Dog follows cyclists for 1,139 miles

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KANGDING, China, May 28 (UPI) -- A Chinese man said he will adopt a stray dog after the canine followed him and a group of long-distance cyclists for more than 1,139 miles.

The cyclists told Chinese state television CCTV the white dog, which they dubbed Xiaosa, or Little Sa, began following them when a member of the group gave her food May 4 and the canine continued to follow them for 24 days, CBS News reported.

The cyclists, who said Little Sa joined them in Kangding, Sichuan province, and followed them all the way to Lhasa, Tibet, said they fed and took care of the dog during the journey, China Daily reported.

Zhang Heng, who described the dog as "a buddy and a friend," said he plans to adopt her.

"I would like to take the dog home and take care of her. She has been a stray on the road for a long time. She needs a home," he said.