Former puppymill breeder dog
Susie gets a new lease on life.
Photo Credit: Tanya Gazdik
Editor's Note: This story ran in a previous edition.
BEAVERTON, Oregon — Automotive marketers
love featuring dogs in commercials -- that’s nothing new. But some manufacturers take it another step and assist in actually saving dogs.
This year, a bevy of automakers,
automotive journalists, influencers and PR professionals came together to give 23 beagles their forever homes in a volunteer effort christened Operation Frodo. The namesake of the adventure is the
first dog who was saved during a similar cross-country journey two years ago.
By engaging with a broad network of rescues and supporters, Operation Frodo saves lives and
raises awareness about the plight of unwanted dogs in the Midwest. The goal is simple but significant: Connect a network of resources to give these animals a new start.
Launching
Dec. 15, the journey begins in Omaha, Nebraska. But my participation started two days earlier, when I left Detroit to make the trek to Omaha in a Hyundai Santa Fe on loan from the media fleet. I
stopped for the night in suburban Chicago before continuing on in what was one of the worst ice storms I have ever driven in. Thankfully, the Santa Fe had the chops to keep me firmly planted on the
road.
The rest of the convoy included a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Subaru Forester, Kia Carnival, Genesis GV70, and Ford Explorer. Nissan USA sponsored the fuel, while Infiniti USA
assisted with hotel expenses for the drivers. Bridgestone provided winter tires for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
There is a surplus of beagles in the Midwest -- discarded hunting
companions and abandoned puppy mill puppies. Meanwhile, there’s a shortage of the breed in the Pacific Northwest and even along the way in Utah. Two of the transported older puppies initially
had 50 adoption applications, according to the rescue.
Operation Frodo relies heavily on volunteer dedication, from the committed team at Basset and Beagle Rescue of the
Heartland, to the drivers, who cover airfare expenses themselves. The entire endeavor is orchestrated by Animal Rescue Rigs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by automotive journalist Nik Miles
that builds dedicated animal transport vehicles for shelters nationwide.
The journey spanned five days, with stops in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Boise before reaching a Kia
dealership in suburban Portland, where eager families awaited the arrival of their new companions thanks to the efforts of Cascade Beagle Rescue. Some of the dogs ended their journey early this year
in Salt Lake City thanks to Utah Beagle Rescue. Others continued on to adoptive homes facilitated by Seattle Beagle Rescue thanks to volunteer drivers from DriveShop Seattle.
One of the dogs ended up making his way back to Detroit with automotive journalist Paul Eisenstein, who couldn’t resist the charms of his passenger, Melvyn. Consequently, Eisenstein
made arrangements and accompanied Melvyn’s brother as he flew from Kansas City to take his brother’s place in Portland. That brought the rescued dog total to 23 this year.
Last year I drove from Detroit to Omaha and then ended up in Salt Lake City. This year, I continued all the way to Beaverton, which brought my tally for the year to 2,600 miles.
But the trip isn’t just driving — the dogs must be cared for and housed along the way, including overnights in hotel rooms. I personally shepherded a sweet old girl named
Susie, an outdoor breeder beagle who was dumped by her owner after having four litters of puppies. Her foster mom was in tears in Omaha and I almost joined her in the waterworks. I promised her I
would personally make sure Susie felt loved and safe every mile along the way. Big thanks to the Southwest Iowa Humane Society for helping to save sweet Susie.
It’s as
exhausting as it sounds — but the best kind of exhaustion. There isn’t anything more rewarding and more in the holiday spirit than helping others, especially animals. It was the truly
perfect way to close out the year. And plans are already underway for next year’s Operation Frodo — stay tuned!
Photo by Jesse Evans Creative