Operation Frodo enlists volunteers to transport homeless dogs from Omaha to Portland, Oregon.
Led by our friend, automotive media journalist Nik Miles, Operation Frodo was established to bring Beagles (and mixed breeds) from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. The purpose is to save these dogs, and find them a new home. According to Miles, the West Coast has a low Beagle population, and many potential families seek Beagles, or similar dogs often. Beagles, and other hunting dogs are often placed in shelters, or discarded if they lack an acceptable disposition for hunting. Others were used in labs, or were mixed with other breeds that may have made them less valuable.
Fortunately, a group of volunteers in the Midwest used their own homes and resources to bring these dogs together. That way, Nik and his crew would have an easier time getting together up to a dozen dogs for the trip. Two Boston Terriers were transported to Denver too!
While the 1,650 miles journey may not seem too daunting on paper, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Many of these dogs have suffered through physical and emotional abuse, and others simply are not used to human contact. Shoving them in a cage and forcing them to ride for several days can be demanding.
That’s why Nik asked his colleagues in the automotive world for help. Many have had experience with dogs, and some have worked in various rescues in the past. Luckily, I was able to contribute to the driving team. This also required that we all sleep with at least one dog in our room. My contribution consisted in bringing a Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, which Nissan loaned us for the project, from Denver to Omaha.
Once loaded, we headed back to Denver, then it was off to Salt Lake City. That was the end of my contribution. From there, other drivers popped in to take over as there were still three days left in the trip. Upon arriving in Portland, Oregon, many of the dogs will already have a family waiting for them. Some will still be up for adoption.
DriveShop, and many automakers chipped in!
While Hyundai and Nissan contributed vehicles to the project, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Infiniti and Toyota all contributed in some way as well to make this rescue happen. On my legs of the journey, I piloted the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. Both rides were comfy for the puppies, and I had three of them tagging along. In addition, I worked with two separate automotive journalists who were co-drivers: Beverly Braga and Tanya Gazdik. Both were amazing companions and true doggie friends!
We’ll have more coming up from the trip itself. Stay tuned!
