When Mirelle Radley booked a trip to Peru with her cousin, Adam, she was prepared for a week of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and relaxation. She expected adventure, but what she didn’t anticipate was meeting a lifelong friend with four paws and the sweetest eyes.
On her first afternoon, after settling into a rustic cabin, Radley decided to unwind in the backyard hammock with a book. The peaceful moment was interrupted when she felt a gentle nudge on her arm. Looking down, she saw a scruffy little dog staring up at her with curiosity.
This wasn’t unusual in Peru — street dogs were a common sight — but this pup felt different. Instead of wandering off after a sniff, he stayed close, as if he had chosen her. Radley later recalled, “He just looked like he wanted friends.”
A Night of Loyalty and a New Name
The pup didn’t leave Radley’s side that entire evening. She offered him snacks, stroked his fur, and enjoyed the quiet company of her unexpected guest. When she finally went inside for the night, she assumed he would wander off in search of food or shelter.
But the next morning, to her surprise, he was still there — curled up patiently outside her cabin door. His loyalty touched her deeply. That was the moment her cousin suggested, “You could call him Paddington.” With a name came attachment, and with attachment came a decision Radley couldn’t ignore.
This wasn’t just another street dog. This was her dog.
A Bond That Couldn’t Be Broken
From that day on, Paddington never let Radley out of his sight. Whether she was walking into town or exploring the nearby countryside, he followed faithfully at her heel. Remarkably, though he had no training, he stayed close like the most disciplined pet.
“He literally stuck to me like glue the entire time I was there,” Radley said. His behavior amazed her — he wasn’t just surviving; he was showing her that he already knew how to love.
On one outing, Radley booked a horseback tour and worried that Paddington might try to follow her into the mountains. To keep him safe, she left a tasty snack at the cabin. It worked — until the tour passed by her cabin later that day. Spotting her instantly, Paddington bounded into town to catch up. It was clear that no distraction could keep him from his chosen person.
Making Plans for a New Life
Radley knew she couldn’t walk away from Paddington when her vacation ended. But taking a street dog from Peru to the UK wasn’t simple. He needed a rabies vaccine, a waiting period for quarantine, and official paperwork. Luckily, Radley was determined.
She contacted Colitas Con Canas, a local rescue, who connected her with Naths Wasicha, a trusted caregiver. With a heavy heart, Radley delivered Paddington to his temporary boarding home before flying back to the UK.
Leaving him was painful. “I was super sad when I was leaving, which wasn’t helped by the fact that, as I was leaving, he was trying to paw at the gate to follow me,” Radley recalled. Still, she took comfort in knowing he was safe, cared for, and one step closer to joining her in England.
Looking Ahead to a Joyful Reunion
Weeks later, Paddington had already settled into his boarding home, making friends and enjoying regular play sessions. His caregiver, Naths, sent Radley videos and updates, showing the once-homeless dog living happily while he waited for his forever family.
In just a few months, after his quarantine ends, Paddington will travel to the UK to officially begin his new life. Radley is counting the days until she can take him on his first trip to the pet shop, spoil him with toys, and introduce him to “pup cups” and countryside walks.
For Radley, adopting Paddington wasn’t part of her travel itinerary, but it became the most meaningful adventure of all. For Paddington, a lonely street dog who just wanted a friend, patience and loyalty finally paid off. Together, they’re about to start a new chapter filled with trust, companionship, and endless love.
