Watch: Syrian Teenager Walks Hundreds Of Miles To Safety With Just His Puppy For Company
Aslan’s story shows how animals can give much-needed comfort in the worst of times
A Syrian boy who has walked over 500km from his home country with only a puppy for company has touched the hearts of thousands of European pro-refugee campaigners. 17 year-old Aslan and his adorable husky pup, named Rose, were forced to flee the Syrian capital of Damascus. Aslan left his war-torn country with only a small backpack containing essential items (such as Rose’s pet passport). The pair arrived safely on the Greek island of Lesvos last week, where this sweet video from the United Nations was filmed. The following exchange makes perfect sense to all animal lovers:
“Yes.”
“And you bring your dog?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I love my dog!”
Aslan’s bravery and his ability to smile in the face of enormous adversity have made this touching footage go viral. He was told he wasn’t allowed to take Rose, but refused to abandon her and has managed to provide food and water for her the whole journey. A An update by the UN found that the teenage boy has now made his way to northern Europe to be reunited with his family in Germany, approximately 3,700 kilometres from where he started. We wish Aslan and Rose all the best in their new life!
2015 by Sophie McAdam