What drives a man to spend decades racing through the harshest terrains of Alaska?

Discover the unbreakable bond between a man and his dogs in this extraordinary memoir.

In Until The Last Dog, you'll follow the incredible adventures of an accomplished sled dog racer who has spent 38 years competing in some of the most challenging races from Alaska to Argentina. With dogs by his side, he has faced life-threatening encounters with Alaskan wildlife and found deep joy in the solitude of the wilderness. His stories are filled with humor, heart, and the raw beauty of nature.

Until The Last Dog is an inspiring memoir by Rob Downey that intertwines the author's life story with his deep connection to dogs, particularly through his experiences as a sled dog racer and the founder of Annamaet Petfoods. Downey reflects on how dogs not only shaped his career but also saved his life—both literally and emotionally—on multiple occasions.

The memoir delves into his personal journey, from overcoming early childhood trauma to his competitive sled dog racing across challenging terrains. Central to his story is the dedication to his dogs, both in the sport of dog mushing and in founding a pet food company driven by a commitment to providing the best nutrition for animals. Throughout the narrative, Downey’s resilience, humor, and passion shine, as he transforms personal challenges into triumphs, never losing sight of the importance of family, friendship, and his bond with the animals that guided him through life.

In one particularly harrowing episode, Downey comes face to face with a moose while out on a training run.

An Alaskan moose can be 6 feet tall at the shoulder and often weighs upwards of 1,400 pounds. As he recalls, “I slammed on the brake as I was worried, she was going to come into my dog team and start stomping and kicking my dogs.” What follows is a heart-pounding encounter with a charging moose that leaves him unconscious in subzero temperatures.