Learn About the First Dog to Walk Around the World: Savannah

A 7-year-old, light brown, medium-sized mutt named Savannah became the first dog to walk around the world in May. She took this journey with her 33-year-old owner, Tom Turcich. Tom became the 10th person to walk around the world when he finished his trek on May 21st.

About Their Travels

Tom began his world walk on April 2nd, 2015, from Haddon Township in New Jersey, his hometown. A few months into his trip, he adopted Savannah in Texas. Tom designed his travel map around wanting to go to every continent and trying to avoid as many Visa-related challenges as possible. He also utilized research and other lessons from others who have previously walked the world.

The walk over the past seven years was primarily continuous. Tom spent the first year walking to Panama, then the second through South America. He was then able to take a boat to Antarctica. Then Tom went to Denmark through Spain, to Northern Africa, to Italy, and Asia through Istanbul. Eventually, he traveled to Kyrgyzstan and flew to Seattle to cross the country to his hometown.

Savannah has been a loyal companion and protector to Tom throughout the journey. He was motivated to get a companion for protection on the trails. However, a dog is man’s best friend and comes with many other benefits. Having a pal that can calm the mind from safety concerns.

Challenges

Adjustments

Because Savannah was a puppy when adopted, she needed training. Additionally, she was not used to walking the 24 miles a day that Tom was walking. This circumstance caused Tom to need to readjust his focus and expectations for the trip. He was able to push her in a baby carriage-like basket between walking periods so she could sleep. Eventually, she was able to walk the entire 24 miles a day!

Health

Additionally, when the pair was in Antarctica, Tom developed a bacterial infection that put them on hold for seven months. Once he recovered, the two could start their journey again in Denmark. Savannah and Tom were slightly out of shape, making walking in Denmark challenging. Luckily, they both quickly got back into shape and could do 30-mild days, and Savannah would have the energy to spare! COVID-19 also further delayed their trip. The pandemic prevented them from walking in Australia, along with other related challenges.

Savannah had a health scare in Peru when she unknowingly had a tick infection. The two were in the middle of the desert when she sneezed, and her nose began to bleed. Tom could luckily flag down a car and then take a 5-hour cab ride into a town where a vet resolved the problem. While Tom carried a first aid kit, it is impossible to be prepared for everything when walking the world.

Safety

Other more minor challenges and threats included other dogs and predators. Some dog encounters were aggressive and territorial. Tom reported this to be more common in Central and South America due to dogs not being treated with love and compassion. He had to be mindful of skunks, porcupines, bears, and moose in America. There were a few poor encounters with a skunk in Kansas and a porcupine in Colorado.

Surprises

Savannah enjoys the snowy climate over warm weather. Tom says she will spend the whole day rubbing her face in the snow and rolling around. We love to see our furry friends enjoying themselves! Because Savannah has a thicker coat, she struggles a bit in the heat. Tom keeps her hair trimmed in the summer and has a cooling jacket to help her be more comfortable.

Additionally, Savannah has become a pro at walking and does not need a leash. She knows to stay close and not run off when there are cars or other people. Tom and Savannah have bonded incredibly over the seven years they have traveled together. They were both there for each other when they were struggling and were a support system for each other. The pair have spent a lot of time walking together and have a lot of trust in each other.

Now that Tom is back in New Jersey, he plans to take some needed downtime and give Savannah well-earned rest. She will defiantly have some adjusting to do when she is no longer walking 30 miles a day, but Tom plans to walk her as much as he can. But, she is seven now, so he thinks it is a great time to slow down.

 

Traveling with a companion is a fantastic experience. Savannah and Tom have proven the ultimate bond of friendship and loyalty. If you get the chance to travel the world with your pup, take it! But, if driving is more your style, here are some dog-friendly rental cars! We hope Tom and Savannah inspire you to cherish your four-legged friend and spend as much bonding time with them as you can. A dog truly is man’s best friend.