Last Updated on July 21, 2024 by Dogs Vets
Wisconsin Man’s Heartwarming Journey: From Scattering Ashes on Everest to Adopting a Three-Legged Rescue
In a tale that spans continents and touches the heart, Kevin Leurquin’s journey of love and compassion has taken an unexpected turn, leading him from the heights of Mount Everest to the streets of Kathmandu and back home to Wisconsin.
A Final Adventure for a Beloved Companion
Leurquin, 45, embarked on a mission trip to Nepal in 2023 with the charity Save One Life, an organization close to his heart due to his own struggle with hemophilia. But this trip held a deeper, more personal significance: he carried with him the ashes of his beloved dog, Driver, who had passed away unexpectedly after a short illness.
“Driver was a loyal companion that loved adventure and wanted to go everywhere with me,” Leurquin told our correspondent.
“Sprinkling her ashes at Base Camp was fitting because the trek represented so much. I felt her presence throughout the journey.”
An Unexpected Encounter
While in Nepal, Leurquin was struck by the number of stray dogs in Kathmandu – estimated at around 24,000 according to a 2022 report from The Kathmandu Post. On the final day of his trip, a visit to the KAT Centre Nepal rescue would change his life.
There, he met a three-legged dog named Aussie, whom he has since renamed Summit. “Summit had so much resemblance to Driver,” Leurquin said. “Full of energy and always up for an adventure.”
A 7,000-Mile Journey Home
Determined to give Summit a new life, Leurquin faced the challenges of international pet adoption head-on. With the help of volunteers, foster families, veterinarians, and charities, Summit finally arrived at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on December 7, 2023 – seven months after their first meeting.
New Adventures Await
Summit has now settled into her new life in Wisconsin, with Leurquin documenting her adventures on Instagram (@adventuresofsummit_thedog). From car rides to nature trails, Summit is embracing her new world with enthusiasm.
Inspired by this experience, Leurquin is working on a book titled “Finding Summit” to share their story and raise funds for animal rescue efforts.
A Lesson in Compassion
Reflecting on his journey, Leurquin shared a powerful message: “Love has no boundaries. The compassion and kindness for people along with the animals was incredible to experience.
I honestly think if we took a lesson from animals, especially dogs, the world would be a much better place. More compassion, more kindness, and more love.”
As Summit continues to thrive in her new home, her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the unexpected ways in which we can find healing and purpose.
Source: www.newsweek.com
