I recently read the book, “Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home” after seeing the movie, “Arthur the King” based on the same true story. To me it’s one of the greatest dog rescue stories ever. Though I’m not sure who rescued who.
Arthur was a stray dog in Ecuador who came upon an endurance Adventure Racing team from Sweden competing in a five-day World Championship race. Over 50 teams of four had to run, bike, hike, trek through mud, and kayak a grueling 435 mile course through the jungles and mountains of South America with only short breaks to eat and rest before transitioning to the next leg.
They were on one of their breaks when the team’s leader, Mikael Lindnor, was eating a pack of meatballs and noticed a very calm scruffy dog looking at him. Mikael stared at this poised creature in rough shape with obvious wounds. As he wondered out loud about this dog with such a regal presence, he gave him one of his meatballs. With no time to delay, the team took off for their next leg.
Hours later, during the night, the team noticed the dog had followed them through their difficult and exhausting trek in thick mud. He seemed ever determined to be by Mikael’s side. The now team of five continued through the challenging mud.
At the kayak transition station, Mikael and the team shared their meager food portions with the dog. “You need a name,” Mikael said. He named him Arthur, after the king.
When the team approached their kayaks, they were told by one of the race monitors that Arthur was not allowed in the kayak. With no other options, the team split up into two kayaks and paddled off. Mikael silently wished Arthur would jump into the water and follow them. Moments later, he heard a splash.
Arthur tried to catch up but struggled to keep his head above water. Mikael knew he had a life altering decision to make. Stop and pull Arthur into the boat, sacrificing their dreams of making it into the top three, or continue on leaving Arthur to drown. Mikael never a pet, yet there seemed to be a special bond between them.
“Stop” he yelled to his partner. They pulled Arthur into the boat, with cheers from onlookers on shore. They struggled with their extra passenger but finished the 14+ hour kayaking segment. They came in 12th place in the race, with Arthur by their side.
After much difficulty, Mikael got permission to bring Arthur to Sweden where he was treated by a vet and became part of Mikael’s family. Mikael later started the Arthur Foundation which benefits stray dogs all over the world.
The sacrificial act that Mikael made that day reminds me of Luke 9:24: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Mikael willingly lost the chance of being a winner in the race. But, he gained so much more.
In an interview I saw on Youtube, Mikael said that rescuing Arthur was the best decision he ever made. Arthur had changed his life. For the better. Forever.
Mary Therese Hutchinson 