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Dog Walks 37 Miles Home After Owners Forget It At Service Station

Dog Walks 37 Miles Home After Owners Forget It At Service Station

The seven-year-old pooch, known as Dou Dou, was forgotten by its family when they stopped on the motorway for a break

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A loving dog walked 37 miles over the course of 26 days as it tried to find its owners - who had accidentally left it at a service station, Chinese media report.

The seven-year-old pooch, known as Dou Dou, was forgotten by its family when they stopped on the motorway for a break.

But the determined doggo was evidently not ready to part ways with its beloved owners, and embarked on a mammoth journey home.

According to Hangzhou-based newspaper Qianjiang Evening News, the saga began when a man named Mr Qiu and his family - from eastern Chinese city Hangzhou - drove to the countryside to visit relatives last month, bringing Dou Dou with them for the trip.

Qianjiang Evening News

They stopped at the Tong Lu Service Station, around 60km (37m) away from their house, with Mr Qiu telling reporters that he simply assumed Dou Dou had stayed in the car while the family looked after their young child.

It wasn't until they reached their destination several hours later that they realised their pet hadn't arrived with them - rushing back to the service station the next day to try and find him, but with no luck.

Speaking to Qianjiang Evening News, Mr Qiu said: "[We] hoped it would survive and find a good-hearted person who would adopt it."

Thankfully, however, Dou Dou decided to take fate into its own paws, with the family stunned when a 'dirty, gaunt stray dog' suddenly appeared on their doorstep.

Qianjiang Evening News

Mr Qiu explained how Dou Dou had grown so emaciated that the family barely recognised the animal at first.

He continued: "Apart from being skinner than before, [Dou Dou] was still the same self.

"Its eyes are radiating with lights."

He added: "Luckily it didn't have any injuries.

"Even though Dou Dou was tired and walking wobbly on the first day [after returning home], it has become a lot more energetic recently."

The impressive story has also impressed others, with animal experts commending Dou Dou's ability to find its way home, against all odds.

A dog trainer told the newspaper: "We are still trying to understand dogs' many behaviours.

"But [Dou Dou] can find home even from so far away. It has exceptional talents."

But while Dou Dou's journey was obviously incredible, experts have also claimed that the dog's behaviour was likely accidental - warning other pet owners to watch their animals while outdoors or travelling, as there's no guarantee they'll follow suit.

Featured Image Credit: Qianjiang Evening News

Topics: Dog, World News, News, Animals