I Found Gobi

 On Saturday, October 24, 2026, I had the supreme honor of hearing the tale of Gobi, the stray dog that adopted Dion Leonard while he competed in the 2016 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China, from the author himself.

I'd listened to the audiobook years ago, but to hear the author in person was a must.

Image of the audiobook cover.

Mr. Leonard was there, and wife Lucja, at the St. Clair Shores Public Library.

Fangirl much?!?

And, shame on me, I was late to the event, so my seat was 'way in the back.

However, I clearly heard both husband and wife kibitz, to regale the crowd with the rather harrowing story of the race, and the following months of difficulty getting Gobi out of China, and home with them in England.

I basked in the loving story, then to my astonishment, I heard a whisper that Gobi herself was also in front, and unseen by me, with the folks blocking the view!

You can learn more about Gobi and family here: Finding Gobi

Yeah, I lost my mind for a brief moment, knowing I was breathing the same air as Gobi!

Managed some snaps of Gobi after waiting in queue, before I respectfully walked away while grinning like a loon.

After the event, I struck up a convo with a library staff member, and we chatted away, (you KNOW that I love books and libraries), when an old friend not seen in years appeared out of the blue, and the yakking continued for a long time.

Good times!

Am supremely thankful to have experienced these wonderful authors (extreme marathoners, both!), and their wee doggo, PLUS the connection with new and old friends.

The St. Clair Shores Public Library is not my local library, yet it's only a short distance from home, and I visit many nearby library events when my schedule allows.

Certainly encourage everyone to make use of the FREE resources and presentations at your library, and go off and find other libraries to investigate.

Some items are online too!

This experience is proof that one's life is enriched while at the library.

Let's Hop!

Oh, and a P.S.:

Am thankful that my mother is days now home from hospital, and the family is working hard to keep her safe and healthy.

Each sibling plays a role, and we shore up the others when needed.

❤️ ❤️ ❤️