American skier Gus Kenworthy poses with adorable Sochi strays, hopes to bring them home (photo)
Aside from the bevy of hotel issues media members had leading up to the Winter Games, a lot has been made of the abundance of stray dogs that wander Sochi's streets.
The dogs are seen as a big problem in Sochi, and City Hall went so far as to order the killing of these dogs “so they don’t bother visitors.” Dogs have wandered into the Opening Ceremony and even barked at competitors during the cross-country skiing event, but many athletes and visitors have taken a liking to the pups — including American skier Gus Kenworthy.
[Related: Volunteers smuggle stray Sochi dogs out of town]
Kenworthy seemingly became aware of the strays after reading a New York Times tweet on February 5, and on Monday he found the time to become acquainted with some new friends.
No way… Looks like @schendrickson isnt the only reason I'll be heading to the ski jump venue! #puppies @SochiNYT
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 5, 2014
Oh my glob, look who I just found! :) #sochistrays pic.twitter.com/ne66y7jN6Z
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 11, 2014
puppy love is real to puppies. pic.twitter.com/krauCUPjOg
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 11, 2014
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And while he’ll make his Sochi debut on Wednesday in slopestyle skiing, Kenworthy has also taken the time to arrange vaccinations for the dogs. The Telluride, Colo., native hopes to bring the pups back to the states.
Also, for the people wondering, Ive lined up kennels 4 the pups & made vaccination appointments. Doing all I can to bring them home w/ me!
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 12, 2014
If you want to follow in Kenworthy's footsteps, you can adopt a Sochi stray of your own. Find out more here.
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