Two Hogs, Two Dogs, and a Country to Cross

by Janet Charbonneau

A random ride on the back of her brother’s Harley-Davidson leads to a rum-filled evening of laughter and crazy ideas. What if we bought two motorcycles and set off across the country? Wouldn’t that be fun? A great adventure! Everyone was on board, ready to leave the next day. And then they remembered two things. They didn’t know how to ride motorcycles and there were two very large Golden Retrievers that do not fit on motorcycles.

The author takes you on an incredible, unforgettable 218-day journey through all lower 48 states with the dogs riding in sidecars. Wearing goofy smiles, goggles, and flag bandanas, Max and Bailey win the hearts of everyone who meets them as they race across this great nation to help others simply cross the road. With over 200 pictures included, you can follow along as these two dogs take you on a journey of a lifetime through America's back roads to visit quirky tourist attractions, iconic American landmarks, and interesting places in small town America while raising money and educating people about how Assistance Dogs profoundly impact the lives of people living with disabilities. The triumphs will have you cheering. The moments of struggle will leave you wondering why they didn’t quit. However, the people they meet and the lives they changed will leave you with a renewed understanding of how powerful one crazy idea can become and will help you rediscover the heart of America.

Genres: Nonfiction

478 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

Janet Charbonneau enjoys taking the road less traveled. She has spent her life chasing adventures and helping others. After leaving corporate America in her mid-30’s to chase dreams of blue water cruising, she climbed aboard her Harley Davidson motorcycle, spending 218 days traveling all lower 48 states, to help people living with disabilities. To make it interesting, she did the cross-country ride with her Golden Retriever, Bailey, tucked into her sidecar. Not long after those early adventures, Janet found herself walking the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. In each case, she had zero experience until the day she decided to go. Always with purpose. Always with courage and determination.

For many years, she volunteered with Canines for Veterans as a board member, board chairman, and service-dog-in-training socializer and continues to support Assistance Dog organizations. She still enjoys volunteering and is currently the treasurer for the Military Appreciation Day - Charleston Chapter. She now resides in North Carolina with Holly, her Golden Retriever, working as an IT professional by day, writing books, and planning her next adventures in her spare time.

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good guide on how to set up a nonprofit. It gives you everything but the forms. Although I’m sympathetic to the cause, I was expecting more of a travelogue instead of an exploration of the charity functions, admirable though they were. I almost didn’t read it at all when the first page said the other protagonist was “my then husband.” I was left wanting to know what happened to him! And how about the dogs? Good effort for a first book and I hope you write something with a more personal perspective.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story Of An Amazing Journey

This book took forever to finish. I had to stop about every other page to wipe my eyes and blow my nose. The stories were so moving I couldn’t keep the tears from falling.
I can identify with all the issues Janet and Blaine came across on their journey. Also with Janet’s issues with her GPS and navigation anxiety.
What these two people and two dogs accomplished is amazing. Anyone reading this book can’t help but feel inspired.
You can tell Janet isn’t a writer, but her story is real and compelling.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Touching and an inspiration

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I was awed and touched by this book. It's a wonderful recounting of an awesome undertaking: the many miles and travails which were part of this ambitious trip. I also enjoyed the photos of Max and Bailey, as well as of those of the author and her husband. I highly recommend this book!

[Christy Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

Janet takes you day by day in this 200+ day journey - the highs the lows - the fears and the tears but most of all - the heart of America
Enjoyed every page!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I won this book through a giveaway**

This was a fun, fast-paced read. I generally like books about travel, and this one was no exception. I enjoyed reading about the author's perceptions of each state that they passed through. In addition, I was inspired by this couple's dedication to their cause, and enjoyed learning about everything service dogs can do. Would recommend!