07/05/2026
Every dog can smell good people...
What started as a cycling trip around Taiwan became a life-changing experience for a Canadian couple—and one very determined stray dog.
On the eighth day of their journey, Miles and Teresa arrived in Hualien to visit Taroko Gorge National Park. While dropping off their gear, they noticed a small black stray dog. She seemed gentle, almost soulful, and after sharing a bit of breakfast with her, they moved on—unaware that she had already decided to follow them.
And she did. Everywhere. First to breakfast, then to a 7-Eleven, and eventually deep into the national park itself. For 15 kilometers, she ran beside their bikes through rain and steep mountain roads, refusing to leave their side. Even as they tried not to get attached, it became clear they couldn’t simply walk away anymore.
When she finally became exhausted, Miles carried her, tucked inside his jacket for warmth. From that point on, she stayed with them constantly—during meals, errands, and even camping. That night, she slept right outside their tent, unrestrained, quietly watching over them, still there when they woke up.
They named her Taroko and continued their trip together, adjusting as they went—using improvised crates, coordinating with train staff, and carrying her in a dog backpack when needed. By the end of their journey, she was no longer a stray, but part of their family.
With support from volunteers, veterinarians, fundraising efforts, and caregivers in Taiwan, Taroko received medical care and completed all the requirements to travel internationally. She eventually made her way to Canada.
Now in Toronto, Taroko is settling into her new life—safe, loved, and curious about everything around her. No longer surviving on the streets, she is finally living the life she ran so far to find. ❤️
