since it first came out and I tear up every time. Love that little dog .

[@xEPICxNESS]

I put this on to do chores but I had to stop and have a good happy cry!

[@catlife738]

This happend years ago.I remember reading a book about it

[@NotoriousJeffy]

There is a movie with mark walhberg called arthur came out a couple years ago about this story

[@melissagrant4178]

The book is called finding Gobi it one of my favorite, didn't know where was a movie

[@mbooks5777]

​@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" ❤

[@bonnaboo9139]

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!

[@sue8237]

My kind of person! I love this man!! She's adorable. What a love story. Things happen for a reason.

[@Bodie2020]

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!

[@sharonsolana]

Such a beautiful and sweet story!

[@zeeleo6115]

Such a heartwarming story! Clearly Gobi saw the good man in him! So much better than a medal!

[@sheilastahl633]

What a wonderful man. I sure hope he has a family because he would be such a great family man.

[@melissagrant4178]

He have a girlfriend

[@berthageorge2627]

Gobi found her owner , she disappeared , you then found her...[a ment to be friendship]...your encouragement on the journey " Gobi".❤😇

[@faithhall8175]

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.❤

[@italtexasgal]

🥹❤❤🐕 Gobi is a beautiful little darling. I'm thrilled that you were able to reunite with her and finally bring her home with you.❤

[@terriimel2682]

She's beautiful!

[@user-fz9ot3jm2z]

Just loved this story.... You definitely won the "compassion race" and a best friend, blessings to both from central Portugal

[@voodoo_child5897]

Men and dogs have always had a special bond

[@violetg7315]

Dedication to find Gobi, she is destined to be your pet and friend forever!

[@BrandonCiCi]

That’s one of the most beautiful stories ❤ just the way she lays her head on his chest she looks like the most comfortable and happiest dog in the world 🥰

[@user-lv6nz1zd3n]

A mans best friend till the end....😢😢😢

[@jokodihaynes419]

"Treat your men like your beloved sons and they will follow you into the deepest valley"-sun tzu the art of war

[@TheBurmeseDude]

Wow, what a determination, dedication, what a story.

[@bethjarzombek4742]

It's beautiful that he had the resources to be able to stay in China that long!

[@susanmcconnell6041]

She helped you gain life, so youre a true winner, regardless. She CHOSE you for what you needed her for. Live long Gobi!!! 🥰🥰🥰 I have 4 rescue dogs, and 2 cats, who picked me.

[@laura2372]

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

[@shipwreck8847]

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]

Yikes. That is kind of sad to hear you say that. I’m so sorry.

[@lolo-lg8wj]

The dog is so cute❤❤

[@lienmai1277]

Love is when you'd rather going through rough time with him or her, than enjoying happiness without that individual.