“Love is only real when shared.” – Into the Wild
If you’ve ever experienced solitude, you’ll know how special it feels to have someone in your life. But that “someone” doesn’t always have to be human. Sometimes, a furry little companion can fill the void too.
Dean Nicholson set off on a solo world journey, enjoying his own company—until fate introduced him to an abandoned kitten.
“I heard her before I saw her!” Dean recalled in an interview with UNILAD. “I was cycling up a hill when I heard this tiny meow chasing after me. I stopped, went over to the rocks, and found a scruffy little kitten all alone. I sat with her for about half an hour, feeding her pesto, and that’s when I knew I couldn’t leave her behind.”
The kitten, later named Nala, refused to leave Dean’s side. “When I gave her the pesto and she kept following me, I thought, ‘Alright, you’re coming with me.’ I put her on the bike, but she wasn’t having the front bag—she jumped right onto my shoulder and curled around my neck. That’s when I knew it was meant to be.”
Their connection was instant. Dean realized that Nala deserved to experience the world just as much as he did.
Starting from Scotland, the duo visited countries like Greece, Turkey, and Montenegro. Everywhere they went, Nala was warmly welcomed.
When she was a tiny kitten, Nala traveled perched on Dean’s shoulder as he pedaled. But as she grew, she graduated to the front basket, becoming a little star on wheels.
“People adore her,” Dean said. “She loves the attention! Everywhere we go, people stop to take pictures and meet her. It’s great because their reactions are always warm and friendly. Even hotels we’ve stayed at have been super accommodating—though once, Nala had to pay her own pet surcharge,” he laughed.
Nala isn’t just a travel buddy; she’s changed Dean’s perspective on the journey itself. Before meeting her, Dean rushed through cities, eager to reach East Asia. But Nala, with her gentle presence, taught him to slow down and savor the beauty around him.
“She had a little cough when I first found her—probably from all the wind and rain. That’s when I realized I needed to take it slower, for her sake and mine. Nala has made me more compassionate, not just to animals but to everything around me.”
Now, Dean and Nala continue their adventure together, exploring the world and sharing the best moments of their lives.
