In the early morning hours of a bitterly cold morning, North Shore Animal League America’s Mobile Rescue Unit pulled into our Port Washington campus carrying precious cargo — 48 dogs rescued from commercial breeding operations across the Midwest.
Nestled in the arms of our volunteers and gently carried into warmth and safety, the dogs arrived exhausted and unsure. For many, it was the first time they had experienced gentle hands and the promise of a new beginning. This lifesaving mission marked our first commercial breeding rescue of 2026, made possible through our longtime partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue.
To understand what it took to bring these dogs to safety, you have to rewind several days earlier — to a 6:30 am departure from Long Island and a 2,410-mile journey across snow-covered highways and rough Midwestern roads.
For the first time, North Shore Animal League America’s social media specialist, Bob Borden, joined the rescue team on the road, documenting the mission in real time. “I never really thought about what they had to go through to rescue these animals,” Bob shared. “Just getting there is 1,200 miles. The roads at times were rough and bumpy, and I was trying to film and edit videos while the truck was moving. It was a challenge, but I got to see how much effort goes into every transport.”
Along the way, Bob witnessed not only the physical demands of the trip, but the quiet devotion that defined each day. Before breakfast, before showers, and before tending to themselves, the rescue team rose before dawn to care for the dogs — cleaning crates, feeding them, and checking on every animal’s well-being before continuing the journey. “They treated the animals like they were their own,” Bob noted. “There was no dread. Their spirits were high because they knew the outcome; these dogs were going to be safe.”
The dogs themselves reflected the realities of surviving commercial breeding facilities. Some were eager and curious. Others were timid and withdrawn, still learning how to trust. “I tried to make friends with Pierre, a little white poodle,” Bob said. “He let me pet him, but he needs time. He’s going to make somebody an excellent pet; he just needs a chance to figure things out.”
One unexpected moment during the trip showed how compassion can travel far beyond the Mobile Rescue Unit. When Bob posted a video of one of many refueling stops — the pump climbing toward $200 — a supporter donated online to help cover fuel costs, turning an ordinary moment into a powerful act of shared kindness. These kind of rescue missions come at a steep financial cost and thankfully, this particular trip was made possible in part by a generous grant from New York Community Trust, with food donated by Nutrish.
Now safe on our Port Washington campus, each dog will receive comprehensive veterinary care, including examinations, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, grooming and behavioral support. With patience and compassion, they will begin learning what it means to feel secure.
What began as a long, difficult journey across snow-covered highways ended with something far greater – 50 dogs finally safe, finally seen, and finally given the chance to experience love. Every mile traveled, every crate cleaned before dawn and every hand that reached out in kindness and generosity made this rescue possible. When compassion is put into action, even the longest road can lead to a new beginning.
Want to see more from the road?
Watch Road to Rescue, Bob Borden’s compilation of exclusive videos of start‑to‑finish footage of this remarkable journey.