There’s nothing like the bond between a human and their dog. When Adri Pendleton was just 15 years old, she and her Border Collie, Nelly, had an instant connection. They grew up side by side and were inseparable.
This remained true even when Adri moved to the Netherlands with her then-boyfriend. Together, they lived a wonderful life! But after some time, it became clear that Adri and her partner would be better off apart.
Although it was the right choice, it made things a bit more complicated. Because Adri is disabled, she cannot live alone. This meant she had to return to California to live with her family.
While her ex was more than happy to contribute to the return costs, it wasn’t enough to get Nelly to fly across the world with her.
Nelly was 15 years old at the time. She had been diagnosed with epilepsy three years earlier, and the vet had recently discovered that she had a slight heart murmur. For these reasons, it was not possible to place her in the cargo hold.
She was allowed to travel in the cabin, but no airline would accept a dog of Nelly’s size to travel with Adri.
After considering all options, including transatlantic flights, only one remained: a private flight where Nelly would have the opportunity to stay in the cabin. But where could Adri find this option, and how much would it cost?
A Kind-Hearted Pilot Brings a Stranger and Her Dog Back to the United States
By chance, a pilot named Niklas fell in love with Adri’s dog. So much so that he was willing to offer them a private jet flight for free! However, they needed help to cover many additional expenses.
Fortunately, many people around the world quickly donated money to make this trip possible!
Back in the United States, Adri could start her new life with her family and her dogs by her side. Her new dog, Loki, got along very well with Nelly. Even better, she and Niklas stayed in touch!
They spent hours each day talking. Very soon, they even began a long-distance relationship!
Adri could not be more grateful to her family and the support of Niklas. This was especially true when her beloved dog, Nelly, passed away.
Adri is heartbroken by this loss, but she can’t help but think that Nelly connected her with Niklas before she left. Speaking of which, the two grew closer, making the long distance between them even more complicated.
Adri and Niklas Experience an Unexpected Happy Ending
Moreover, Adri wasn’t the only one who adored Niklas – even her family was happy to have him in her life! So it’s no wonder that Adri chose to return to Europe so they could be together more often!
Adri and Loki will have to be separated for a while, but soon, they will move to Switzerland with Niklas!
Adri never imagined that the kind pilot who helped her dog would change her life so much, but she couldn’t be more grateful for the unexpected path her life took.
Especially since along the way, she could count on the love and support of several loved ones, both human and canine.
“Niklas says he’s trying to be Loki’s stepfather. It won’t be long before I have to choose which of the two I miss the most,” shares Adri. “But [Nelly] still misses me every day. Thank you for everything, my old friend.”