When William Atek first agreed to foster a dog, he thought it would be temporary. He never imagined that the tiny pup would become his lifelong adventure partner. Elko had been found abandoned inside a taped-up box on the side of a road in Los Angeles when he was just two years old. Covered in live fleas and terrified of the world around him, the little dog had clearly been through a traumatic experience. But William decided to give him something he had never truly known: safety, patience, and a second chance at life.
After being rescued from a taped box, Elko slowly learned to trust again, revealing the happy and adventurous personality he had been hiding
In the beginning, Elko was so frightened that he shook constantly. Having been abandoned in such a cruel way, he needed time to understand that not every human would hurt him. But with William’s love and reassurance, the scared little dog gradually began to come out of his shell.
His confidence grew, his playful personality started to shine, and the once-terrified pup began embracing everything his new life had to offer. What started as a simple foster arrangement soon became a bond that would change both their lives forever.
Determined to give his rescued companion the best possible life, William left his 9-to-5 job and turned their shared dream of traveling the world into reality
Living in Los Angeles and working a traditional 9-to-5 job, 26-year-old William spent his time saving as much money as possible. He eventually sold the belongings that wouldn’t fit in his backpack, prepared Elko for life on the road, and decided to pursue a completely different future.
Their first big adventure took them all the way to Thailand, marking Elko’s first experience aboard an airplane. What could have been frightening for a rescued dog became the start of an extraordinary journey. Soon after, Elko got his own international passport and was ready to explore the world alongside his favorite human.
With more than 45 countries behind them and over 630,000 Instagram followers, the once-abandoned dog has become an adventurous little traveler with an even bigger dream
Today, William and Elko share their adventures through their Instagram account, @awayonearth, where more than 630,000 followers follow their travels. From international flights to unforgettable encounters with people and places around the globe, Elko has come a long way from the frightened puppy found inside a box.
Together, they have explored more than 45 countries, documenting their experiences and showing the world what can happen when a rescue animal is given the opportunity to thrive. Their mission has also grown into something extraordinary: turning Elko’s journey from an abandoned rescue dog into an attempt to become the most traveled dog in the world.
Their biggest adventure yet will take them from Michigan to Argentina as they work toward making Elko’s world-record dream come true
Now, William and Elko are preparing for an ambitious new chapter: a road trip from Michigan all the way to Argentina. Their goal is to set a world record for the most traveled dog, celebrating just how far a second chance can take an animal.
To help make the journey possible, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign, with donations going directly toward Elko's travel expenses. This includes veterinary visits, pet-friendly accommodations, and the everyday essentials needed to keep him healthy, comfortable, and safe throughout their travels.
From an abandoned pup to a world traveler, Elko’s story proves every rescue deserves a second chance
Stories like Elko's remind us that an animal’s past does not have to define its future. The little dog who was once abandoned inside a taped box is now exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing adventures that once seemed impossible.
His journey is a beautiful reminder that every rescue animal deserves a chance to experience love, happiness, and freedom.