FOLLOWING ARE THE STORIES OF PETS #572 - DELIVERED BY OPERATION ROGER DRIVERS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2011. WE ARE PROUD OF THEM ALL.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY READING. WHEN WE HAVE PICTURES, WE WILL ENDEAVOR TO GET THEM ON HERE. We would also like to ask that if you have photos of any of the transports we have done, please send them along with an e-mail to: operationroger01@yahoo.com . We would love to get them on the following board.

Please tell us the pet's transported name & number, if known, as this is the way we have them recorded. If you don't know the name or number, the month & year the pet reached its new home and the name of the person who submitted the application will help.

Tell us about the photo-who/what/when/where, new name, etc. Give us an update story on the pet. We would really like to get all pets featured with a photo. If you have an updated photo of one already shown, please send it also. Many times someone wants to write about us and include pictures of the pets. They must have a digital camera photo 7 pixels and above. We can accept cell phone pictures for this website.

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2011

#610 EMMA (Pit) Portland, OR - Granite Bay, CA

#609 CHLOE (Tabby Cat) Britton, MI - Ft. Myers, FL

#608 OLIVER (Rat Terrier) Ocala, FL - Springdale, AR

#607 PRECIOUS (Rat Terrier/Schnauzer) Ocala, FL - Springdale, AR

#606 HOPE (Pom/Golden Retriever) Gainesville, GA - Hilliard, OH

#605 ROXIE (Lab X) Concord, NC - Cypress, CA

#604 JO (German Shepherd) Hodgenville, KY - Dallas, OR

#603 PETE (German Shepherd/Husky) Mound City, KS - Hanahan, SC

#602 GRETTIE (Standard Poodle) Holland, MI - Port Richey, FL

#601 MR. SILVER (Russian Blue) Butler, TN - Buschnell, FL

Mr. Silver, an older male 20# cat has found his new home! Cindy K and her family had moved from MN to TN to the home of their friend Chris L. This included Cindy's pets Sugar, who was pet #316, and her cat Mr. Silver. However, Chris is very allergic to cats and Mr. Silver absolutely could not be allowed in the house. So, Mr. Silver had been living in a small crate on the back porch. Driver Dellcina H found him a home with her daughter, Jennifer, and her family in FL.

Driver Dellcina H pu 11/6/11 del 11/27/11

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  #600 LUNA (Blue Pit) Flagstaff, AZ - Berwyn, IL

#599 WILL (Yellow Lab X) Arlington, TX - Green Bay, WI

#597 SHEBA & #598 NIBBLER (Shih Tzu) Vinita, OK - Summerfield, NC

#596 DUKE (GSD) Tacoma, WA -  Arlington, TX

#595 JOHNNY#5 (Bichon Frise) Grand Island, NE - Pleasant Hill, CA
JOHNNY #5, a 3.4 y/o 15# male, has made it to his new home.  Picked up in Grand Island by Drivers Ralph&Tina F, they reported no problems. Unable to meet with the next driver, Johnny #5 was left with a temporary LOH Lisa B. He was picked up six days later by Driver Sean K. Drivers Ralph&Tina F and Sean Kiel pu 10/26/11 del 11/6/11
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From the Adopter:
Johnny #5 has  a problem with territory marking, but is mostly broken of this. If you say "No" he will not do it.  He likes to play with other dogs and there have been children in the home he is presently in.  He is really friendly.  He had  a belly band to travel with, his kennel, and a little duffel bag for all of his things (food) etc for travel. His story is that he was part of a rescue of about 60 dogs from a puppy mill in Nebraska. Three humane societies each took about 20 dogs and each Society was able to rescue about 17 dogs out of each lot. Since they didn't have names when they were rescued, they were given numbers.
I have wanted a Bichon Frise for over 10 years. I read my hometown newspaper every morning on line. A notice on the Grand Island Daily Independent mentioned that there were several Bichon's that needed to be adopted. The next thing I knew, I was clicking on the link and calling Grand Island, NE. The lady at the Humane Society told me about a few of the dogs. When she started telling me about the personality of Number 5 - I KNEW that this was a dog that needed to come live with us. I had just had to put down my golden retriever of 13 years this spring. Number 5 sounded just like Maggie when she was a puppy.
My remaining Golden Retriever has been so lonely. I thought she would get better, but she seems to get more lonely by the day. Lyla at the Humae Society agreed to foster Number 5 - she had adopted number 20, an older bichon that was very timid. Johnny number 5 has taught her to play and be a happy dog. Now it is time for Johnny Number 5 to come to his new home. Johnny was added to his name because of an old movie about a robot that was created to kill, but circumstances cause him to be very loving and do only good. I have yet to see this movie, but most people smile when I tell them Johnny's name.
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Update From Adopter Feb 2013
First my apologies for not sending this communication earlier.  I was ill at the time you transported my little Bichon Friese from Grand Island, Nebraska to Pleasant Hill, California the fall of 2011.   I am just now well enough to send this e-mail.   I adopted "Number 5" from a shelter in Grand Island, NE.  I got to know Lilah during the adoption process and she fostered Number 5 until I could arrange transportation.  Just after I adopted "Number 5" I became very ill. At the same Lilah became very ill.  I did not know at the time just how sick Lilah was - she passed on last year.  Such a loving woman.
I had put up a notice at a truck stop in Lodi and received a call from a trucker telling me about your organization.  I did the necessary paper work to get "Number 5" accepted by your program.  Lilah and I had agreed that when she got the call and was to hand over "number 5" to the trucker - if she had any reservations at all about the driver, she would not hand him over.  She called me after she delivered him and said the driver was very loving with "number 5" and she had no hesitations at all about the care the little dog would receive.
"Number 5" was driven from Grand Island, Ne to Seattle where he was handed over to a woman - not a trucker.  I called her when she had rec'd "Number 5".  Since I had lived in Seattle, I inquired as to where she lived in the area.  She yelled into the phone "What are you going to send me?"  Yes, Yelled.  I was so taken aback that couldn't say anything.   "Number 5" spent a few days with her and then she drove "Number 5" to Portland to hand over to trucker "Sean".
"Number 5" spent a few days with Sean and his mother, before Sean loaded "Number 5" into his truck to drive to California. (Sean's Truck broke down and I drove up north for a few hours, took Sean a hot meal as he was stranded along side the freeway for several days).  Sean was a sweetheart.  So gentle.  His mother had sewn a little diaper for "Number 5".  He was concerned about the quality of the dog that the humane society had passed on to me.   The dog that I rec'd was definitely not the dog that Lilah and I had been discussing for 2 months over the phone.  Sean mentioned that the woman from Seattle had several big dogs.
"Number 5" was so covered in fleas that I bought flea shampoo on the way home, did not set him down - he went straight to the sink for a bath.  He shook all of the time.  He seemed like he had been terrorized.  I thought It was the noise of the trucks.  I avoided calling Lilah about him - I didn't want her to know the mental shape he was in when he arrived.  When we did talk.  Lilah asked me about the travel kit she had sent with Johnny.  A travel bag.  Some cute clothes.  Some cute toys. Etc.  What she had sent him off with, he did not arrive with.  Johnny "Number 5"  as he is now called was under the care of 3 people during his trip.
The trucker that Lilah endorsed with a gold star.  Sean the trucker that I met - gentle, gentle Sean.  And the woman in Seattle.  If the woman in Seattle is still part of your organization - please do some research on her. BTW... Sean Kiel knew a reporter, she wrote a piece on him and Johnny "Number 5".  It hit the AP national news.  I would hold Johnny "Number 5", sit in the back yard and give interviews to reporters from all over the country.  The number I have for Sean has been changed.  I would love to talk with him. Let him know how we are doing  - it took Johnny "Number 5" about 6 months to settle down.  He is now such a joy and gives me daily giggles - he is so playful. If you have any questions regarding anything, please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail or phone. Again, my apologies for taking almost a year and a half to send this. Thank you and God bless you and your organization.
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#594 WALLACE (Chihuahua X) Grand Island, NE - Riverton, WY 

  #593 PRECIOUS (Shih Tzu) Casa Grande, AZ - Brookeville, TX

PRECIOUS, a 7-10# female was the trucking companion of Trucker Michael H. Unfortunately, Michael drowned in an AZ culvert and Precious was taken to the Pinal County Animal Control. One of our drivers. Dellcina H, and Michael both preferred to drive nights and talked often. After trying for two weeks to get in touch with Michael, she finally got the phone to answer, only it was Glenna, Michael's wife.

As soon as she discovered what had happened, Dell contacted Operation Roger's office. Glenna and Sue were able to pull together the necessary information to get Precious back to Texas. Driver Glenn W picked up Precious on his way back from CA and got her as far as Killeen, TX, to LOH Mary Ellen H,

Mary Ellen's mother, Betty, had Shih Tzus at one time. Precious immediatley took to Betty and wanted only to be held. The next day Mary Ellen and Betty drove to Huntsville where they met Glenna's niece, Tina. Soon Precious was on her final leg home.

Driver Glenn W pu 10-29-11 del 11-1-11

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#592 TEX (Boxer X) San Antonio, TX - Detroit, MI

#591 TACO (Chihuahua X) Costa Mesa, CA - Dora, AL

#590 MILO (JRT) Blytheville, AR - Rockaway Beach, NY

MILO was born in this rescue to a mother that was found on the street and taken in by rescuer Pam Ford. The receivers said Milo needed a loving home and they wanted to provide one for him because he is energetic, playful, and has a beautiful name of Milo. He is very cute and this name fits him well.

It took two drivers and a Layover Home to make Milo's day. Driver Robert M picked him up in Blytheville, AR, from Pam and took him to our Layover Home volunteer Sue R near Toledo, OH. A few days later, Sue then met Drivers Kris & Brandy Peters who met Milo's new Dad when they drove to Schnectady, NY.

Drivers Robert M & Kris&Brandy Peters pu 10-7-11 del 10-16-11

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WE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING FROM THE DELIVERING DRIVERS:

This is the story on Milo, a 7 month old male JRT. We picked him up at the Flying J Truck Stop in Bershire, OH, from Sue, the Layover Home. From the bginning, Milo was really scared but we got him into the truck with no problems. Brandy and I went to eat breakfast so Milo could calm down and have time to adjust to the truck and our two dogs. When we returned, Milo was in the jump seat (passenger) sleeping so we took off.

Sue told us Milo was not real found of men. As soon as I got into the truck, he ran to the bed and layed down. He slept most of the trip on the bed but did try to play later that day with my two dogs. Milo and I were buddies by then. All three dogs and I had a little wrestling match on the bed...which I think I lost as it was 3 vs 1...not good odds on my part.

There was a lot of confusion as to where we were going to meet the receiver's husband. We were due to meet at the TA Truck Stop in Fulton, NY, that night. But, as we got closer to there, I got a call from the husband saying he was just leaving NYC and would be late. We had a real tight delivery that night and couldn't wait in Fulton, so that wasn't going to work.

We decided on another place in Schenectady at a storage company not too far from our receiver. He arrived with about 10 minutes before we would have had to leave there and deliver the load on time. It was a real close call. Milo had warmed up to us by then and, unfortunately, went back to being real scared once the receiver showed up. We had to reassure him that it was okay. He travel with us 570 miles.

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#589 McCOY (Feist) Blytheville, AR - Tacoma, WA

#588 HATFIELD (Feist) Blytheville, AR - Mt. Home, ID

#587 LUCY (Pug) Abilene, TX - Sidney, NY

#586 ANDRE (Bichon Frise) Kribyville, MO - Phoenix, AZ

#585 MACK (Pug) Medford, OR -

Mack, the 3 y/o male 9# traveling companion of trucker Bruce H, has been picked up in Medford by friends and Drivers Ralph & Tina F. Mack will stay with them and their two traveling companions until Bruce can once again be back out on the road.

Drivers Ralph & Tina F pu/del 9-16-11

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 #584 JAMIE (Papillon) Kirbyville, MO - Mesa, AZ

JAMIE, a 1.10 y/o 6# male c ame from a breeder in Iowa. He was in jeopardy of being bought by a puppy mill, so rescuer Linda B got him and had him neutered, updated on all his shots, and had him regularly examined by her Veterinarian. Picked up in Springfield by Driver Terri T, Jamie quickly adapted to the truck and Terri's two traveling companions, Precious and Oliver.

Jamie's new Mom, Lauren A, had an older female Papillon, Callie, who died recently. Loving the Papillon breed, she saw Jamie on the Adopt-A-Pet website and fell in love with his photo. He has a shy demeanor at first, but warms up quickly to new people and surroundings. He is very loving and sweet and loves to cuddle. Jamie will be great in agility, because he can jump high and run fast. Lauren is going to take him to agility classes.

Jamie prances when he is on a halter and leash. Linda said she would tell him he was her "show dog." Lauren is also impressed with Jamie's prancing. She already loves him and is so happy to have him in their family. Lauren met Jamie in Tempe.

Driver Terri T pu 9-10-11 del 9-12-11

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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

  #583 SHADOW (GSD) Belen, NM - Bluffton, IN

SHADOW, a 65# 1.6 y/o female has finally made it to a reunion with her owner Rod W of Bluffton, IN. According to Rod, while he and his family were traveling through New Mexico, they stopped at a truck plaza in Belen. Shadow took off after a small animal. The family called and called, staying as long as possible to wait on Shadow until they had no choice but to sadly continue their journey home to IN.

After returning home, they were contacted by Mandy B saying they had found Shadow. Rod contacted the airlines and bus lines only to learn that no airline out of the Albuquerque area will transport pets in the summer and forget the bus lines at any time. In talking with her vet, Mandy learned about Operation Roger and told Rod.

Unfortunately, this summer has seen very few drivers headed through NM toward IN. Sometimes the freight is fickle like this. Accustomed to being an inside dog, Shadow wasn't doing well outside at Mandy's and on a chain, the only way she had to contain the dog. We attempted a 4-wheel transport from Belen to Las Cruces and then on to Clint, TX, where we had a Layover Home willing to hang onto Shadow until a driver could get her. But due to lack of available drivers between Las Cruces and Clint, this wasn't accomplished.

Rod then contacted a driver he knew of (not part of OR) and asked if she would pick up Shadow as Mandy couldn't keep her any longer. Rod informed us and told him we would have to find a Layover Home enroute since that driver wasn't going all the way to IN. He misunderstood and thought we already had it set up. The next thing we knew, Shadow was on board with no place to go. Our LOH couldn't help this time around. Talk about scrambling! Essentially, since Rod had gone around our system, we were no longer responsible for what would have happened.

One of our Team Leaders came to Shadow's delima. Their story is below.

Drivers Kris & Brandy P pu 9-9-11 del 9-10-11

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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE DELIVERING DRIVERS:

This is the story on Shadow the 2 yr old female German shepherd mix. We picked up Shadow at the Petro in Joplin, MO, from Michele, the foster mother who at a moments notice, open her home for a few hours to Shadow when the original transport started off less than ideal. When I went to get Shadow out of the van she growled but after showing her I wasn't impressed with that she began to kiss my hand and wag her tail. We can only imagine what was going through her mind with all the changes in vehicles and people. Little did she know she was almost home. Maybe she will think twice about chasing after strange and unknown animals from now on.

We loaded her into the truck and took off for Spiceland, Indiana, where we were meeting Rod. The transport went real smooth and Shadow rode great. She spent most of her time in the passenger seat trying to sleep but kept falling off the seat. Finally, she just settled for looking out the windows. We delivered Shadow at 230 am the next morning to Rod in Spiceland, IN. She traveled 576 miles with us.
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EMAIL FROM THE RECEIVERS:

I just want to take the time to tell you thank you very much for every thing you done to help me get Shadow back home . She is doing good. She lost a little weight while she was gone but is happy to be back home and we will have her back in shape soon. Thanks again and as soon as i get caught back up i am going to send Rogers another donation for every thing you good people do . THANKS AGAIN from ME & Shadow !! W e would like to take the time now to thank all of you truckers involved with this program. What a great thing all of you are doing THANKS TO ALL!!! Rod

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  #582 TOO BABY (Lab X) Tacoma, WA - Phoenix, AZ

TOO BABY, a 7 y/o 55# female found herself and her owner, Greg Burchett, without a home when they became stranded in Tacoma. Having heard about us through a local pet transport, Greg called to tell us his plight. He needed to get back to Phoenix for another job that was waiting for him and he couldn't fly or go by bus with Too Baby.

We contacted several of our LOH in the Tacoma area until Diedra C responded late on Sunday. She was prepared to drive aways to get Too Baby and care for her. As it turned out, a LOH wasn't needed as our Driver Mark M was scheduled to be in Tacoma the next morning and, this is soooo good, Greg was in a motel only a block or so from where Mark was picking up his next load to go back to CA. He will be working his way to Phoenix.

Too Baby became a good buddy to Mark & Jennifer's Honey. Jen's story is below. After several attempts to get a load to Phoenix, Mark and Too Baby finally made it there. Greg, the owner, now working for another company, was two hours away when Too Baby arrived. Mark couldn't wait so he took the dog to the K-9 Country Club kennel Greg has used before.

Driver Mark M, LOH Jennifer M pu 8-8-11 del 9-9-11

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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM LOH

Well Toobaby will be on her way home tomorrow.
She was a pleasure to have here. Honey and her became great friends.
When she first came here she was very shy and not sure of her new surroundings but quickly loosened up. She sure does not like to be outside unless Mark or I are out there with her.

She also thinks its fun to tip the water bowl over because she knows we will come outside to fill it up. She is also quite the escape artist. I was giving her and honey a bath and she managed to open the shower door are jump out..soaking wet and full of soap! I hoped that a bath would help with some of her shedding but no luck there.. I will be picking up white hair for months to come. I am excited to bring her home. Again it was a pleasure having her here.
I have attached some pictures. Mark and Jennifer Miller

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#581 BRITTNEY (American Bulldog/Terrier) Horn Lake, MS - Sacramento, CA

BRITTNEY, a 55# 4 y/o female was picked up in West Memphis, AR, from Foster Mom Tonia H, by Drivers Mike & Kim S. They transferred Brittney to our LOH Debbie T in Ontario, CA. With much help from Debbie in securing PilotNPaws volunteer pilot Susan C, who just happened to be driving to the L.A. area instead of flying, Brittney was soon on her way north. Susan went miles out of her way to get Brittney to Tonia's son Brandon S.

Brittney and Mike & Kim's dog, Max, apparently didn't exactly see eye to eye but did develop enough of a truce to make the trip across country. The only real downside was Brittney had not been given a recent bath, despite our expicit instructions in the Requirements page. This made for an uncomfortable trip for the drivers.

Drivers Mike & Kim S, LOH Debbie T, PNP Susan C pu 8-26-11 del 9-2-11

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Excerpt from Brittney's application:

Brittany is available for adoption because her owner gave her up. The old owner was unable to care for her and surrendered her to rescue. She is a sweet dog that gets along with everyone. She is fostered with several other dogs and all she wants is love. Brandon will be able to give her a home where she will have alot of time with her human. Brandon met Britt when he worked at the vet hospital in MS and asked if he could adopt her. I was thrilled that he wanted her, the only hang up was getting her to California. Tonia

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  #580 TASHA (Papillon) Kirbyville, MO - Phoenix, AZ

TASHA, a 4# 5m/o female found her ride with Driver Glenn W when she was picked up in Springfield from her rescuer Linda B. A couple days later she was met in Phoenix by her new Mom Joyce K. Glenn says the cutest thing she would do on the truck was the use her paws to open the door of her crate whenever she needed to retreat to her "security blanket." He kept the crate in an area that was easily accessible to her and the movement of the truck would close the door. Obviously, that was not a hinderance to Tasha at all.

Driver Glenn W pu 8-17-11 del 8-19-11

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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

Thank you, Sue, so much for getting our beautiful Tasha to her new family in AZ. They already adore this little bundle of joy. We appreciate you and the drivers and all that everyone does to get these dogs and puppies to their new homes. Thank you. Linda

   #579 AUDREY (Aussie/Saint Bernard) Dallas, TX - Fredonia, NY

AUDREY, a 2 Y/O 57# female was picked up in Lewisville, TX, when Luann, a helper with Sara S rescue, met the Driver Susan M where she was getting loaded.

Shelby, Tinker Bell, Elvira, and Taco, Susan's traveling companions welcomed Audrey on board although Shelby was a little intimidated by Audrey's size. Susan said Audrey rode well and got along with everyone, including her cats Tinker Bell and Elvira. The only problem she had was Audrey would sometimes baulk at getting back into the truck until Susie put her front paws on the steps and lifted her to a standing position. Other times, she would eagerly get back inside without help.

Audrey's new family, Toni M, drove down from Fredonia, NY, to the Pittsburg, PA, to meet her at a rest area. Susie reports Audrey's name will probably be changed and everyone seemed to be getting along fabulously. Susie was gifted with a few gift certificates in appreciation for her efforts.

Driver Susan M pu 8-15-11 del 8-17-11

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  #578 LUCY (Border Collie) Prospect, KY - Celebration, FL

Lucy, a 5 year old 40# female was picked up from Kit D in Brooks, KY, by Kris & Brandy P and transported overnight to Kit's son, Jack D. The driver's own story is below:

Drivers Kris & Brandy P pu 8/9/11 - del 8/10/11

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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

This is the story on Lucy, a 5 yr old female Border Collie. We picked up Lucy from Kit D at the Pilot Truck Stop in Brooks, KY. Lucy was friendly from the beginning. Once in the truck, she sat on the floor up front for awhile before burying herself under the bed until we stopped in Wildwood, GA. She then decided all was well enough to sit in the p assenger seat to look out the window.

Lucy was a family to family move. She belonged to Jack, a teenager, who had moved to Florida to be with his dad. Lucy was very lonely without him and Jack was about the same. We delivered her the next day in Orlando, FL, at the Truckers Paradise Truck Stop off the Florida turnpike. As in all reunions, we look to see the reaction of the pet. Lucy was very, very happy to see her master. Lucy had travelled 845 miles with us.
Thanks, Kris and Brandy

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 #577 BASIL (GSD/Hound) Jackson, TN - Longview, IL

BASIL, a 4 m/o male 30# was picked up from his rescuer, Sally B, by Drivers Martie & Tracie R for what turned out to be a very quick trip. Basil had lost his right front leg due to an injury. He was met by his new Mom, Debra I, who has promised to take very good care of him.

Drivers Martie & Tracie R pu 7/25/11 del 7/25/11

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#576 SWEET PEA (Lab/Beagle) Arlington, TX - Kent WA

Sweet Pea, a 7 mo 27# female, has made it across country. Driver Mark M normally does not venture off the West Coast but July 19 found him in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. His new load had him going not only west but all the way to WA. Hurried arrangements were made with Laura R and Sweet Pea got on board.

She rode well and quickly adapted to being a trucking dog. Michelle W met her new family memeber in the Seattle area.

Driver Mark M pu 7-19-11 del 7-22-11

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#575 ROSE (Irish Setter) Kilpatrick, AL - St. Louis, MO

Rose has waited patiently while Drivers Kris & Brandy P tried arranging transport not just once but twice. The second time worked and Rose is now with her new mom Christine C. The story by the drivers is below:

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This is the story of rose Irish setter from Kilpatrick, AL, to St. Louis, MO.

7/16/11 - We met the shipper, Jeanette P, at the Pilot Truck Stop in Priceville, Alabama, where Rose was friendly from moment one. After taking off, Rose went to the sleeper and laid down. After a nap she came up front and demanded to be petted. I probably pet her a good 30 minutes. Whenever I would stop, she would nudge my arm to pet her again. We shut down in Calvert City, KY, that night. Rose slept up front in the driver seat. During her first day on the road she went 237 miles.
7/17 - Today I noticed Rose acting restless and bored maybe. We stopped in Effingham, IL, where we were set up to meet the reciever. But due to poor planning on her part, we could not wait around any longer and had to get back on the road. The receiver intercepted us in Bloomington, Illinois, where we made delivery at a McDonald's. Rose's travels took her another 307 miles.
Thanks, Kris

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#573 LILY & #574 BUDDY (Yorkies) Portland, OR - Reidsville, NC

LILY, 3# 2 y/o female, & BUDDY 4 y/o 4# male Yorkies were reunited with their human, Patrick R, in NC after Patrick had to relocate from OR, which necessitated, very reluctantly, leaving them behind.

Driver Susan M eagerly picked them up in Portland but was ready to call the shipper Maria H, to come get them after that first night as they had barked and carried on at the slightest movement of either of her two cats. The next morning Susan moved from that location to another truck stop and from that moment on she had absolutely no trouble out of either one of the pups. Apparently, all it took was for the truck to move. By the second night, Lily and Buddy, along with Susie's traveling companions, Tinker Bell, Elvira, Shelby, Taco, were sleeping on the bed with Susie. For most of the trip, Lily rode nestled inside Susie's shirt.

As Susie was unable to get all the way to Reidsville, Patrick met his little darlings in Mt. Airy. N.C. They were very happy to see him. However, after the initial reunion, Susie walked back to her truck trailed by two little Yorkies who thought they should be getting back on board...already experienced trucking doggies.

Driver Susan M pu 7-6-11 del 7-15-11

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  #572 KELLY/KAYLEIGH (Australian Shepherd) Baytown, TX - Philadelphia, PA

Kelly/Kayleigh, a 2-3 y/o 40# female has made it home. The following e-mail from Pam C, the co-ordinator, describes her journey quite well.

Driver Edwin A pu 7-2-11 del 7-5-11

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E-Mail from Pam C

He (Ed A) was outstanding! I think the first shot shows the relationship between Ed and Kayleigh so well--she was so frisky and anxious to play and he was so loving and patient and kind to her.

The narrative you wanted is basically this:

Kayleigh had only hours to live when we learned about her. She had been surrendered by an owner to Baytown TX AC, and the 3 day hold period to get adopted by someone else had just about run out when a young lady from Houston came to the shelter looking for a missing cat. Kelly saw Kayleigh and fell in love, but she's a student at the University of Houston and couldn't take her personally. Kayleigh was heartworm positive, which made it almost a certainty she wouldn't be adopted by anyone else, or possibly even pulled by another rescue, since treatment plus regular vetting (spay, shots) would approach $500 even at the most economical vet. In desperation, Kelly immediately started contacting Aussie rescues. Although we're headquartered in PA, she tried us, too, and we were able to call on some excellent rescue partners in TX to help out.

In the course of a few days, we got her routine vetting done with the help of the Animal Control Officer in Baytown, a wonderful woman who is everything we always hope an ACO will be. Then Kelly and her mother helped us move Kayleigh to Dallas, where we started her treatment since the likelihood of getting her all the way to PA via Operation Roger was low. We got one offer right away but then the company changed the trucker's route, something we now know happens often. Another driver contacted us, suggesting she could take her north to IL, where it might be easier to get a ride on the east-west corridor. We were happy for the suggestion, as well as the knowledge that OPR has some layover foster homes to use in cases where the journey has to be broken up. But with the heartworm, we decided we needed to either get her east in one shot, or keep her in TX to complete it first.

So when Kayleigh was cleared of heartworm, the Dallas foster family moved her to IL where they had family business to attend to anyway. Kayleigh settled in with the foster homes' adult daughter there, and we got Kayleigh reposted to the ride board. At this point, we had an adopter in VA anxiously awaiting her arrival. We were surprised when within a week we got a call from Ed Alvarez who was heading to IL from WI, and then had a load going to NJ.

It was so tough for the foster mom's daughter to let Kayleigh go. She's a special dog, but both the daughter and foster mom knew now was not the right time for them to adopt. With many tears, she bravely met Ed in Chicago, and handed over Kayleigh's dossier and a trousseau! No kidding--all the vet records plus notes for Ed and the adopters on Kayleigh's likes and dislikes, and a huge bag of all her favorite toys and where to purchase replacements.

Ed crossed the country with Kayleigh and she soon discovered that once out of the truck, she wanted to play a whole lot more than she wanted to get back in! And she also found she could connive Ed into giving her "puppy junk food"--some wonderful treats he bought just for her along the way once she turned her nose up at the dry food sent along with her.

But Ed was more than up to the task of getting Kayleigh to eat, giving her the meds sent along, and jollying her back into the truck when playtime was over. Kayleigh was shedding badly--an aftereffect of the heartworm treatment, so although her foster home got a couple of extra dogs' worth of hair out of her before Ed got her, Kayleigh "gifted" Ed with some more to remember her by :)

I met Ed and Kayleigh in NJ and drove on down to DE that evening to meet her adopters, who came up from VA. They are wonderful folks who already have one high energy young Aussie from New Spirit, so Kayleigh will have two terrific teenage children to play with as well as Bert.

It was a lot of miles, a lot of phone calls, many tears, lots of love and patience, and took a lot of cooperation to get Kayleigh home. New Spirit is so grateful to Operation Roger: to Sue the dispatcher, and to Ed Alvarez our driver, and to Terry the team lead who helped with last minute questions, and to Susie, the driver who offered to take Kayleigh north. OPR is awesome!

Pam Caldwell, New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue, ns4ar.org

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