From Street to Sweet Home: The Journey of Monte the Dog

A bike tour in Montenegro turned into a life-changing adventure for Chicago couple Maggie and Maeve when they unexpectedly gained a furry companion. What started as a casual encounter with a stray dog became a heartwarming story of friendship and rescue that crossed international borders.

An Unexpected Travel Companion

While stopping for bike maintenance during their tour in Montenegro, Maggie and Maeve met a friendly stray dog. Despite being covered in fleas and ticks, the dog approached them with a gentle demeanor. The couple offered her some affection and a snack before continuing their journey.

To their surprise, the dog didn't just say hello and move on. She followed them for miles and miles along their bike route. When Maggie and Maeve set up camp for the night, they assumed the stray would eventually wander off. But come morning, she was still there, waiting patiently.

Four Days of Faithful Following

This pattern continued for four full days. The couple named their persistent companion "Monte" after Montenegro, and she never fell far behind during their travels. As the days passed, Maggie and Maeve found themselves growing more and more attached to Monte.

It soon became clear that they needed to at least get Monte to a veterinarian to address her flea and tick issues. What started as a simple vet visit evolved into something much more significant when the vet recommended spay surgery for Monte.

Making a Life-Changing Decision

Initially, the couple considered covering Monte's surgery costs and then finding a local family to adopt her. But after four days together on the road, the thought of parting ways with their new friend was too painful to bear.

Maggie and Maeve went ahead with Monte's surgery and found a local person to foster her during recovery. Then they faced their biggest challenge yet: figuring out how to bring Monte home to America.

From Montenegro to the Midwest

Traveling internationally with a dog is far from simple. It involves paperwork, health certifications, and patience. The dedicated couple secured a passport for Monte and completed all the necessary steps to get her cleared for travel to the United States.

Their efforts paid off. Today, Monte lives in Illinois with Maggie and Maeve, enjoying the comforts of a loving home. From a life on the streets of Montenegro to cozy living in the Midwest, Monte now joins her human companions on all their outdoor adventures.

The stray who followed a bike for days now has a permanent place in the journey of life with her new family.