A dog found in a sealed box on the side of the road at the height of summer has gone on to have an incredible life, thanks to his foster carer and eventual adopter.
Elko the Jack Russell terrier mix has been to more than 20 countries, after his foster carer, William Atek, 28, knew he couldn’t give up the pup, and decided to adopt him.
Atek’s partner, Heather Borngesser, 30, told Newsweek Elko was found abandoned in a sealed box on July 4, 2022, and ended up in Atek’s care as a foster.
“William fell in love with him and decided to adopt him,” Borngesser explained—and when Atek moved from California to Michigan, he realized “Elko did really well on the plane.”
“William started to plan a trip to Thailand and couldn’t imagine leaving Elko or doing the trip alone, so he planned it out and took Elko to Thailand in March 2023. I eventually met him and Elko in Thailand and we began traveling for the next year,” she said.
The couple have since set up a TikTok account documenting Elko’s travels, @awayonearth, showcasing the pup’s trip around the world: together, they’ve been to France, Turkey, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Italy, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Mexico and much more.
Elko has been around the world since being adopted by seasoned traveler William Atek.
TikTok @awayonearth
“Traveling with Elko makes it so much more fun and meaningful, leaving him behind just isn’t an option,” Borngesser said, but admitted it “has its challenges.”
“We often visit vets or government agencies in other countries, pay pet fees and do a lot of research on laws and policies of countries and airlines,” she said.
“We also have to find alternative routes to places. If Elko isn’t allowed in [the] cabin with us on the plane, for example, we take overnight ferries that allow dogs to make sure he’s always safe and with us.”
The couple have traveled with Elko extensively within the European Union, which allows pets to travel with humans from non-EU countries as long as the animal has been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and undergone a rabies antibody titration test, had treatment against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm, and has a valid EU animal health certificate, according to official EU website Your Europe.
One video shared to Borngesser and Atek’s TikTok account on April 15 shows Elko preparing for yet another trip, as his owner carries him through airport security.
The pup seems relaxed and happy in Atek’s arms, taking it all in his stride as his owner undergoes checks, as words over the video described the scene: “POV: You see a well-behaved dog going through airport security, with 20 countries under his toe beans.”
Together, Atek, Borngesser and Elko have been to Thailand, Europe, Mexico and more.
TikTok @awayonearth
Watched more than 78,000 times, TikTok users flocked to the comments, one writing they were “happy your dog is having a great life.”
“Thank you for giving him a wonderful life,” another said, as another agreed: “Love that you take him to travel with you.”
One called Elko “so cute,” as another declared: “I love a well-traveled culture woofie.”
Borngesser told Newsweek Elko “does pretty good on all modes of travel.”
“He has his travel bag that he loves, it’s always his safe space and as long as we are calm he is calm,” she said.
“Traveling the world with your dog is the best feeling—he loves the new smells and sites and hikes. We just all love being together and it’s been an amazing experience. We are excited to keep moving and seeing more of the world with Elko.”
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