Oscar Maximus the most travelled dog in the world looks to the stars | worldwooftour

There are over 600 million dogs in the world. 20% live a decent life. The rest are destitute, homeless and many of them land at shelters. Only 25% of these dogs ever get adopted. The rest are simply destroyed. But just imagine if one of these dogs defied the odds, made it out of hell alive and decided to do something about it and to demonstrate wonderful dogs were literally dying for that second chance. This is the legacy of Oscar Maximus. On January 11, 2013 Oscar's life tragically ended in a car accident while visiting California. This is the story of Oscar.





Oscar in Vail, Colorado | worldwooftour

Known as “the most travelled dog in the world”, Oscar Maximus has travelled over 36 countries and 5 continents with a mission to promote adoption for the the half of billion homeless dogs around the world. His crusade has made him an ambassador to all the dogs without a voice. Oscar is a 10 year old Alsatian, Corgy, Cocker Spaniel and Basset Hound mix who was spared one day at Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Capetown, South Africa and was given a second chance by Joanne Lefson in 2004.

National Geographic Kids two-page spread featuring Oscar's travels



Map showing “Prayer flags” to be brought by Oscar repreenting the 1/2 billion dogs worldwide | worldwooftour



Oscar's Crusade to promote homeless dogs worldwide gets attention with this campaign poster



Oscar takes a ride on a helicopter | worldwooftour

In 2009, Lefson and Oscar set on a quest to help bring awareness to the homeless dogs worldwide by setting on their international travels on their “Woof Woof” world tour. Lefson used the proceeds from the sale of her home to finance the trip and since then Oscar have made headlines around the world and in the media in both print and television. In 2010, Lefson published a memoir on Oscar's travelling adventures titled “Ahound the World.” “When I discovered what a wonderful dog Oscar was it broke my heart to think how many Oscars are still out there and simply just don't get that second chance,” said Lefson as reported by the Daily Mail.

If you'd like to help continue the legacy that Oscar helped to create you can find out more by visiting the

Oscar Foundation page

.





When I discovered what a wonderful dog Oscar was it broke my heart to think how many Oscars are still out there and simply just don't get that second chance.” - Joanne Lefson

Oscar you will be missed! To see more about Oscar's travels, click here to see the article we first featured on Oscar's amazing travel!