If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know just how much I love animals. My dog Indigo has taught me so many things about life, and I love reading about people doing great things for animals.
I came across this story this week, and wanted to share it with you. It’s about how one person can change the lives of so many. All it takes is one action, one moment to do something to make a difference. For Greg Mahle, he’s an inspiration not because he had the idea to help out dogs, but he’s taken an idea beyond what anyone else could have dreamed of. But he’s doing it. And he’s now a hero of mine for doing that.
Greg Mahle has driven more than 1 million miles in 9 1/2 years — the equivalent of taking a trip to the moon and back twice – and for him, it’s not about the mileage or the journey. It’s about saving dogs.
The Newark Advocate tells the rest of the story:
For almost a decade, Ohio-based Mahle has operated Rescue Road Trips, a service that transports shelter dogs from overpopulated Southern shelters and transports them via semitrailer to people in the North looking for a new member of the family.
Every other week, Mahle leaves his wife and stepson, traveling from their home in Zanesville to Houston, Texas, where he starts to pick up dogs destined for their new homes. Moving on from Texas, he stops in nine Southern states, picking up an average of 80 dogs on the second leg of his 4,200-mile journey.
“Some of them are scared,” Mahle said. “They don’t know what’s happening. Some have come from really bad situations, but a little love and reassurance is just what they need.”
Once secured in their crates on the truck, Mahle said the dogs perk up as if they know they’re off to a better life.
“It’s like being in a truck full of lottery winners,” he said with a laugh. “You can see it in their eyes and their disposition. They know something good is going to happen to them.”
Thank you, Greg, for all that you do! Read the rest of the story here. Have a safe and happy long weekend.
Zach says
Hi hannah i just wanted to give you a huge thanks for coming to north bay today and goodluck the rest of the tour
Jean says
great story on our friend Greg – we are animal lovers and work tirelessly to save the poor souls. Thanks for sharing the work this good man does.
Gail says
Greg from Rescue Road Trips sent me to your page…wonderful article you have shared…You have a lot of compassion and a gentle heart, Hannah ! Looking forward to reading more of your work !
Peggy says
Great job!
Elaine Holloway says
I read your blog and loved it! Just so you know… Greg brought my little rescue dog Sadie from Louisiana this past January 2014. Sadie was abandoned by her former family & left to survive on her own. She was abused as well. But Greg changed all that when he brought her home to Allentown. She is really such a love and has healed a part of my heart when I lost my dog Sheba to kidney failure. He is a wonderful person and I know he has a place in Heaven waiting for him some day. P.S. I am thinking about another dog that Greg will bring North for me too! 😀
Gail says
Great story…actually this weekend Greg Mahle is bringing us our new family member.. Johnny!!! I read some of your other blog entries…you are an amazing girl doing so much!!! Wish some of the adults would take a lesson from you..Hope you have a great weekend Hannah!! 🙂
Greg Mahle says
Thanks so much for the post.
Linda L says
Thanks Hannah for spreading the word about Rescue Road Trips. I think your blog is great, you cover a lot of issues and I know you will continue doing great things. Thank you for sharing with us.
Doreen Rymkiewicz says
Thanks Hannah for sharing Rescue Road Trips. Hannahs are wonderful beings! I have one named Hannah, and fostered another! Rescue rocks!!
Martha Hall says
Good job, Hannah! Keep up your interests and your writing. I’m retired from a government job in environmental protection, and I, too, love animals. We need young people to keep caring for our earth, our animals, and each other.
Glenda says
Thank you Hannah for the article. I like animals also and I follow Greg’s journeys on Facebook. He gives lots of dogs a much better life.
Florance Azzariti says
Loved reading about Rescue Road Trips! You are a lovely and caring young lady and I enjoyed reading your blog!
Nancy Brown says
I loved reading your blog today about Greg, and many of your other posts. Keep it up!
Lynn says
Thank you for posting about Greg and RRT. A great story. You wrote it very well!
Dawn says
Thank you, Hannah, for helping to spread the word about the incredible work Greg is doing. You are an amazing young woman and because you see the big things in life, will go far.
Bob says
Hannah,
This is a great story. Greg is bringing us our new family member as my wife Gail posted. His name is Johnny and he is a 3year old Papillon. We have only seen pictures of him but fell in love with him. We get to meet him tomorrow.
Please continue writing as you have a gift!
Have a fun weekend!
Gayle & Tabbi says
Nice article, Hannah. It gives me joy everytime I read Greg’s notes about his journeys. Gives the expression, “Lucky dog” a whole new meaning.
Carolyn says
Great article, Hannah. I love this guy too. I live in Vermont and have two retrievers, one is an older girl we adopted. Some day I want to rescue a dog from Greg. He’s my hero too.
Nicole B says
Thank you, Hannah, for recognizing the great work that Greg and the Rescue Road Trips team does. I’m grateful for you bring attention to such a great cause, and I’m very impressed with your writing.
Lisa Zingsheim says
Thank you, Hannah, for spreading the word about Greg and Rescue Road Trips. You’re right, he is a hero!
Charlene Hough says
Hannah, I was thrilled to read your story about Greg Mahle and Rescue Road Trips. He is a hero to me also. In 2009, he brought my dog, Pearl from Louisiana to CT. I got to shake his hand and thank him. His answer was, “No, thank you!” And he smiled.
Robin says
This is a great story. You are a wonderful writer and this blog is a great idea to develop your talents and writing voice. Thank you for appreciating animals and Greg’s work. Wishing your blog continued success!
Ann says
Great job, Hannah! I’m a huge fan of Rescue Road Trips, so it’s a special treat to read such an excellent article about Greg. Well done!
Fonda Tipton says
Hannah, I really enjoyed your article about Greg! You are really a very thoughtful young lady to write such a wonderful story! I too love dogs, and I am so grateful to all those who help make rescue them! I hope you continue to write, as it is clear that you have a real heart and talent!
Arianna says
Thank you Hannah. Just wonderful. You have a kind heart and you’re also a great writer.
Kelley says
Hi Hannah, I love reading about Rescue Road Trips! He brought me my sweet dog over 2 years ago. Awesome writing by the way. You have a great blog!
Kelly Edmonds says
Awesome blog, Hannah! Really appreciate you reporting on Greg and the Rescue Road Trips! What a great guy and a great cause!
Kelly Edmonds says
Awesome blog, Hannah! Thank you for bringing attention to Greg and the Rescue Road Trip! What a great guy and a great cause!
Gloria says
Great article! You are a wonderful writer! Keep up the good work and making a change in the world!
Maria says
Thank you, Hannah, for spreading the word about Greg and Rescue Road Trips. He brought us our dog 2 1/2 years ago. That is when I became aware of all the wonderful work so many rescuers in the south do to help save these dogs from death. Greg is the last step to their happily ever after. They are all amazing people!
lisa young says
thanks for sharing Greg’s story-RRT brought me my baby Bowie from Texas to Connecticut
Darcy Searle says
Hannah thank you for sharing Greg’s story! He brought us our Sasha from New Orleans 2 years ago and we instantly saw what a kind and caring man he is. Since then we often go to Gotcha Days to see him, bring him donations and just to watch the magic that happens when the dogs meet their families! Thanks for spreading the word of rescue Hannah!
Stephanie says
Your article was great. It is wonderful to see Greg get more well deserved recognition for his hard work.
Ruth says
Hannah, may never lose the passion you have now. Do great things and inspire us all to do what we can to make this world a better place. Any action, no matter how small, can make a difference to someone or in the case of Greg and RRT, a lot of special and lucky dogs. Thanks for helping spread the word about rescue.
Nancy says
Great story Hannah! Greg brought our dog Maggie to us 4 years ago. I have been following his journeys ever since. He is a truly amazing human being!
Angela says
Hannah–thank you for this fabulous post! And for calling attention to Greg and Rescue Road Trips! The world is a much kinder place because of his work and his passion.
Sheryl says
Hannah,
Thanks so much for sharing the story of this amazing man and all of the lives (both canine and human!!!) he continues to change every day with his love and generosity!!
Kayla says
Greg sounds like an amazing person who is changing soooooo many animals life’s! Thank you for sharing about this great man who cares so much about others!!!
callmehannah says
Thank you Kayla! Greg is such an awesome person, the thing is that anyone can do that. You don’t have to travel 40, 000 miles to help the animals, you can help by donating to a local pet shelter, fostering animals or rescuing or adopting pets. Like I always say, “Little things add up to make a huge difference!” Everyone can help!