Dogtripping summary

In the Beginning: Preparing for the Unthinkable

In Dogtripping by David Rosenfelt, we are introduced to the author's life in California, where he and his wife, Debbie, have a home filled with golden retrievers. When they decide to move across the country to Maine, they are faced with a daunting challenge: how to transport their 25 dogs. Rosenfelt describes the extensive preparations they make, including buying a large RV to accommodate the dogs, and the many logistical challenges they anticipate.

The journey begins with the dogs and cats, along with the Rosenfelts, in the RVs, and a small group of volunteers in their own vehicles. Despite their careful planning, the trip gets off to a rocky start. They are forced to make a detour after an unexpected snowstorm, and the RVs break down multiple times. However, the group pushes through, making the best of the situation and enjoying the scenic route.

The Tara Foundation: A New Beginning

Once in Maine, the Rosenfelts start a new life, and their love for animals leads them to establish the Tara Foundation, a rescue organization dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters. The foundation is named after their first golden retriever, Tara, and it becomes a central part of their lives. They begin fostering dogs, providing them with a loving home until they can be adopted by a forever family.

Rosenfelt shares the heartwarming stories of some of the dogs they have rescued, including Tara herself, who had been abandoned in a foreclosed home. The foundation's efforts grow, and they start organizing cross-country transports, similar to their own, to bring dogs from overcrowded shelters in the south to loving homes in the north.

Life at the Tara Foundation

The middle part of Dogtripping delves into the daily life at the Tara Foundation, where the Rosenfelts and their staff work tirelessly to care for the dogs. They handle everything from medical care and behavioral training to finding suitable adopters. Despite the challenges, they find joy in seeing the dogs thrive and find their forever homes.

Throughout this journey, Rosenfelt continues to write his popular Andy Carpenter mystery novels, often featuring dogs and their unconditional love. He also shares how the dogs have impacted his writing, his family, and his outlook on life, providing him with inspiration and purpose.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

In the final part of the book, Rosenfelt reflects on their cross-country move and the founding of the Tara Foundation. He acknowledges the challenges they faced, but also the incredible experiences and the countless lives they have saved. He expresses gratitude for the volunteers, adopters, and supporters who have made their mission possible.

In conclusion, Dogtripping is a heartwarming and often humorous account of a family's unconventional road trip and their dedication to saving dogs' lives. It is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Rosenfelt's story inspires us to follow our passions, no matter the obstacles, and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.