Woman feared dogs, then began trekking all over the world with newly adopted pup

Woman feared dogs, then began trekking all over the world with newly adopted pup

Solo traveler adopted flea-ridden pup and changed some lives

Heike Pirngruber adopted Butch in 2021 while she was staying in a beach hut in Baja California, Mexico. Her life changed from that moment, she said. (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)

"I never really liked dogs when I was a kid," said Pirngruber. "But the first moment I had little Butch in my arms … I couldn’t believe how I felt." (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)

Butch is shown on the road with Pirngruber as she travels and explores the world. (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)

"He’s my best friend. I love this guy to death and it’s awesome. I’ve never regretted picking him up and taking him with me on my travels, especially as he wasn’t treated very nicely." (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)

Heike has visited 104 countries across every inhabited continent. (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)

For three years, the companions explored the Americas together on foot, by canoe, motorcycle and tuk tuk before flying to Madrid in April 2024. (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)

The world traveler said she's not a planner — "and that’s the fun in it." (Heike Pirngruber / SWNS)