Her name is Savannah. She lives in New Jersey. Seven years, nearly 40 countries, and 28,583 miles ago, she set off with her owner, Tom Turcich, on a walk across the globe. This past Saturday the two of them walked into New Jersey, finishing the adventure. Turcich became the 10th man to walk around the world. But Savannah is the first dog to do it.
Savannah has had quite the life. Turcich rescued her from a shelter in Texas as a puppy. She’s grown up on the road, never knowing what it means to get to know a place. The most well-traveled dog in history is finally going to stop walking, turn around three or five times, then take a seat in her home.
Turcich embarked when he was 26. Two of his childhood friends unexpectedly died when he was a teenager, shocking Turcich into a realization that life is unpredictable, occasionally short, and doesn’t wait for you. He felt like moving, exploring, experiencing. So he saved up money throughout his early 20s, and just before his birthday, packed up gear and started walking southeast.
“It was hard in the beginning,” said his mom Catherine of watching her son grieve, then begin a monumental journey with no end in sight. “He was so young … and I thought: what’s he getting himself into? But once he got through South America I realised he knew what he was doing, and that’s when I bought into it and embraced it.”
Turcich began the trip by himself, but after sleepless nights and some loneliness on the road, he decided to find a dog as a partner. He pulled into a shelter in Austin and there was Savannah. Just a few months old, abandoned on the side of a Texas highway. Turcich found his buddy.
It was supposed to be a continuous five-year journey. But COVID restrictions, illnesses, and bureaucratic setbacks meant Tircuch and Savannah had to be creative and piece together a route that circumnavigated the world (you can see his route at theworldwalk.com, though you’ll have to join as a Patreon supporter).
Savannah nearly died of an illness in South America. She was held up at knifepoint with Turcich. The pair endured blistering heat in jungles. But still, little Savanah kept padding right alongside Turcich.
“There were these days in Peru when we’d be walking in the desert and I was really, really dragging, as the days were so monotonous … and I remember looking down at Savannah wondering how she feels,” Turcich told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“But she does the 24 miles, eight hours a day, without complaint – and her tail is always held high. She’s a true professional.”
Top photo, and plenty more at: @theworldwalk
This is such an awesome story you and Savannah did a remarkable thing you’re lucky to have each other congratulations on a job well done!!!
What an adventure!
Congratulations on your historic trip together.
Great story. I am glad you and Savannah have each other as family. Here’s to many more years together!
I’m glad you found an amazing dog to keep you company. It would have been very hard to complete that trip without her. What an adventure.
I believe you made a difference for both of your life’s. Beautiful journey
This is such a story. Please write a book about your adventures with Savannah!!!!
Awesome
Just an incredible story, showing pure determination and a awe-inspiring quest with a incredible companion!
So amazing what you and your dog have accomplish. You should write a book on your trip around the world with your friend Savannah.
Thank you for sharing please write a book about your life generations in the future need to read about you and your furry pal I want to read all about you thank you again for sharing
Fantastic once in a lifetime journey. Please write a book about it – after you’ve rested. I’m glad your dog kept you company along the way.
My grandsons think your efforts are amazing, they think their dad who walked across the US should give it a try!
There are no words to convey how inspired I feel for what you and your sweet sidekick took on! It’s astronomical and I hope you and Savannah have peace and contentment and the willingness to tell about your journey! Thank you for your bravery! My smallness in this world just became smaller!
Such a lovely story! Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and be well……………………………………. from the Ozarks
I thank God that you and Savannah made back home safely, now she can get to know her real home
Such a beautiful story and so glad you both made it back safe and sound you are so lucky to have each other. Have loads of rest and make sure you write a book.
There’s stories and then there’s things like this. Exceptional. New Jersey needs a bronze statue of these two. Helluva story.
Very inspiring story, these days we don’t find time to go to the park with the kids, and here the man and his dog really inspire good deeds. Thank you and good luck from Lithuania
Thank you for your beautiful story traveling with Savannah around the world. Would love to hear the on going story of life with Savannah in one place and how your life has changed. Stay inspired and alive. ❤️
He did what felt he needed to do after losing two friends. He did not start drinking or taking drugs. He used the loss to discover the world and himself.
Such an Awe inspiring story of pure grit and sheer determination and the magical relationship between two close friends.
You my friend have also made a difference to many when they read about you and Savannah!
What a book it could be. I’m sure you kept a journal. Amazing story and welcome home
What a ‘tail’!!!!!