Abandoned dog left for dead now travels world with new owner

By George Jones

A stray dog has landed on its paws and has visited 20 countries with its new jet-setting owner - after being "abandoned" on a roadside by its old one.

William Atek, 28, adopted pooch Elko, now five, in September 2022 after the Jack Russell cross was ditched and "left in a sealed box" on a roadside in Los Angeles, California, by a previous owner.

Will explained that the dog was "terrified" and "shaking profusely" as fireworks sounded around, in celebration of July 4, and he "had no choice" but to pick Elko up right there and then.

After adopting Elko, William flew him 2,285 miles from LA to his home in Detroit, Michigan, and noticed the dog "wasn't anxious and liked flying."

He wanted to give the pup the best life possible and felt bad leaving his pet at home while going on holiday - so decided to take Elko on trips with him.

So far the pooch has clocked up 46,354 miles across 20 countries - including a four-month stint in Thailand and a seven-month excursion around Europe - including Turkey, Montenegro and France.

William and his girlfriend, Heather Borngesser, 30, a content creator, have forked out almost $4,000 on flights, vaccinations and pet-friendly accommodation so Elko can join them on their travels.

The pair believe the key to travelling with a pet is "planning ahead" to ensure they are as safe as possible.

William, who now runs an e-commerce business, from Detroit, Michigan, said: "We do everything together.

"After I left my former job, I was given more 'vacation freedom' - I couldn't imagine leaving Elko behind.

"He absolutely loves coming out and about with us for walks at home, and had flown with me after I adopted him, so we took the risk and he loves it!

"Elko gets so much attention abroad and he makes our trips a joy."

William and Heather met as work colleagues at a Hollister store in Detroit in 2014 and started dating in May 2023.

The couple had dreamed of traveling the world together, but when William adopted Elko, he "couldn't imagine" leaving him behind.

Three months after adopting the pooch, in December 2022, William started planning his first trips post-Covid.

In March 2023, William took Elko on his first international flight to Thailand - including a 15-hour layover in South Korea.

The pet owner ensured his dog was fully vaccinated and had all the correct documentation before traveling.

This included a rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis and parvovirus vaccination, costing $200, a health certificate, costing $300, a flight ticket, costing $200, and $400 for pet-friendly accommodation.

"Elko was up for everything," William said.

"We ended up renting a scooter and I had a baby carrier strapped to my chest so Elko could ride around. He loved it.

"We couldn't go too fast as there was a lot of traffic.

"But we went to beaches, so he could swim and run and we visited the Big Buddha, in Phuket, too."

Two months into the pair's trip, in May 2023, William's girlfriend, Heather, joined in on the fun and said it was one of her "favorite trips".

After the success of Thailand, Elko has traveled to 19 other countries - including the US - over three different continents since.

This includes Mexico in December 2023 to Tulum Beach and a seven-month excursion around Europe from April to November 2024 - starting from Lisbon, Portugal and finishing in Italy.

The dog has accompanied the couple on adventures to the Austrian Alps, dined in Italian restaurants next to Lake Como and has explored the Blue Eye in Albania.

"The key is to stay organized and to do your research," William said.

"We have to plan everything and make sure that when we arrive, we'll be allowed to have Elko with us.

"Even after booking everything, we always ring ahead to double check that we can have Elko on the plane or in the accommodation.

"When flying, we keep Elko in an aeroplane regulated carrier bag so he can be with us on the flight and not in the cargo."

The pair have forked out almost $4,000 in vet costs, flights, pet-friendly accommodation and government forms so Elko can travel with them - and have been forced to push back multiple trips because of bureaucracy.

"Traveling with a pet can be costly but it's worth it to have Elko with us," William said.

"And we've had a few issues because we've come unprepared."

During a trip to Bosnia in August 2024, the pair arrived at a booked accommodation that didn't allow dogs and "spent almost two hours in the middle of nowhere using a translating app" to get in.

"It was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the host explained how Elko was the problem," William added.

"We were told we weren't allowed in unless we paid extra, which eventually left us $150 out of pocket.

"But we'd do anything to keep him with us."

The pair are planning their next adventure with Elko and are hoping to go to Spain or Argentina "for the sun."

"Ultimately we are aiming for Elko to become the most travelled dog in the world," William said.

"And it would be great if we could break the world record."

Countries Elko has traveled to in order:

1. US
2. Thailand
3. Mexico
4. Portugal
5. Albania
6. Montenegro
7. Macedonia
8. Bosnia
9. France
10. Turkey
11. Hungary
12. Poland
13. Slovakia
14. Austria
15. Germany
16. Switzerland
17. Italy
18. Slovenia
19. Croatia
20. ⁠Canada