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Paddy from Peru: The heartwarming tale of a remarkable bond between one woman and a special dog – a must-read for dog lovers
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.
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.
- GenresDogsMemoirNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Published July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 29, 2026
Delightful book of paddington 'paddy' the street dog from peru and his journey to uk and how he found his human soulmate
May 9, 2026
As one of the Instagram followers quietly cheering Mirelle on and watching the countdown for Paddington’s voyage from Peru to the UK, I was thrilled to be approved for the ARC of this book.
I was so struck by the tragedies Mirelle dealt with in such quick succession in her formative years, and then with her accident almost derailing the trip of a lifetime. Her determination (and pure stubbornness. which I recognise in myself) was admirable.
I’m a big believer in serendipity and the plans that the universe has, and clearly she was always meant to go on that trip.
The other huge takeaway from this story was just how much kindness and goodness there still is in the world. It really had me emotional at times. At all of the crossroads or blockers they faced on the journey back there was help offered by the bucketload: whether it be translations, recommendations, people driving cross-country, or donations: the human connection and spirit was astounding.
I really enjoyed the story behind the viral instagram posts, and I’m very glad Paddy is settling in his forever home.
I was so struck by the tragedies Mirelle dealt with in such quick succession in her formative years, and then with her accident almost derailing the trip of a lifetime. Her determination (and pure stubbornness. which I recognise in myself) was admirable.
I’m a big believer in serendipity and the plans that the universe has, and clearly she was always meant to go on that trip.
The other huge takeaway from this story was just how much kindness and goodness there still is in the world. It really had me emotional at times. At all of the crossroads or blockers they faced on the journey back there was help offered by the bucketload: whether it be translations, recommendations, people driving cross-country, or donations: the human connection and spirit was astounding.
I really enjoyed the story behind the viral instagram posts, and I’m very glad Paddy is settling in his forever home.
May 12, 2026
After being totally invested in Paddy’s and Mirelle’s story on IG last Summer, I was really looking forward to reading this.
I listened to the Audiobook and it didn’t disappoint! Made more special by Mirelle reading their story herself, I found myself going back to the IG account and rewatching the clips of the journey as I came across them in the book. Their reunion video still brings me to tears, no matter how many times I watch it.
A really lovely story about the bond between a very special dog and a caring, determined young lady!
I listened to the Audiobook and it didn’t disappoint! Made more special by Mirelle reading their story herself, I found myself going back to the IG account and rewatching the clips of the journey as I came across them in the book. Their reunion video still brings me to tears, no matter how many times I watch it.
A really lovely story about the bond between a very special dog and a caring, determined young lady!
May 15, 2026
I followed this story real-time on instagram (@paddingtonfromperu) and I was really invested. This book though provides the background of it all and a lot more detail about everything. It gave me a clearer idea of the author’s life and what meeting Paddington means to her. It is beautifully written and it’s just inspiring.
I only wished the photos were linked in the ebook in particular parts (they’re at the end) but I could picture everything already anyway. I’m not sure if my being familiar with what happened made it easier for me to read faster. I finished it in a couple of days after being in a reading block for a month or so, it was that good!
Oh and by the way, I’m more of a cat person but Paddy is definitely one of my favorite internet-famous pets (is he a dogfluencer?). I hope I never stop hearing about his new adventures.
I only wished the photos were linked in the ebook in particular parts (they’re at the end) but I could picture everything already anyway. I’m not sure if my being familiar with what happened made it easier for me to read faster. I finished it in a couple of days after being in a reading block for a month or so, it was that good!
Oh and by the way, I’m more of a cat person but Paddy is definitely one of my favorite internet-famous pets (is he a dogfluencer?). I hope I never stop hearing about his new adventures.
May 13, 2026
A fantastic, inspiring, moving story
June 25, 2026
Segui a história do Paddy durante meses online e agora poder ler todos os detalhes desta longa aventura num livro deixa-me ainda mais feliz. Chorei enquanto lia, sobretudo por saber que nem todos os cães/animais têm a mesma oportunidade que o Paddy teve mas, enquanto ser humano que adora animais, acho que a nossa função é mesmo poder resgatar o maior número de animais possível e dar-lhes a melhor vida que conseguirmos.
A história de resgate e tudo aquilo pelo que a Mirelle e o seu pai passaram para trazer o Paddy desde Peru até Inglaterra é completamente inspiradora e gratificante. Espero um dia poder conhecê-los.
Resta-me recomendar este livro a 1000% e mandar uma lambidela gigante ao Paddy, desde Portugal. ♥️
A história de resgate e tudo aquilo pelo que a Mirelle e o seu pai passaram para trazer o Paddy desde Peru até Inglaterra é completamente inspiradora e gratificante. Espero um dia poder conhecê-los.
Resta-me recomendar este livro a 1000% e mandar uma lambidela gigante ao Paddy, desde Portugal. ♥️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Mirelle and her cousin Adam went on holiday they expected it to be filled with fun and adventure.
While they were exploring Peru a street dog decided to follow them and never left their side.
This is the story about what happened next and the incredible journey they found themselves on.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Non Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
While they were exploring Peru a street dog decided to follow them and never left their side.
This is the story about what happened next and the incredible journey they found themselves on.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Non Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2026
Love this story!
I’ve followed Mirelle & Paddingtons story from the start but actually reading it made me even more of a fan!
I had so many different emotions reading this. I cried, laughed and even got angry with how much they got messed around in France, which was mad really because I already knew it would all end well.
Mirelle meeting Paddy was definitely fate! These two were meant to be together! Paddington is the goodest boy ever!
I’ve followed Mirelle & Paddingtons story from the start but actually reading it made me even more of a fan!
I had so many different emotions reading this. I cried, laughed and even got angry with how much they got messed around in France, which was mad really because I already knew it would all end well.
Mirelle meeting Paddy was definitely fate! These two were meant to be together! Paddington is the goodest boy ever!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
I was already so invested in Paddy’s journey last year, but the book somehow made me even more emotional about it all. So full of love, resilience, and hope, and you can truly feel the bond between them throughout the entire story. Absolutely recommend reading it and looking up the story because I truly had put on post notifications since I was so invested in his journey home 💜
May 15, 2026
If you want to cry every few pages, this is the book for you. I found myself saying 'but he is just a dog' whilst looking at my own two street dogs, or 'this book is going to kill me' through sobs.
Perfect writing, like she is born to do this.
Perfect writing, like she is born to do this.
May 20, 2026
Seguí la historia de Paddy cuando estaba el conteo regresivo para llevarlo a su nueva vida y me hace muy feliz ver que ya está viviendo la vida de perrito que merece 😭. Ojalá que todos los perritos del mundo pudieran tener un final feliz.
#adoptanocompres
#adoptanocompres
July 26, 2026
Such a great book! I followed this adventure online so knew the story but I was still on the edge of my seat during parts of it! Paddy is healing parts in all of us who follow his story!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews