Book ~ "Rescue Road: One Man, Thirty Thousand Dogs, and a Million Miles on the Last Hope Highway" (2015) Peter Zheutlin

From Goodreads ~ The extraordinary story of one man who has driven more than 1 million miles to rescue thousands of dogs from hunger, abuse and neglect and give them a second chance at life and love.

For years, Greg Mahle struggled to keep the last of his family-run restaurants afloat in Ohio. When it finally closed, he was broke and unsure what to do next. Then a stranded van-load of puppies changed his life forever.

Join journalist Peter Zheutlin as he travels with Greg from Ohio to the Gulf Coast on his Rescue Road Trips to bring hard-luck dogs from the deep South to loving "forever families" up north, with the help of many selfless volunteers along the way. From Houston's impoverished Fifth Ward - where thousands of strays roam the streets - and high-kill shelters in Louisiana, to joyous scenes of adopters embracing their new pups in the Northeast, Rescue Road is full of heart: an inspiring story about the unique bond between dogs and humans, and how going the extra mile can make a life-changing difference for these loyal canines-and for us all. 

Greg has the most rewarding job ever!

Greg Mahle runs Rescue Road Trips ... he has a huge truck that every two weeks he drives down to the southern states to pick up dogs that have been rescued and drive them back up to the northern states to be adopted.  Apparently the southern states have an overpopulation problem of dogs.  People there don't value them as part of the family like we do and treat them as property.  Dogs are abused, abandoned and/or left to wander around to take care of themselves.  It's heartbreaking.

Author Peter Zheutlin accompanied Greg on a couple of his treks, meeting and interviewing the angels who volunteer to walk the dogs at pit stops as Greg heads back up north and the people who work and/or volunteer in animal control centres, dog rescues, etc. where the dogs are picked up.  Plus at the end of the book, there are updates on the owners who have adopted some of the dogs Greg has transported.

As an animal lover, I have so much respect for people who dedicate their time to rescues and helping others save animals and find homes for them.  I couldn't do it ... I would want to take them all home.  Plus it would break my heart knowing that some dogs are lucky to be given the opportunity for a better life while others who aren't so lucky are euthanized.

At the end of Greg's trips, as he is heading to the distribution spots up north for Gotcha Day, he puts messages on Facebook to let everyone know his status and that of the dogs to get everyone excited.  You can check him out here and follow his progress.

This is a must read for all dog lovers!