Rescue Road: One Man, Thirty Thousand Dogs and a Million Miles on the Last Hope Highway

by Peter Zheutlin, Barry Abrams (Narrator)

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 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Biography, Travel, Audiobook, Memoir

MP3 CD

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Peter Zheutlin is an avid cyclist and a freelance journalist whose work appears regularly in the Boston Globe and the Christian Science Monitor. He has also written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, AARP Magazine, Bicycling, the New England Quarterly, and other publications. He lives in Needham, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have personal involvement with the subject matter as my own dog was adopted from Kathy Wetmore at Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue and brought from Houston, TX to NY using Rescue Road Trips in May 2013. I continue to be involved with RRT by taking photographs at one of Greg's many stops.I have a purchased copy arriving this week, however, I also received an advance copy as a surprise from Greg & Adella for my volunteer work with the group.

"Rescue Road" is a heartwarming & eye opening journey into the world of dog rescue. Peter Zheutlin was able to experience life with Greg on the road during his biweekly journey to help him better understand and research the ins & outs involved with rescue groups, as well as the successful, well-organized transport that Greg operates. Many people don't realize that there is a whole culture of rescue groups who work tirelessly to save as many dogs as possible from euthanasia, yet it's still never enough. More often, people in the north don't even realize the severity of issues that plague animals in many southern states. "Rescue Road" helps bring to light the desperate conditions of shelters with insanely high euthanasia rates due to sheer volume of animals due to lack of spay/neuter, injuries, and not to mention lack of vaccination that leads to diseases. The dogs that end up in the shelters are often perfectly adoptable animals that have been abandoned for a multitude of reasons. Various rescue groups claim these animas to save them from certain death and work diligently to find them suitable homes. Those who are placed with families in New England states generally make their "freedom ride" with Greg. Those who have met Greg would agree that he doesn't consider himself a modern day hero, but the truth is -- he is. In their few short days together, he shows the dogs such compassion, friendship and loyalty -- exactly what they will provide their new family with for the rest of their lives. Greg & the dogs establish a mutual trust and truly bond. I have seen first hand the way the dogs absolutely adore him. Animals know good people...and Greg Mahle is good people. He doesn't have a hidden agenda -- merely wants to help as many dogs as possible to live the lives of love and happiness that they deserve. Speaking from my firsthand experience of Gotcha Day and the excitement leading up to it, I can say that RRT does it best. Greg and the Angels keep the Facebook followers involved with pictures and status updates to build the anticipation for Gotcha Day to arrive. There is something so very special about this whole process that you simply have to witness to understand. To see the dogs come off the trailer and meet their new family...to see the amazing signs, followed by the first introductions, photos and follow-up kisses and hugs -- it's a true celebration of the first day of the rest of the dogs life.

In his book, Mr. Zheutlin also speaks of several individuals and their respective rescue organizations that Greg Mahle often works with. One of the stories that brought tears to my eyes was the story and subsequent follow-up about Teddy. Keri should be commended for her strength and efforts in her willingness to work towards socializing and trying to help Teddy. Zheutlin also speaks a great deal about Kathy Wetmore of Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue. As he even pointed out, Kathy runs a tight ship and has strict guidelines of who she allows to adopt her rescues. Some people criticize this, however, like Greg, their focus is placed solely upon the dogs. My own dog came from Kathy and her amazing organization. I will forever be grateful for the incredible work she does, but after reading this book and finding out more about her willingness to help Greg in such dire times, in my opinion, she continues to be one of the most selfless and well-respected people in dog rescue. I strongly urge you to seek out Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue to adopt or even donate, but you can also checked RescueRoadTrips.org for many other rescues that also use Greg's Rescue Road Trip transport.

Rescue Road is a testament to the blood, sweat, tears and thousands of miles involved in making our world a better place. Not only forever changing the life of the dog, but also of the adoptive family. We need more people like the RRT crew and every single person involved along the way, right down to the RRT Facebook followers and readers of this book. One person CAN make a difference and when these people band together -- amazing things happen. Dog lovers and animal lovers will definitely appreciate this book...

[Mia Couture · Rating 4 out of 5]

The animal population is out of control in the southern states, and what it takes to rescue even one dog is an incredible undertaking. This is the story of how some of those dogs beat the odds, found forever homes, and what it takes to get them there. Some animal shelters have a euthanasia rate of 80 to 90%. Whether you rescue or buy, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a dog owner.

[Danika at The Lesbrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at how and why dogs from the American South get transported up north to be adopted. I enjoyed it overall, but I wasn't expecting some of the horrific stories that are in here, describing in detail violence done against dogs.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a hard slog for me, though not for the author’s lack of ability. Peter Zheutlin, a journalist and animal lover, follows a dedicated handful of animal rescuers and their endless crusade to save the lives of homeless dogs and cats in the southern US. Its a real, and often gritty, look into the inhumane situations these people throw themselves into every single day. They not only sacrifice time, but money – LOTS of money – in their efforts. They’re fighting a flood of destitution, pain and heartbreak. Its a difficult thing to read and consequently I wanted to put the book down and never look back more than a few times. I kept waiting for the “pay off”.

Laced through the book is the narration of Peter following Greg Mahle on his week long trip down south to pick up dogs from a handful of rescue organizations and tow them back up north in his big rig into the awaiting arms of adopters or rescue organizations that will foster them. The message we get from Greg and other rescuers, in their own words, is that they rescue because they have no choice. Their conscience can’t let them do anything else. They’re often exhausted, beyond broke and torn away from family and home to answer this calling.

In the end we get to see some of these lovely pups united with their new owners, and even more get transferred to fosters or no-kill rescue organizations that will work until they find their forever home. We get to share in the tears and gratefulness of the adopters for the selfless work of everyone involved in the rescues. However, lingering in the back of your mind long after you close the book are the countless dogs we caught a glimpse of earlier that didn’t make it on to that truck, or even off the street into someone’s car. Its not for lack of caring … never for lack of caring. A simple lack of resources. The pay off was bittersweet, and I think its a bit of a personality test to see whether you’re more on the bitter or sweet side in the end. Either way, I have to imagine the feeling we are left with is only a small taste of what the rescuers have to live with when they finally get home and flop down in their beds at night, only to get up the next day and start it all over again.

Read Time: 4 days
Where I got it: Netgalley Advanced Reader Copy

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only add one book on dog rescue to your library, then make it this one. Peter Zheutlin’s Rescue Road: One Man, Thirty Thousand Dogs, and a Million Miles on the Last Hope Highway is a compassionate compelling look into one man’s mission to save unwanted dogs in some of America’s worst areas. That man is Greg Mahle who trucks dogs that are literally on deaths door, to loving people who adopt them in a celebration he calls “Gotcha Day.” The author travels with him and the dogs, from the time they are first picked up until when they are handed to the excited new owners. In between this long, dirty, and tiring journey he introduces us to other dog rescue heroes that go out everyday to save neglected, hurting dogs from getting euthanized in over-crowded under-funded shelters.

As with life; there is a balance of sad and joyful moments in these pages. Reading Rescue Road made me hold my own fur babies closer, thankful to be a foster failure dog parent. Everyone that loves animals can do something to help them; from spay/neuter to fostering, to volunteering, to spreading the word to friends and on social media we can change what happens to dogs and cats and give them a better life. I loved the writing and the stories so I’m giving this book a 5 star rating.

[C.J. English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Right book at the right time. ❤️

[Aires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nesmírně zajímavá kniha o muži, který zachránil třicet tisíc psů. Záchranná pouť vám ukáže drsný svět amerických útulků, kde je přes 80%psů uspáno a na záchranu před smrtí mají jen dny. Naštěstí existuje síť dobrovolníků a záchranných organizací, které berou psi z útulků a dávají jim šanci na nový život. Je to kniha plná naděje a příběhů se šťastným koncem. Kniha u které vám poskočí srdce radostí, když si přečtete o shledání adoptovaného psa a jeho rodiny. Naděje se ale mísí s beznadějí, protože spousta pejsků se svého nového šťastného života nikdy nedočká.

30 tisíc zachráněných psů. 90 tisíc utracených psů. Kniha plná naděje i beznaděje. Radosti i smutku.
Pokud vás příběhy psů k adopci a Grega Mahle zaujali, sledujte je na Facebooku: Rescue Road Trips:)

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Week 40 of the 2015 Reading Challenge: A Book That Made You Cry

I think it's a given that any book involving animals will make me cry! This author recently gave a brief talk at one of the adoption events that the rescue I volunteer for was having. It was really interesting and I was inspired to buy his book.

I volunteer for a rescue that pulls their dogs from southern shelters and transports them via a similar service. I know how much different the attitude towards dogs is in their area vs where I live in the north. I don't think I could do what they do - seeing the hurt, neglected and abandoned and having to make a choice about which ones they can help and which ones they can't. But like the people in this book, they are focusing on their piece and trying to make a difference one dog at a time.

I enjoyed the book even though it was heartbreaking at times. Hopefully it will open more eyes to the huge problem facing the treatment of our companion animals and encourage people to do just a little bit to try and help.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who would have thought that a book would later have me following a facebook page? And no, I am not talking about the author. I am talking about Rescue Road Trips.

I've always wished I could afford to get into animal rescue. But, like this book shows, it is hard work, little to no pay (if you are lucky to get any pay) and sometimes heartbreaking. But also very rewarding! There was some great insight into the work that is done, not just here but in all parts of dog rescue and rehoming. Wow! I never knew it could be so complex! Heck, I never thought of animal rescuing from states away!

While I loved the info shared, I felt the writing to be very dry and often found my mind drifting. Too many details that weren't so essential in a book format. It is a lot to swallow at once.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting book. If youlove dogs and are interested in dog adoptions, particularly rescue dog adoption, this is a book you must listen to this is a story of a guy, who has dedicated his life to transporting rescue dogs from the South to the north. I found it extremely interesting since we in the recent past added a rescue dog to our family, actually a puppy, which is a little different ,since she was only afew weeks to a month old when she came to the rescue organization and did not suffer the trauma that many abandoned or unwanted dogs in the south have, but it was extremely touching and caused me to hug her a little tighter and longer.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Mahle is an inspiration to animal lovers. He sacrifices so much to help southern rescue dogs find their forever homes in the northeast. I learned a lot about rescue organizations and the incredible people that run them throughout this book. I've lived in the Houston area for 13 years and had no idea how large a problem we have with stray animals in the 5th Ward. Absolutely heartbreaking. Shout out to Greg and all those that work tirelessly to give these rescue dogs a chance at a happy and loving home.

[Patty Denham Travaglino · Rating 5 out of 5]

You must read this book. If you rescue, you must read this book. If you foster, you must read this book. If you want to understand more about pet overpopulation, you must read this book. Read. This. Book.

[MrsEnginerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever become involved in rescue this is the book to read. After fostering, I can relate to the stories and satisfaction of helping save a life. It's not easy but it can be very rewarding. :) Pick it up. Worth the time and tears.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book chronicling the canine rescue organizations! I had no idea of the problems with dogs at risk in the deep south. When I'm ready for a another dog it will be another "rescue."

[Olgalijo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although much better than others in the same vein, this book looks a bit like soft journalism. In any case, the issue is described well and with feeling and in all its stark sadness

[Sara Nolting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very well written, and if you love dogs it’s a perfect fit for you!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Zheutlin goes along with Greg Mahle on his journey from the South to the North bringing rescue dogs to their forever homes. Throughout the book he also visits with other volunteers along the way who run shelters, foster dogs, bring food and medicine to dogs, etc. This was an incredible story about all of the volunteers who do everything they can to rescue dogs from being euthanized and make their lives better. It is amazing to read about these volunteers who put so much time, money, and love into making sure as many dogs as they can help have a better life.
Before reading this book I knew a little bit about dog rescue, in particular dogs coming up from the South because one of my dogs was originally from Tennessee. While, I knew these dogs were transported in trucks and were being rescued from kill shelters that was about the extent of my knowledge. I never knew how much actually went into saving all of these dogs. In addition, I didn’t know the extent of the overpopulation problem in the South. It was informative and heart-breaking to hear about how dogs are viewed and treated in the South. It made me so grateful for all the volunteers working so hard to provide a better live for these dogs, even if it is as simple as giving them food or medicine.
Zheutlin did an excellent job sharing the work of all of these volunteers by showing just how much they do. He also really highlighted just how big of a problem the over-breeding of animals and the lack of spaying and neutering. So in addition to this book showing the day to day tasks of rescue organizations, it also is educational on the problems that still need to be taken care of. I found myself crying at many parts, whether they were sad or happy tears. While parts of this book are hard to read and heart-breaking, it is inspiring to read about the volunteers trying to fix this problem one dog at a time and the people who adopt rescue dogs.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one piece of the huge puzzle that is rescue and animal activism.

The story follows Peter Zheutlin, a journalist who adopts a lab rescued from the southern United States. He decides to investigate where his dog came from and becomes interested in why there is such a huge stray and shelter issue in the south, as well as the people saving these dogs and transporting them to the north.

I recognized a lot of this book. I’ve fostered over 70 dogs since starting to work in rescue a little over six years ago. Almost all of those dogs were rescued from the rural southern US (appalachian mountain area), including my own dogs. I have been on the receiving end of these rescue transports, the first one these confused dogs see when their journey to safety, to a life where they will be loved, finally begins.

That being said, I don’t think this is the best depiction of this aspect of rescue that I have seen. Peter Zheutlin seems to approach this story from the point of journalist, wanting to uncover the reasons and facts for why things are the way they are. Oftentimes, I felt that this caused the story to lack emotional impact. Some of the things he would describe are horrifying, but the way they were depicted never felt fully realized.

I think this would have been a stronger novel if told from the point of view of the rescuers Peter accompanied (or maybe a mix of both, like in Eating Animals). They had years of experience, whereas Peter spent a few days with each of them. I respect his efforts, but I felt like he was coming from the standpoint of a curious journalist whereas I would rather have heard from one of the impassioned rescuers.

This is an important novel that uncovers a lot. It lays out a lot of important facts, but it lacks in terms of emotion. I’m glad I read it, but not a favorite rescue book or one I’ll be recommending with zeal.

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think about dogs, my mind goes to four legged best friends that I have known throughout my life. Most of my neighbors have dogs. They are happy dogs with good homes and people that adore them. They come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. But not all dogs are as fortunate.

The author, Peter Zheutlin, is obviously a dog lover. He has to be to go on a no-nonsense truck ride with hundreds of dogs from the hot southern states to the north. The organizer of a dog rescue team, Greg Mahle, is on a mission to find homes for these lovable friends. He is on a frugal budget with a strict timeline to get hundreds of dogs to a new place to live. It's not easy as things happen on the road such as storms. That doesn't stop Greg. He is driven with his passion to save these dogs.

The author doesn't miss a beat with his words. He writes with clarity about the difficult truth of how thousands of dogs are euthanized every year. There's too many dogs and not enough people to take care of them. Dogs often have sad eyes hoping that they will be picked to live with someone that loves them. The reader learns about how many dogs are left to die when no longer needed, starved and abused by owners. It's definitely a difficult book to read. Yet, it's a book everyone should pick up as it tells the truth about not only dogs but how Americans need to be educated.

There is some happy news, however, when new owners pick up the adopted animals and love them to pieces. These are the lucky dogs. It's my hope that more people will read this book and spread the importance of rescue and donating to those that are doing good work for all animals.

[Liz Estrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, a tough book to read, for you realize the horrible plight of most stray dogs in the South. I gave this 4 stars for the unsung heroes and heroines who give their all (time, money and even their well being) to try and put a small dent in the overpopulation problem the world is facing with stray dogs, due to ignorance, neglect and abuse. The moral of this tale is: education, education, education as in everything. I love the fact that Zheutin gives website addresses and contacts to all these rescue groups and how we can all help alleviate this horror.
I cried, laughed, felt joy with every rescue but deep sadness and anger for every dog left behind. I finished this book realizing how much more I, and all of us, can do to improve the plight of these innocent and defenseless animals. Recommended not just for dog lovers like me, but for all who feel helpless. Every little thing to help even ONE stray dog is a beginning. They deserve it, for remember what Gandhi said: You can judge a character of a a nation by the way they treat animals, and by the look of things, the South has a long way to go, but so does the rest of the world. I thank my librarian friends who gave me this book.

[Jamie Orebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! As someone who has volunteered in shelter for the last 10 years it crushed my heart to see how dire the situation is in the south. But of course as rescue work goes, reading the stories of the amazing people who work tirelessly for those animals gives one faith and hope. There is always something new to learn and a new perspective on a situation that can seem so typical in the rescue world; every person in the animal welfare community should read this. We have a problem with cat and dog overpopulation, we need to educate people so they know how important it is to spay and neuter and rescue instead of buy. The problem is not with our shelters it is with our communities and the lack of knowledge and resources for so many. We can all do something to make this place better.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It really put into perspective how many people had a hand in rescuing our two dogs that came from the south, although not transported by Greg. It gives new appreciation for people that are dedicated to rescue and how much time and effort they give to it. It is so much easier to be the adopter than the rescuer. It also makes me realize how lucky my rescue dogs were to get out of the south alive.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a LOT of dog stories, but I've always avoided books about rescue and shelter programs. I thought they'd be too, you know - completely gut wrenching. And while parts of this story are not easy to read, this book was great. Well researched, well written, and not at all preachy.

[Mauri Baumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. What a great person. I even went online and watched the people waiting for him on "Gotcha Day" to bring them their special pet. Very heartwarming!

[JenBsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up a paperback at a library sale, saw that it had high ratings and (with my non-fiction November goal in mind) figured I'd read it before adding it to my Little Free Library (original reason for the purchase). While I had the physical copy to flip through, I also grabbed it from my local library in audio and ebook (all formats have their advantages). I went primarily with audio, but there are some pictures in the text copies.

This was an inspiring and informative book, but also sad and a graphic in parts. 10 chapters, with an introduction and an epilogue. The presentation was a little odd ... all 1st person, but the tense would shift between present and past. The author would introduce a situation (past tense) and then suddenly shift to present tense, as he 'relives' and tells us/the reader. He refers to the book itself (back in chapter 5 during my trip, we'll rejoin that in chapter 9) ... it all rolled over me in audio, and following things was fine, all informational, the chronology isn't as important as for a story/fiction. Looking back over things in the text copies I noticed the tense change and scene shifts more pointedly. I like that there were chapter headings, but they didn't automatically trigger a memory of what was in those chapters (as sometimes can happen as I glance back over the Table of Contents of a book). Most non-fiction physical copies DO have a TOC, as does this (I think all physical books should have a TOC!)

Intro - about the author's experience adopting a dog, introduces this project and Greg
Chapter 1 - Dog's Best Friend; more on Greg, how he got started, his background
Chapter 2 - On the Road Again; 1st person/present tense, to pickup the dogs
Chapter 3 - All Aboard; Still present tense, introducing all the dogs/their history, the helpers
Chapter 4 - Saving Dogs; "so I went back to Louisiana a few weeks later to find out more about Keri Bullock Toth (although technically this is in the future/and the past, it's still present tense for most, except for a past tense portion about the author's own dog and addressing the "South" issue, also another day (back to present tense) with another helper, Sara Kelly, then CJ (past tense).
Chapter 5 - Lone Star State of Mind; "now that we've seen the world Keri and Sara operate in, let's rewind and rejoin Greg during my trip with him" ... that IS how the chapter starts. More on the trip, travel, dogs, etc.
Chapter 6 - Houston, You Have a Problem; another shift "It's been several weeks since my trip ... I've returned to Texas to learn more about Kathy, Tom ..." still told in present tense.
Chapter 7 - Hard Times; another shelter spotlight
Chapter 8 - Acadiana; another shelter spotlight
Chapter 9 - Long Day's Journey Into Night; Back to the travels on the road (picking up where chapter 5 left off).
Chapter 10 - Gotcha Day; as the header says
Epilogue - wrap up, followup on some of the dogs.

There were some footnotes in the next (at the bottom of the page in physical format, at the end of the chapter in ebook ... I think they just got skipped in audio?) Pictures don't translate to audio of course but while they were nice, I don't think they added anything essential.

Just a narration note ... the narrator pronounced "dearth" as "darth" ... I fell like that should have been caught and corrected.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not quite sure why I picked this particular book to read but upon starting I wish that I hadn't. The concept and the whole presentation of the facts could have made for quite a strong victorious read but instead it was a dry flop.

The author continues to expand upon an article that he had done previously about a dog trucker who helps to get Southern rescue dogs from their dark and often miserable pasts to their new and hopefully loving forever homes in the Northeast. At the same time he addresses the reasons for the treatment of these animals, what they put up with, some of the unknown faces with their sacrifices in saving these precious lives and what it takes to be on a run. So much possibilities just ruined.

In my opinion one of the problems that I noticed is that the author doesn't allow feelings to infuse his book. There are emotional responses from the characters but they have been stripped of their strength to rip your heart out - the joy is a quiet slight stirring, the horror exists but doesn't have the freedom to rage, the outrage is a whispered roar. Instead the emotions have been made mechanical as to not to overwhelm when it should.

Another problem that I saw is the formatting of the book. I know that he wanted to give more credence and respect to Greg but the book should have been chronological formatting. He should have explored the reasons and the unknown faces, the changes in the South at the beginning of his book before moving onto Greg instead of splitting the truck ride. Maybe even instead of narrating from his viewpoint he could have led with the lives of the dogs first or even their rescuers instead of focusing the book on his take.

Another thing is that he is too wordy. He adds to many interruptions to a dialogue just to mention who is talking such as "Keri said" or "even as he continues". I see the quotation marks and can understand a conversation is still ongoing, I can track it to the original speaker you were talking to at the start of the dialogue and I don't need you to constantly remind me who Greg's mother-in-law is.

All in all it was a decent book for those who may be interested in dog rescues but I wouldn't be honest and frank if I were to try to recommend it to anyone.

[Elizabeth Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I will note that I am a veterinarian, and I am typically hesitant to read rescue/non-fiction Animal-based literature simply due to the compassion fatigue that it invokes. It’s really hard to turn that part of your heart, soul, and brain off at the end of a day, and that can take its toll. That said, this book has been persistently recommended to me by my mom, and I chose to give it a read initially to satisfy her. I could not have been more wrong about my hesitations. Or rather, I could not have been more happy to take this book in.

As a veterinarian who works closely with shelters, and who has worked to take care of and brought home rescue dogs herself (many from the south), I can honestly say that this was the most honest, touching, and well-written look into the world of what rescue work is like on the ground, trying to save the dogs that you can, and feeling your heart break watching the dogs who can’t be saved go to a different Home. Without people like Greg Mahle, so many souls would be lost and forgotten, and so many people would never know their forever loves. As the author does a fantastic job describing, there are hundreds of ‘invisible’ faces behind every Greg Mahle, and this novel is a perfect glimpse into their life together. For those who have read this book and need any additional nudging, watch some of Greg’s videos on Facebook. Donate to him or other like minded rescue efforts, if you can. And, please, find it in your heart to give a rescue dog, or cat (or two!) a home with you. You will never meet a more loving or grateful soul in your life, I can promise you.

[Josie Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot more to rescue than most of us will ever realize. Many people own animals, without really thinking about the morals and ethics involved in pet ownership, buying a pure bred or picking up a dog at a shelter, usually without putting too much thought into it or without thinking about their pets’ backstories. Upon adopting his first family dog as a rescue, after long being against pet ownership, author and writer Peter Zheutlin gets curious and decides to follow the same path their 2-3-year-old rescue Lab mix, Albie, took to get to their family and his second chance at life. He learns more than he bargained for, completing changing his outlook on life and growing as a person, as he embarks on a journey that includes traveling from Texas to Pennsylvania, in a truck with 40-60 dogs.

This thoughtfully written book explores the joys, heartaches, and the desperate reality of rescue. It also poses the question: Why is animal rescue even more imperative within the Southern States? Well written and clear cut, the author tells his story and his research. He does jump around a bit in time and admits in the afterword that he streamlined some of the events so that they would make more sense to readers. This book does a good job of taking the reader on the same gut wrenching but honest journey the author takes, sometimes shocking the reader with details of what the other finds, other times, warming the readers’ heart with success stories. As you fall for these animals, you will also bleed for them, hearing overwhelming statistics about animal cruelty, high kill facilities, and the realities of animal rescue. If you have ever been interested in nonfiction, animals, animal rights, overpopulation, or second chances, Rescue Road is the book for you.

[Donna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the exception of my college years, I have never been without having at least one dog in the house. Each had their own unique personality and brought so much joy to my life. I’ve always been a supporter of my local human society and shelter but have wanted to do more but didn’t know what. I recently met some wonderful people who are involved with rescue transports. They told me that there was often a shortage of volunteer transport drivers in my area and suggested I look into a particular group. I did my research, joined the group and have participated in some rescue trains/transports. As an avid reader, I wanted to know more. In searching for books related to animal rescue, I found “Rescue Road” written by author Peter Zheutlin. I’m glad I did. It is a story of an amazing man who runs Rescue Road Trips and makes a trip from Ohio to the southern gulf coast every other week to pick up and transport dogs rescued from shelters to awaiting loving, fully vetted, adoptive fur-ever families in the north or to other rescue organizations. Zheutlin travels with him on one of these trips and meets many of the rescuer’s, countless volunteers, adoptive families and tours facilities. What he learns and shares about the overpopulation in several southern states and the lack of protective laws for animals is incredibly informative and at times, heartbreaking. If you are a dog lover and want to know what you can do to help rescue these amazing animals or are wavering between adopting or buying, read this book. It might just change your view of the canine world and forever change the life of an innocent soul. I can’t say enough positive about this book.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who loves dogs should read this book.

The further I got into the book, the more engrossed I became. It is a very well-written, very compelling story about an incredible and emotional topic: Dog rescue — particularly one man's twice-monthly drives to Louisiana to pick up dogs in need and transport them to northeastern states to permanent homes with loving families.

The author (Zheutlin) not only did a great job telling the story of the dog transporter (Greg Mahle), he also joined him on the long journey to pick up the dogs and deliver them up north and became part of the rescue effort himself. Cleaning kennels, walking dogs, giving dogs extra comfort & attention when they needed it, and even adopting one of the dogs he helped! All of that really drew me in to the story of Greg's dedication as well as the often-heartbreaking back-stories of each of the dogs who came to be part of Greg's "Rescue Road Trips".

Also, the Author's Note at the end of the book is a must-read for anyone wanting to get a dog. Zheutlin very clearly lays out the most important, practical–yet usually overlooked—aspects of getting & owning a dog: Do you have the time, energy and patience to meet a dog's needs? And do you have the empathy to WANT to do so? (Something I convey to all of my clients.)