Throughout his life, Rob Downey, a Bucks County resident, has worked to care for and improve the health of our working canine companions, writes J.F. Pirro for Main Line Today.
Before moving to Pennsylvania, Downey spent 20 years racing sled dogs in Alaska, documenting over 6,000 runs spanning 42,000 miles with his 25 to 30 sled dogs.
While living there, he worked with the Indigenous Athabascan people to support the youths in their community with a school program.
Downey has also competed in hundreds of races across the United States and in six Canadian provinces.
Prior to his years in Alaska, Downey attended Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, receiving his degree in animal sciences.
Using that knowledge, he went on to found his own holistic, natural pet food company, Annamaet Petfoods.
He spent his graduate years at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, where he focused on canine exercise physiology and nutrition.
Downey’s work has been revolutionary in modifying performance dogs’ diets to help improve stamina.
His memoir, “Until The Last Dog: One Man’s Lifelong Journey to Alaska With His Dogs,” discusses his years of competing, time spent in Alaska, and his career.
Learn more about Bucks County resident Rob Downey and his inspiring journey caring for work dogs in Main Line Today.
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