After risky journey, migrant and his dog say goodbye at US border | Inquirer News

After risky journey, migrant and his dog say goodbye at US border

/ 11:59 AM September 13, 2022

 migrant and his dog say goodbye at US border

Brayan Pinto, an asylum-seeking migrant from Venezuela, carries his dog Brandy as he crosses the Rio Bravo river to turn himself in to U.S. Border Patrol agents to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, U.S., as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, September 11, 2022. REUTERS

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — Venezuelan migrant Brayan Pinto, 18, and his small fluffy white dog, Brandy, trekked together across several countries and a treacherous tropical jungle to reach the U.S.-Mexico border.

On Sunday, the two companions had to say goodbye.

Article continues after this advertisement

“She’s been with me for two years,” Pinto said, hugging the fluffy animal with the pink collar – a mix of Pekingese and toy poodle – within view of El Paso, Texas.

FEATURED STORIES

Brandy had been a gift from his mother before her death to become his emotional support pet, and the little dog had crossed several borders with him.

“Now that we’ve reached the United States, they tell me I have to leave her because she can’t cross to the other side,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Before walking alone towards the U.S. border, Pinto recalled their long journey together, including nine days through the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Leaving her is like leaving a family member,” Pinto said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Then he sadly put Brandy into the arms of a photo journalist who had agreed to take care of her in Mexico, and nestled his face into her curly fur for a final farewell.

RELATED STORIES

Article continues after this advertisement

Nine migrants die trying to cross Rio Grande River into United States

Body of girl who died at US border returns to Guatemala

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Animals, Dogs, Migration

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.