Automotive journalists combined forces with automakers and with dog rescue operations in the Midwest to bring 12 adoptable dogs westward to find permanent homes. The doglift balances the supply and demand and delivers new pets in time for Christmas.
Everyone loves puppies, including automotive journalists to engaged in a dog lift of beagles dubbed Operation Frodo.
Automakers including Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, and Subaru all pitched in by providing the vehicles and some money to help fund the transfer. Automotive journalists made the long drive to the west coast, and dog rescue agencies provided and received the puppies and dogs.
The reason for the doglift is simple: there are too many beagles in shelters and rescues in the center of the nation, and not enough beagles to meet adoption demand in the Pacific Northwest. Moving the dogs balances the supply and demand and delivers new pets in time for Christmas.
“There are not a lot of beagles here in the Pacific Northwest, so it’s really great that we can help out shelters that have an excess of beagles,” said Ruth Page of Seattle Beagle Rescue. “There’s plenty of beagle lovers here in the Pacific Northwest, so we’re going to find ’em all homes.”
Operation Frodo 1650
The reason for the doglift is simple: there are too many beagles in shelters and rescues in the center of the nation, and not enough beagles to meet adoption demand in the Pacific Northwest.
The project is called Operation Frodo 1650, and it was the brainchild of radio host Nik Miles. Miles adopted a beagle named Frodo from the Midwest last year, and that inspired him to organize this effort to help a dozen more beagles.
The dogs were transported 1,650 miles from Omaha, Nebraska to Portland, Oregon. Two were dropped off in Denver Colorado along the way, but the rest went to families in the Portland and Seattle metro areas.
“The happiness and love these dogs will bring to families is huge,” Miles said. “This effort has created immeasurable love this Christmas. We’re beyond proud of everyone involved. This endeavor truly exemplifies the beauty of putting others first.”
Driving the Distance
The SUVs used in the caravan included a Subaru Crosstrek, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and a Hyundai Santa Fe. All performed admirably in the winter weather and over the long road trip. Over the four-day journey the dogs were driven and cared for by automotive journalists, including this writer. The dogs rode safely in travel carriers in the SUVs, along with road supplies and luggage.
Many of the dogs had adoptive families waiting for their arrival, while a few went to experienced foster families while adoptive families are located.
Drivers shared our hotel rooms with the dogs at night and took care of all the feeding and walking at rest stops. La Quinta Inns were the host hotels in Denver, Salt Lake City and Boise. The hotel chain generously waived all pet fees and provided goody bags for each dog on the trip.
Many of the dogs had adoptive families waiting for their arrival, while a few went to experienced foster families while adoptive families are located.
“It’s terrific for the dogs because when you take a whole bunch of them out here where people are really excited about adopting, that leaves room for the Midwest rescues to fill up again,” explained Kappy Hodges, executive director of Cascade Beagle Rescue. “They have so many dogs that need to come out of shelters, possibly out of a research facility, or even just let loose into the wild.”
For his part, Miles is ready to begin planning another trip next year to save even more dogs from languishing in shelters instead of getting to know their new families.
“We’re feeling exhausted but incredibly fulfilled,” Miles said. “Our hearts are overflowing with joy. Operation Frodo this year was nothing short of miraculous — from our first donation to our final farewell. It’s not just about pets, it’s about saving lives.”
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