The extraordinary story of one plucky dog, his quest for a forever home and the woman who saved him.

What happens when a backpacking adventure turns into a global rescue mission – all because of one determined little street dog?

That’s exactly what happened to Mirelle.

She set off to Peru with her cousin, hoping to heal her heart. The trip was meant to offer distance, adventure and a chance to begin again. But what Mirelle didn’t expect was to meet someone who would change the course of her life forever.

One night a malnourished puppy with matted fur wandered into her eco cabin – and refused to leave. He returned the next day, and the day after. Before long, he was following her through towns and markets, curling up beside her in the hostel, and trekking alongside her through the mountains. There was no separating them. He was free to go, yet her never strayed more than a few steps away. She decided to name him Paddington, the street dog from Peru.

As Mirelle’s trip came to an end, heartbreak struck. She faced an impossible goodbye. How could she leave behind the dog she had fallen in love with, the dog who has so clearly chosen her as his human?

Paddy from Peru is the true, heart-warming tale of how one tenacious dog decided to adopt his human and find his forever home. It’s a story of friendship, love, and second chances – and the small moments that change our lives forever. Above all, it’s a reminder of how animals can transform our lives in the most unexpected ways.

About the author

Mirelle Radley was born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, growing up surrounded by hills and wild moorland that shaped her love of animals and the outdoors. She studied veterinary research for several years before taking the leap into writing.

Being adopted by a street dog in Peru unintentionally launched an online following, turning a private decision into a shared story that resonated far beyond her expectations. Her narrative blends dry humour with honesty, as she writes about animals, belonging, and the strange ways lives can change course unexpectedly.