In September 2018, Dunbar-born Dean Nicholson quit his day job as a welder to cycle around the world. About three months into his odyssey, he discovered a furry sidekick who refused to let go of his side. "In Bosnia, I was cycling up to the border point that crossed into Montenegro when I heard meowing from behind me," the 31-year-old recalls. "I stopped to check and there she was chasing me up the hill desperately trying to get my attention." Before he knew it, the kitten was with him on his bike.

"Originally, I planned to get her to the vet and then find her a forever home. But when she climbed out of the basket, fastened to my bike handle, and up onto my neck and fell asleep while I was cycling, I knew I couldn't let her go."