📖 Overview
David Rosenfelt chronicles his cross-country move from California to Maine with 25 rescue dogs in tow. The journey requires multiple RVs and a team of dedicated volunteers to transport his pack of mostly senior and special needs golden retrievers across 3,000 miles.
The book alternates between recounting the road trip and sharing stories of how Rosenfelt and his wife became deeply involved in dog rescue work. Their rescue operation grew from a small home-based effort into the Tara Foundation, which has saved thousands of dogs.
Through dry humor and straightforward storytelling, Rosenfelt details the logistics, challenges, and rewards of caring for so many dogs. The narrative includes profiles of individual dogs and the volunteers who helped make the ambitious relocation possible.
The memoir explores themes of dedication to a cause, building community through shared purpose, and the profound bonds between humans and animals. It presents rescue work not as a sacrifice but as a natural extension of compassion.
👀 Reviews
Dog lovers connect with Rosenfelt's humorous account of moving 25 rescue dogs cross-country. Readers appreciate his self-deprecating tone and entertaining stories about each dog's personality and quirks.
Readers liked:
- Balance of humor and heart
- Individual stories about rescue dogs
- Behind-the-scenes look at running a dog sanctuary
- Clear portrayal of challenges in animal rescue work
Readers disliked:
- Repetitive anecdotes
- Disorganized timeline/structure
- Too much focus on logistics of the move
- Some found the humor forced
One reader noted: "He captures both the joy and heartbreak of animal rescue without being preachy."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (3,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings)
Most readers recommend it for dog lovers and fans of Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter mystery series, but note it may not appeal to general audiences.
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The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein A dog named Enzo narrates the story of his life with his race car driver owner and their journey through family challenges.
Rescuing Penny Jane by Amy Sutherland A shelter volunteer shares experiences from inside the world of dog rescue and rehabilitation.
Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts by Lucy Dillon A woman inherits a dog rescue kennel and discovers the transformative power of helping abandoned dogs find homes.
You Had Me at Woof by Julie Klam A memoir chronicles the author's path from single city dweller to dog rescuer with multiple Boston Terriers.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐾 Author David Rosenfelt and his wife run the Tara Foundation, which has rescued over 4,000 dogs, with a focus on senior golden retrievers.
🚐 The book chronicles a cross-country journey with 25 rescue dogs in three RVs from California to Maine, covering 3,000 miles in five days.
📚 Rosenfelt is better known for his Andy Carpenter mystery series, featuring a dog-loving attorney who solves crimes alongside his golden retriever, Tara.
🏠 The author's Maine home needed special modifications to accommodate their numerous rescue dogs, including installing custom drainage systems and special flooring.
🐕 During the trip described in the book, the convoy required 500 pounds of dog food, 200 gallons of water, and 1,000 poop bags to care for their canine passengers.