Izelle McHugh

The Night They Dug Their Way to Adventure is a warm, funny and deeply heartfelt children's story inspired by the real-life adventure of two inseparable Rottweilers, Rambo and Maya. When mischievous young Maya discovers that the world beyond the garden fence smells far too interesting to ignore, she digs her way out - and sensible, protective Rambo reluctantly follows. What begins as a naughty nighttime escape soon becomes a magical journey through a mysterious ravine filled with lantern creatures, knitting frogs, bee-fairies, gremlins, punk-rock mice and one extremely nosy crow.
But beneath the humour and magic lies a very real concern: Rambo has Addison's disease and needs medication every day. As the adventure continues and Rambo begins to feel unwell, Maya and their new friends discover that bravery does not mean never being frightened, strength does not mean never needing help, and even the biggest among us sometimes need others to walk beside them. Meanwhile, beyond the ravine, another story is unfolding.
Photographs are being shared, strangers are watching for two missing dogs, and one compassionate person understands that helping a frightened rescue dog sometimes means keeping your distance rather than trying to catch him. At its heart, The Night They Dug Their Way to Adventure is a story about friendship, courage, community, chronic illness, rescue animals and the extraordinary meaning of home. And the most special part?Rambo and Maya are real.
They really did escape. People really did share their photographs and help search for them. A stranger really did follow them from a respectful distance and make the call that helped bring them home. Rambo really does live with Addison's disease, but the story deliberately refuses to define him by it. With daily medication and care, he remains exactly what he has always been: a rescue dog, a survivor, Maya's best friend - and very, very loved.
Written with humour, tenderness and a touch of ravine magic, the book introduces young readers to an important message without becoming clinical or frightening:Being sick is something you may live with. It is not who you are. A story for children - with a message that will stay with the adults reading beside them.