Edinburgh-based Dion Leonard, who met a stray dog on a 250km ultra-marathon across the Gobi desert in China, is determined to bring the dog to the UK. According to the Daily Mail, Leonard, 41, traveled to China to compete in the Gobi March, part of the 4 Deserts race in June this year, and he struck up an unlikely friendship with the dog during the race.

Edinburgh-based Dion Leonard, who met a stray dog on a 250km ultra-marathon across the Gobi desert in China, is determined to bring the dog to the UK.

The adorable pooch, who was named “Gobi” by the runners, is only about 18 months old. Joining all the competitors from the start on the cooler side of Tian Shan range, Gobi then decided to stick with Leonard, and they went over to the Black Gobi Desert despite the scorching heat. However, he had to leave Gobi at the finishing line and now hopes to bring her home to Edinburgh.

The adorable pooch, who was named “Gobi” by the runners, is only about 18 months old.

Leonard launched a crowdfunding campaign on July 27 to raise the £5,000 needed to cover the medical and quarantine costs in order to “bring Gobi home,” and the target was fully funded within 24 hours. An agency to help with the lengthy paperwork in China has also been found.

Now, Leonard has to wait six months or so before he can be reunited with his canine friend.

Joining all the competitors from the start on the cooler side of Tian Shan range, Gobi then decided to stick with Leonard, and they went over to the Black Gobi Desert despite the scorching heat.