UNTIL THE LAST DOG, A Memoir by Robert Downey.
A Book Review and story of a champion dog musher…
UNTIL THE LAST DOG: One Man’s Lifelong Journey to Alaska with His Dogs by Robert Downey. A Memoir. A Book Review.
“Like many people, dogs have been a big part of my life. Unlike many people, they have saved my life twice.” – Rob Downey
Introduction by Brian Alan Burhoe:
Above all else, I’ve always loved the Outdoors. Exploring it. It was easy to explore when it was just beyond the horse pastures out back. And reading about it.
Yarns about the Wilderness and its wild animals. Writers like Charles G D Roberts, Ernest Thompson Seton and Jack London grabbed hold of me as a boy and took me on thrilling adventures in the Wild Northcountry.
In fact, Jack London created an entire genre — the Northwestern — that lasted for 50 years. From the publication of THE CALL OF THE WILD in 1903 to the release of the last issue of North-West Romances magazine in 1953, the Northwestern ruled many a valiant heart. For half a century stories of wild huskies, wilder wolves, red-coated Mounties, independent heroines and the white and forevergreen forests thrilled generations.
Among the many books on my pinewood bookshelves are the stories of our true northern heroes. DOGSLED: A True Tale of the North by Slim Randles. WINTERDANCE: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen. THE CRUELEST MILES: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic by Gay & Laney Salisbury. Just three.
BOOKNEWS: “Robert Downey, Founder of Annamaet Petfoods and Champion Dog Sled Racer, Publishes His Memoir UNTIL THE LAST DOG: One Man’s Lifelong Journey to Alaska with His Dogs.”
UNTIL THE LAST DOG tells the 40 year story of one avid dog musher. Rob’s love of dogs, the wild Alaska Northcountry and the adventures and dangers of travelling the iconic sled trails.
Annamaet Petfoods Founder, pet nutrition expert and champion dog sled racer, Robert Downey, can now add “published author” to his impressive resume.
Now Downey unveils his first published memoir, UNTIL THE LAST DOG.
This inspiring story of Robert Downey’s life and his deep connection to dogs pulls from his experiences as a sled dog racer. And as founder of Annamaet Petfoods. Downey reflects on how dogs have not just influenced his career, but also saved his life on multiple occasions.
“This project is something I’ve been working on for quite some time, and it feels surreal to finally be here — releasing my first book,” Robert Downey said. “My team and I have worked tirelessly to create a great book, and I truly hope that readers will enjoy it.”
In UNTIL THE LAST DOG, Rob Downey takes readers into the thrilling, yet unpredictable, world of Alaskan sled dog racing. A lifestyle he lived for almost 40 years.
At the center of his story is ultimately his dedication to dogs — both in the sport of dog mushing and in the creation of Annamaet Petfoods. A company committed to innovating and offering the very best nutrition for animals.
One of the most significant experiences in Downey’s life is “The Moose Story,” a chilling episode where Downey came face to face with an Alaskan moose while out on a training run with his dogs.
After being knocked unconscious and left in subzero temperatures, Downey unlocked the strong bond between a man and his dogs.
“Annamaet Petfoods customers may even recognize a certain moose on every bag of our food and, yes, this design decision was inspired by my moose story,” Robert Downey added. “Readers will have to dive into this book to get the full, thrilling story.”
Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, a close friend of Downey and fellow dog musher, said of UNTIL THE LAST DOG, “every challenge is described with disarming honesty, while you may feel empathy for Rob, you will never feel pity because each low point is followed by a purpose.”
UNTIL THE LAST DOG explores Downey’s personal journey, including overcoming childhood trauma and hardships and how those experiences influenced the trajectory of his life. Readers will get to know Downey’s resilience, humor and passion as he transforms personal challenges into triumphs.
“The overarching theme of this book is a reminder to all,” said Downey, “when searching for guidance through life, never lose sight of what is most important — family, friendships and, of course, animals.”
As of this writing, UNTIL THE LAST DOG by Rob Downey is available on Amazon in soft cover, hardback and Kindle edition. To learn more about Annamaet Petfoods and Robert Downey’s heart-felt book, please visit Annamaet News – Until the Last Dog.
“I think my dogs prefer sleeping in a warm bed as well.” – Rob Downey
Do You love Dog Stories?
Read this story of the Wolf who rescued a Husky!
READ WOLFBLOOD — MY MOST POPULAR ANIMAL YARN: “I LOVE THE HAPPY ENDING!”
“I JUST READ WOLFBLOOD AGAIN FOR GOOD MEASURE. ONE FOR ANY WOLF LOVER. ENJOYED IT BUT WISH IT WAS A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.” – Gina Chronowicz @ginachron
“GREAT SHORT STORY! DOES REMIND ME OF CALL OF THE WILD, WHITE FANG…” – Evelyn @evelyn_m_k
An “entertaining and affectionate” narrative in the Jack London Tradition. Story of a lone Gray Wolf and his quest for a place in the far-flung forests of the feral North. WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper
ABOUT ROBERT DOWNEY:
“Robert Downey’s lifelong involvement with dogs has led to a career as a companion animal nutritionist. Rob has traveled the world giving lectures. His research has been published in several peer reviewed Veterinary and Nutrition journals. His first book, UNTIL THE LAST DOG, follows the path of his compelling life story. From early childhood trauma to competing in sled dog sports for close to 40 years, including twenty winters in Alaska. He calls beautiful Bucks County Pennsylvania home where he lives with his lovely wife Mary Jo. And their rescue animals, Lee, an Australian Cattle Dog and a very vocal orange tabby cat they call Chase.”
ABOUT ANNAMAET PETFOODS
“Annamaet Petfoods Inc. has been producing holistic and natural pet foods for nearly 40 years. The company is built on optimum nutrition using real science with a true passion for pets. Located in Hatfield, PA, they currently ship products throughout the United States as well as export to 18 countries. The product line includes 17 dog food formulas, two cat food options, a treat line and four supplements. With their science and nutrition background, Annamaet is continually exploring ways to bring the best products to the pet food market.”
Q. “What does Annamaet mean?” Perhaps a better question is, “Who is Anna Mae?” See Annamaet.com – About Us
UNTIL THE LAST DOG: Champion Dog Sled Racer Robert Downey Memoir – Book Review
SOURCE Annamaet Petfood, PRNewswire & Civilized Bears. Robert Downey 2025.
