Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time, #1)

These first chapters establish two different settings: a modern-day family home (where Ranger lives with Luke) and the Oregon Trail during the pioneer migrations of the mid-1800s. Ranger’s time-traveling adventure and the Abbott family’s journey focus on this important episode of US history. The book includes several historically accurate details about the pioneer migration, giving the story a realistic foundation despite the magical plotline concerning Ranger and the mysterious box. The descriptions capture the chaos of Independence, Missouri, as pioneers, gold rush travelers and their animals gather in anticipation of their long journeys: “The street here wasn’t hard and smooth like at home—it was loose and dusty under Ranger’s paws. And the cars here didn’t roar or zoom. They had bigger wheels. Huge, drooling animals tugged them along” (20). Another historically accurate detail is that the Abbott family follows Mr. Palmer’s advice about what to pack for their trip, and what to expect on the road. This is likely a reference to Joel Palmer’s journal of his pioneering trip west in 1845. In addition, the book describes how the families, like the real pioneers, have their wagons packed full with their belongings, so most of the people must walk behind the wagons, and at night some sleep under the wagons.

By detailing the Abbott family’s journey, the book introduces the theme of Courage in the Face of Uncertainty. Guided only by the wagon ruts in the landscape and a guidebook on traveling the Oregon Trail, the Abbott family is vulnerable to the trail’s numerous hazards. Ma Abbott tries to put on a brave face for her children: “‘We’ll be just fine, Lizzie,’ Ma said, but she started humming a hymn from church. She did that when she felt anxious, Sam knew. With such a long list of bad things that could happen out on the trail, she was humming a lot these days” (35). Sam worries about the “disease, starvation and snowstorms” that are rumored to happen on the trail (5), which are all dangers that the real pioneers faced.

The harsh conditions of the mid-1800s are even stranger to the golden retriever, Ranger, who unexpectedly time traveled there. While Ranger is accustomed to a comfortable life with his owner Luke in modern times, he quickly adjusts to his new conditions in mid-19th century Missouri. Ranger’s keen interest in helping the Abbott family reflects the timeless connection between dogs and people, introducing the theme of The Dog-Human Bond. While the material conditions of the modern US dramatically differ from the constant danger of the Oregon Trail, dogs are man’s best friend in both settings. Ranger is a friendly companion dog to Luke and his family, and he also has valuable search-and-rescue skills, which he wants to put to use: “Ranger had done all the training with Luke and Dad. They went to a special school with other dogs—German Shepherds and Labradors and other golden retrievers like Ranger. There, they learned to rescue people in trouble” (11).

While Ranger’s time travel is accidental, and he wants to return home to Luke, he quickly adopts Sam and the rest of the Abbott family as his new human companions, protecting them by using his sense of smell and sensing dangers that they can’t. Ranger’s rescue of young Amelia reminds readers of how useful dogs are to human families like the Abbotts: “Every time Amelia tried to toddle back into the busy square, the dog moved to block her way. Sam ran over and scooped her sister up in his arms: “‘We found you!’ ‘That doggie did,’ she said” (27). Ranger has a sense of concern for the Abbotts and can see that they need him: “Ranger looked for Luke again. He couldn’t find him. But he saw the little Amelia girl tugging away from her big sister’s hand, trying to run off. Ranger decided he needed to help look after her ‘out on the trail,’ wherever that was” (31). Ranger’s sense of attachment to the Abbotts is mutual: Sam appreciates not only Ranger’s intelligence but also his reassuring presence on their journey: “You’re coming with us, right? Right, boy? […] He missed Scout, but he was glad this new dog had decided to come along. It was good to have furry company” (31, 40).