Stray dog ​​travels through dozens of countries

This stray dog ​​could be considered one of the most traveled dogs on the planet.

Butch is one of seven puppies covered in fleas, abandoned by their owners and rescued by Heike Pirngruber - Photo: HEIKE PIRNGRUBER

According to Good News Network , this Australian Cattle Dog named Butch was rescued by a woman, adopted and then traveled with her through dozens of countries. Butch's rescuer once admitted that she "never liked dogs".

"Fate" with a stray dog

Heike Pirngruber used to work for ZDF, Germany's largest television station, before deciding to embark on a nomadic life 12 years ago. Since then, she has visited more than 104 countries on every inhabited continent.

In March 2020, she traveled across the Americas by donkey, then rested in a small beach hut in Baja, California the following year.

During her trips, she was chased by dogs many times. Her dislike for dogs gradually turned into hatred.

One night while she was roasting chicken, a stray dog ​​named Max - gentle and docile - came to the door of the tent.

Pirngruber's friend, Ronny, convinced her to let Max stay. The next day, Max returned with two more "friends."

During her time living in the hut, three stray dogs gradually eased her fear of dogs, leading to a "life-changing" experience not long after.

Butch was one of seven flea-ridden puppies abandoned by their owners. Pirngruber knew that traveling with a dog would come with problems and responsibilities, but when she saw Butch, she really wanted to bond with him.

"The first moment I held little Butch in my arms, I knew he was mine," Pirngruber said. "He was my best friend. I loved Butch very much," the Heidelberg woman said.

Heike Pirngruber and his dog Butch travel together through dozens of countries - Photo: HEIKE PIRNGRUBER

The two of them enjoyed beautiful romantic scenes together in many places - Photo: HEIKE PIRNGRUBER

Man and Dog Travel Around the World

With that friendship, the two spent three years together in the Americas - trekking across the US, riding motorbikes in Arizona and central Mexico, canoeing in New York and Vermont, and taking a tuk-tuk across Chile and Argentina.

Using a tuk-tuk, Butch and his owner traveled thousands of miles across South America, both on the highway and on the dirt.

“Then we flew to Madrid, Spain, and I went home to visit – only the third time in 12 years,” she recalls.

In November 2024, after four months in Germany, the two friends continued their journey east across Europe, starting on foot through Spain, then to Andorra, France, Italy, and then by boat to Greece.

Although there are no specific plans in place, the two are heading to Albania and the rest of the Balkan peninsula, before continuing on to Türkiye and eventually India or Mongolia.

“Every day I choose where I go. There are times when I want to get away from modern life and just be alone. But there are also times when I sit in a square, looking for ways to connect with others – in person or on the phone,” she said.

"I'm not a big planner, and that's what makes the trip fun. I only pack the essentials, ultralight, camera, first aid kit, and Butch's medicine for ticks."

"99% of the people I meet are nice. I've had a lot of great encounters, but there have been some bad experiences and difficult moments as a woman traveling alone. Overall, the world is still a safe place to explore ."

DAWN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chu-cho-hoang-du-lich-qua-hang-chuc-quoc-gia-20250528232928034.htm