BUDDHA #314

[ Edit this Page | Web Pages ] The Story Behind the Pet Here are some of our more interesting transports/or those with photos/or follow-up e-mails. This is still a work in progress and more stories will be shown as soon as we can get them transferred onto this site. Thank you so much for taking a look at us. We hope you enjoy the stories as much as we enjoyed transporting and saving any creature with two - four legs (reasonable of course - no alligators or farm animals). We have transported 332 pets since September 16, 2005. We transported 92 in 2008. We have transported 5 in 2009. 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: operationrogerphotos@yahoo.com with a copy to oprogertony@yahoo.com. We would love to get them on the following board. In the subject header enter the pet's transported name & number, as this is the way we have them recorded. In the body of the e-mail, 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. Story features to come for those assigned or en-route are (not in any particular order): [ TONTO ] - [ OPEN ] - [ OPEN ] [ OPEN ] - [ OPEN ] - [ OPEN ] [ OPEN ] - [ OPEN ] - [ OPEN ] Our delivered pets with stories to come are: [ # - **************************************************** LOOK UNDER "INFORMATION" AND "PET STORIES #-#" FOR EARLIER STORIES We are endeavoring to get more under Pet Stories in groups of 20 after a glitch in the system last Spring destroyed the first 169 stories. #332 NIBBLES (Dandi Dinmont Terrier) Honaker, VA - Edison, NJ NIBBLES #332 a cute Dandi Dinmont Terrier, 4 months old, and only 10# was picked up by Driver Chris L in Hillsdale, VA, from Paula D, and joined her own traveling companion, Two Shot. The two got along fabulously and even at one point were caught kissing. When Chris stopped for a break, Two Shot went out and did his thing. Nibbles watched and was quick to figure out she was supposed to do the same. Met in Carlisle, PA, by her new family, Diana S and her husband and Daughter Diane, 10, who had driven over from Edison, NJ, Nibbles went eagerly to them and the excitement was catching. Chris said Nibbles was a keeper. One she would have easily fallen in love with. Operation Roger Driver Chris L pu 2/5/09 del 2/5/09 ************************************************************* #331 BRODY/KODA (Keeshond X) Aurora, NE - Merchantville, NJ BRODY, renamed KODA, a Keeshond mix, about 18 months, 50# male began his trip in Aurora with Driver Susan M. Arriving to pick him up, Susan was surprised to be met not only by the shipper, Judy H, but also by a reporter and photographer from the Aurora newspaper seeking pictures and an interview. Susan's two little traveling companions, Kelly and Tinky, joyfully welcomed Koda on board with excited barking (talking). All was well until the second night when Koda slipped out of his harness when taken out for a walk at a rest area in preparation for going to bed. He stayed in the area but neither Susan, two other drivers, nor could a state trooper entice Koda into grabbing range. The officer even opened up the back door of her squad car hoping he would jump in. No luck. They even enticed him to the door of the building with food but he stopped with his paws on the doorsill and wouldn’t move. Susan attempted to grab Koda’s fur at this point but he shied away. Having already called the receiver, Sandra C, and Operation Roger, Sue W, about the situation, Susan was feeling heartsick. Unable to sleep well knowing Koda was outside, she awoke when her own pets let her know he was near the truck. Slipping on her wet shoes and clothes, she got out. This morning Koda was hungry and responded to the food in Susan’s hand. He finally came close enough for her to grab him and get the leash and collar back on him. Susan said Brody's body language was "Ok. Game's over." Operation Roger Driver Susan M pu 1/31/09 del 2/2/09 ************************************************************* #330 LAKOTA (Alaskan Malamute) Phoenix, AZ-Linwood, MI LAKOTA #330 a Grey and White Alaskan Malamute, male, about 53# originated in the Lancaster, CA, area shelter. He was transferred to the LA County Animal Control for neutering and placement. He was then transferred to Diane with TARescue, Phoenix, AZ, for transporting to his new adoptive home in Linwood, MI, with Heather S and Linda A. Driver Merlin M picked Lakota up in Phoenix and soon knew he was in over his head in dealing with Lakota's needs. Lakota was extremely skittish, fearful, and unable to control his body functions while in the truck. Unable to deal with Lakota, he made it to El Paso, TX, where he went to the Animal Rescue League of El Paso. Unable to take Lakota in, the director, Loretta H, referred Merlin to another rescue/shelter. Team Leader Nancy R, was contacted and went into action to resolve the situation. The driver back tracked his route in an attempt to reach the new location but was stopped by a 26' length restriction sign. He was over 70'. With that facility closing at about the time he arrived, Merlin returned to the original location and arrived there about 15 minutes before it also closed. By this time nearly 4 hours had elapsed. Nancy arranged for Loretta to stay with Lakota until someone from the other facility could arrive. Merlin had to leave to make his next delivery. Lakota spent two nights at that facility until Driver Dale D and his co-driver could arrive about 5:30 a.m. to pick him up. Dale was able to confirm everything Merlin had said about Lakota. Dale met LOH Sue W and her granddaughters, Ashleigh and Maya, at a truck stop in Weatherford, TX. Scared of all noises, especially big trucks, Lakota dove into Sue's pickup front floor board and wouldn't be budged. At home she put him in the 10x10 pen formerly occupied by two other dogs, a large pup, Buddy, and a Doxi, Huck. Lakota quickly found the dog house and made himself at home for the next two weeks. At about 15 years, he is so comfortable in a doghouse or other small areas, he must have been a puppy mill dog turned loose to die on his own in the desert of California. (Sue's opinion.) On 1/31/09 Sue drove Lakota to Gainesville, TX, to meet the first of many 4-wheel drivers arranged by Team Leader Krystal M in cooperation with Transport Coordinator Tanya K whose team then transported him on to Michigan to his new fur-ever home. Lakota is docile and compliant once in hand. Getting a hand on him once he is loose is another story. Two emergency meetings of the BOD and all the parties involved has resulted in continuing efforts to resolve the matter. While this transport started out badly, the resulting pulling together of all of the people below should show the true hearts of the rescue/transport community. It is not about people. It is about God's 4-legged critters. Operation Roger Drivers Merlin M pu 1/15/09; BOD Dale D pu 1/17/09; LOH Sue W pu 1/17/09; Team Leaders Nancy R and Krystal M; Independent Transport Coordinator Tanya K along with 4-wheel drivers Sharla B, Dee R, Tanya K, Susi Y, Dorrie H, Jan M, Jonni T, Gina W, Revajane L, Shawna Z, Donna K, Lesley R, Heather S, and Keith S. Del 2/1/09 ************************************************************* We received this Email from Heather S 2/2/09: I would like to thank each and every one of you that assisted in Lakota's transport. Without all of you, he would not be here ready to start a new life. When I picked him up yesterday, I just kept staring at him, because I was still in shock that he was actually here. We have a lot of rehabilitation to do with him, and I am taking it very slowly with him. I have just been sitting in the room with him quietly, allowing him to get used to my presence. When he is ready he will come up to me. Lakota is eating very well, and was quite hungry when he finally got home. My spare bedroom/computer room is set up for him, and he is right next to my bedroom so I could hear him if he started to have any problems. he only has had one mess in the house so far, I am sure there will be many more, but it all takes time and a lot of patience. He allowed me to massage his front paw last night. I just sat with my eyes closed, and rubbed his foot gently for about a half hour. He was so relaxed he leaned back against my book shelf, so he could still watch me if needed. He is everything I had hoped for, and I am so happy to be able to finally be able to give this guy a chance at happiness. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and Lakota's. I will have pictures posted on our web site soon of this darling boy. Please visit it reguarly to see more updates! www.fewstepsfromhome.homestead.com Heather Smith - President Few Steps From Home Animal Rescue ************************************************************* We received this Email From: "Krystal McClain" I know that many have already expressed their appreciation, but i wanted everyone to know that you truly are marvelous. When Tanya added 1 more and then 2 more dogs [including LAKOTA] to Luke's transport you could have easily rejected the idea of taking on that many passengers. many people wouldn't offer that much of themselves, but all of you drivers did. You did what was impossible for any one of us to do on our own and made it possible. I think that this shows us with each and every successful transport just how much people can come together to make this world a good one to live in. You are taking the most "unimportant" members of society and giving them importance. It truly is the noble work that we all should strive to do more of. Thank you, for opening your planes, cars, and homes to 4 souls that were once thrown away. and thank you even more for doing it so joyously. It truly warms the heart to see so many people not only willing to give, but wanting to. Krystal McClain Operation Roger Team Leader-Krystals4Wheelers ************************************************************* #329 SAMSON (Rhodesian Ridgeback) Kilgore, TX - Tustin, CA SAMSON #329 a 90 pound 1.5 y/o male Rhodesian Ridgeback had made his trip from Kilgore, TX, with Celia R of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue to Tustin, CA, to Kathy L also of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue with Driver Susan M and her two tiny companions. Operation Roger Driver Susan M pu 1/16/09 del 1/23/09 ************************************************************* We receivered this Email 1/29/09 from the Driver Susan M. Samson, a Rodesian Ridgeback rescue dog that I just recently transported from Kilgore, Tx to Chino, Calif, went good. He never messed in my truck and was such a good boy. When we got to Kathy's house in Calif, he was so happy to run and play with the other dogs there. They have a nice, big place for all the dogs. His forever family came and got him that evening. Before I left Kathy's house, we had a dinner of hamburgers and sat outside with the dogs running all around. Kelly & Tinky, my pets, came along to their house and played with the other dogs too. It was like a doggie vacation place. Doggie Heaven!! lol. Kathy and her Husband are really nice people. ************************************************************* #328 LADYBIRD (Beagle X) Hartford, CT - Phoenix, AZ LADYBIRD #328 a Beagle mix was on our Pet Board for a long time. The owner had moved to Phoenix and couldn't take Ladybird with her. Then, for various reasons she had a hard time finding a place where Ladybird could stay. We had at least two or three drivers who tried to pick her up, several times, until finally everything came together when Team Drivers Kris & Brandy P were headed to Hartford. They picked up Ladybird and went on to their destination, fully expecting to do their normal run through AZ to CA. However, the best of plans and "normal" is not the way the freight business goes at times. Another driver was given the CA load and Kris and Brandy were sent to WA. We tried to get a repower during their trip but it just didn't work out. Kris has written about the trip so we will let him tell the rest of the story. See below. Operation Roger Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P pu 1/8/09 - del 1/19/09 ************************************************************* January 19, 2009 8:35 PM From: "Kris peters" To: "operation roger" Ladybird is a 3 year old female Beagle mix but we think she is more of a Boxer mix. We picked her up in Milldale, CT. She was going back to her previous owner in Phoenix, AZ. Ladybird had sat on the Pet Board for over 6 months and had had a couple failed attempts to pick her up because of aggression toward other animals that were larger than her. This just proves we never give up on an animal. Ladybird was a very energetic dog and kept on fighting Brandy (my wife) for the passenger seat. She would even go as far as climbing on top of Brandy to be able to sit in the seat. Ladybird is quite a challenge due to her lack of training. When we would open the door, we would have to do it as a team because we may have a 45 pound dog flying at us trying to get out. We could not get a direct load to Phoenix so she had to ride around with us for awhile. (They went to WA and then back through ND toward NJ before heading to CA). We finally got a load to Los Angeles, CA. Because we still were not going through AZ, Ladybird’s owner, Trinity, agreed to make the drive from Phoenix, AZ, to Las Vegas, NV. We met Trinity at the TA Truck Stop. All in all, Ladybird’s total travel miles were … 6,811 miles!! ************************************************************* Below is an e-mail received from Trinity: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:47 AM From: "Trinity”To: OperationRoger01@yahoo.com Message contains attachments bird dog.jpg (16KB) I got Ladybird last night. Thank you guys so much for reuniting me with her. It's been over 8 months since I've seen her, and she remembered me instantly. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I've attached a picture of Ladybird. Thanks again, Trinity ************************************************************* #327 BUDDY (Labradoodle) Forest Rock, AR - Poulsbo, WA BUDDY #327 a Labradoodle Male 80# 2 y/o finally caught his ride from Arkansas to Washington. On our board for two months and missing a couple chances for a ride, the shipper Megan’s son drove him from near West Memphis, AR, to Pine Bluff, AR, to meet Driver Scott B. This was a surprise transport in that Scott does not normally go northwest. He became an angel to help Buddy get to his new family. Scott said Buddy would put his paws on the top step of his truck but wouldn’t attempt to jump inside. Buddy did share Scott’s bed and helped to keep him warm during the trip where they fought rain, snow, and ice to get to Portland, OR. Buddy’s new family, Richard, a police officer, his wife and son, drove down from near Seattle to get Buddy and take him back to his new home. Operation Roger Driver Scott B pu 12/26/08 del 12/29/08 ************************************************************** We have received this Email: January 5, 2009 8:00 AM I just read info about Buddy, I wanted to send you a picture of him. Buddy's new owner and I have been emailing for quite sometime, he has gone to a very good home. Megan is my daughter and my son, Bill was the one who met Scott B the driver. That day was actually Buddy's 3rd birthday so it was a good day for him. Buddy was the best dog a person could ever ask for, and Scott was right when he said Buddy would put his paws on the step and not jump in truck, he was that way with me, I had to help him into truck until he learned it was okay to jump in!!! When we return home to the US permanently, I would like to volunteer to help you in way I can. We live appx. 3 miles from exit 242 on I-40. Sincerely,Barrie C (Picture to be added) ************************************************************* #326 HAYWOOD (Labrador) Joshua, TX - Brooklyn, NY HAYWOOD #326, a Golden Lab mix, 30# 7 y/o male became stranded when his truck driver owner, Al W, had to return to NY by bus. Having heard about us, he called for help. Al had warned that Haywood, an unaltered male, did not like other unaltered males. This caused a dilemma for Layover Home Sue W as she had two unaltered males at home already in a 10x10 chain link pen. Efforts to find another Layover Home failed so with trepidation, Sue drove her personal vehicle to Dallas and picked up Haywood to keep until Al could return for him. Sue had moved the other two dogs, Huck, a Doxi, and Buddy, a mix, to an area under the front porch of her house on long cables. She put Haywood in the pen and quickly moved to get out…but not quickly enough. Haywood shot out between her legs. With a sinking feeling she would have to call Al and tell him his dog was gone, she called and cajoled Haywood until finally he allowed himself to be caught and returned to the pen. With everything under control now, Sue and her family left to go to her grandson’s basketball game. Upon returning home, the car lights raked over the pen revealing a problem. Hurrying over, Sue discovered the gate askew, the top leaning outward, the bottom corner pulled upward, and Haywood gone! Without a doubt, Al would have to be called. Huck and Buddy were making quite a racket which they normally do when anyone is around. Reaching down to unclip Buddy who had gotten himself wrapped around a porch support, Sue nearly tripped over another white dog backing out from under the porch . . . Haywood! The three dogs were now fast friends and played together over the next three weeks. On the morning Al returned, Sue bathed Haywood, much to his confusion. When they arrived at the truck stop, he was curled up on the passenger seat. Al got out of his truck. Sue rolled down the window. Al began speaking. Haywood’s head came up, ears listening. His head cranked around and he looked up into Al’s face. Haywood moved like lightening, his whole body wiggling; tail wagging. This was a very satisfying reunion between Master and Dog. Once out of the car, Haywood made a beeline for Al’s truck wanting inside. He was home and he knew it. Operation Roger Driver/Layover Home Sue W pu 12/6/08 - del 12/24/08 ************************************************************* #324 FUNNY BONE (JRT) & #325 YOYO (Pom) Kellyville, OK - Oak Harbor, WA FUNNY BONE #324 a 1 y/o 10# male Jack Russell Terrier and his buddy YOYO #325 a 1 y/o 7# male Pomeranian were adopted by Driver Larry Long. YOYO joins another Pom, Goober, as a trucking companion to Larry. He reports Yoyo is skittish and still not sure of what is going on. Makes you wonder just what this little one has endured during his short life. Yoyo and Goober quickly bonded and sleep next to each other. FUNNY BONE is destined as a Christmas gift to Larry’s granddaughter, Gracie 3, in WA. Larry says his well behaves and even sits upon command. It is obvious somebody has worked with him in the past. He is taking everything in stride although he did try to assert his superior height to Goober. Tiny Goober didn’t go for that at all. Funny Bone learned real quick who was the boss of that truck. Both were picked up by Driver Rick M in Choteau, OK, after having started their journey with Carol L of Creek Pet Adoption, who drove them in from Kellyville. Rick delivered both pets to Larry in Dallas, TX, only about five hours after having picked them up. Here was an opportunity for two of our drivers to finally meet after hearing each other’s voices on our conference line. Although this particular truck stop has a no-drop trailer policy, many drivers still do it. Larry arranged for the tow truck driver to leave one particular flatbed alone. When Rick arrived, the tow-truck driver pulled the flatbed out and Rick backed in. Now that’s courtesy from one driver and convenience for another! Operation Roger Drivers Rick M & Larry L pu & del 12/11/08 ************************************************************* #323 PEANUT (Papillion/Chihuahua) Kirbyville, MO - Chino Valley, AZ PEANUT #323, a 5 y/o female 12# Papillion/Chihuahua mix began her trip in Kirbyville, MO, with rescuer Linda B. Picked up by team drivers Kris & Brandy P, we will let them give you their report. Operation Roger Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P pu 11/29/08 del 12/2/08 ************************************************************** Report from Kris & Brandy: Peanut is a 5 y/o female Chihuahua/Papillion we picked up on 11/29 in Springfield, MO. She was going to Chino Valley, AZ. She was scared and shy. She would pull on the leash to get away from Brandy and I at first. It took a while for her to warm up to us but in the end she did just fine. Peanut had, what I believe to be, orange cleaner in her fur. She smelled of orange hand cleaner and the fur was gritty. This may have been an attempt to cover up the bad smell of dirty dog. Nevertheless, as we were to spend a couple days at our home enroute to AZ, we bathed her to clean her coat. She did not seem to have to have any ill effects from the cleaner. We delivered Peanut to her new owner, Dee, and her husband in Mayer, AZ. They have some land and wanted to adopt a little dog. They fell in love with peanut’s picture on Petfinder.com. ************************************************************** #322 DAISY (Jack Russell Terrier Mix) Kirbyville, MO - Prescott Valley, AZ DAISY #322, now known as MISTY, a 12# female Jack Russell Terrier came from Linda B’s rescue. Operation Roger Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P pu 11//08 del 12/2/08 ************************************************************** Report received from Kris & Brandy: HERE IS THE STORY OF DAISY Brandy and I picked up Daisy/Misty, a 22 m/o female JRT mix going to Prescott Valley, AZ, from Linda B, in Springfield, MO, on 11/29. Daisy/Misty was a shy little girl; but, once we got her into the truck, she warmed up just fine. She took to the truck like she belonged here. There is a story behind Daisy/Misty. She once had belonged to the current receiver, having been gifted her from the shipper. However, through circumstances beyond his control, he had been forced to relinquish her. Finding her on Petfinder.com sometime later, Richard, the receiver made application and has adopted her again. We delivered her to Richard V in Mayer, AZ. ************************************************************** #321 ITCHY (Schnauzer) Mesquite, TX - Shoshone, ID ITCHY # , a 16# male about 5- 6 y/o began his trucking experience in Dallas when his rescuer, Sharold, met Driver Kacey S at one of the local truck stops. He never barked. She said he did howl one time. She looked down at him to see him looking up at her with this look of “I want your attention and I want it now.” Kacey reports Itchy was the perfect traveler. Itchy got his unusual name because of a skin problem. The medicines provided did not work to alleviate the problem. Kacey thinks it is a lot of bad habit along with some allergies. She bought him pig ears and some meat flavored bones. When he was concentrating on them, he never stopped to scratch. When Kacey arrived in nearby Jerome, Itchy was met by one of his new family members, Luke, the son of his new Mom Deanna. This was another family to family move. Operation Roger Driver Kacey S pu 11/26/08 del 11/30/08 ************************************************************* #320 JASPER (Border Collie) Houston, TX - Sonoma, CA JASPER #320, now renamed RANDOM, a 2 y/o male 4# Border Collie began his travels in the Houston Humane Society’s kill shelter. California resident Cynthia S saw his picture on Petfinder.com and moved heaven and earth to get him. Contacting Operation Roger, Cynthia learned to her dismay most shelters will not co-operate in going out of their way to bring the pet to the driver. It was suggested she find a rescue in the area to get Jasper/Random out and into a safer environment. She put out an e-mail asking for help. Help cometh in the strangest of ways. Norrie C and her mother were in a particular bookstore one day browsing around when a man hollered out “Who in here likes pets?” Norrie hesitantly lifted her hand. The man asked “Is that your car out there in the parking lot with pet friendly stickers on it?“ Norrie nodded. The man said “Follow me,” then turned and walked into an office. Norrie thought she was in trouble so she and her mother followed. The man, who turned out to be the bookstore’s owner, went to his computer and printed out an e-mail, handed it to Norrie and said, “This is for you.” It was Cynthia’s request for help. Norrie knew immediately she could help. She went to the shelter to get Jasper/Random and met with resistance until she could prove she was part of a Cocker Spaniel rescue. Then came the waiting for Operation Roger to get a driver going through Houston. A driver did materialize but Kathy Y could only get through Arlington, TX. In stepped Driver Sue W. Sue drove her personal vehicle from Joshua to Fairfield, TX, where she met Norrie C, and then drove to Arlington where she delivered Jasper/Random to Kathy Y at her receiver. Operation Roger Driver Sue W and Team Supervisor Kathy Y pu 11/2408 del 11/30/08 ********************************************************************** Following is a report from Driver Kathy Y: I delivered Jasper/Random on November 29, 1145 pm Sat at Troutdale, OR, at the Flying J truck stop. He went right to his new “Mom” Cynthia. She was overjoyed to finally get him. We talked about his and her trip to get him. Jasper came into the Humane Society’s care in Houston, TX, after being picked up with a female border collie, who, unfortunately, was put down due to aggression toward a worker. Norrie C went to get him out of the shelter but they wouldn’t let him go to her. They said it had to be a rescue group. They released him when she told him she was from the Cocker Spaniel rescue in Houston. She took him home, then took him to a groomer for a bath. She told me several beautiful stories of what he did once she had him in her care. Norrie came up toward to Dallas and met with Sue W. Sue brought him to me at my receiver. He was a very active dog and couldn’t wait to get into the truck. He loved to sit on my knees while I drove. When it began to snow enroute to Oregon, I thought I wasn’t going to be quick enough to get him to Cynthia. She was driving up from the Oakland area to meet me in Troutdale, a long, long way; and I didn’t want to have her wait too long for us. I prayed we would get there as Jasper/Random needs the room to roam which his new home will provide. These two were meant for each other. ******************************************************************************** #319 FRECKLES (Maltese/Shih-Tzu) Kirbyville, MO - Tempe, AZ FRECKLES #319 a 2 yr 6# male Maltese/Shih Tzu was delivered to Team Leader Kathy Y in Springfield, MO, along with Posey, by Linda and Don. Kathy took both of them as they were essentially going to the same place in AZ. However, Kathy wasn’t headed that direction right then and everyone knew the two could be on the truck awhile. As it turned out, it was but for a short time. Kathy met up with Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P. Here is their story: Team Supervisor Kathy Y and Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P pu 11/19/08 del 11/24/08 ************************************************************************************ E-MAIL From Kris & Brandy: Freckles came out of a home in the Springfield, MO, area and was very scared of everything. Brandy and I picked up Freckles and his buddy, Posey, from Drive Kathy Y in Fairview, TN. From the moment Brandy saw Freckles, she fell head over heels in love with him. She refused to put him down for about a good hour. Our Poodle, Little Joe, being an experienced foster brother by now, took right to them with no problems. We spent the night there in Fairview before heading on to Albuquerque, NM, for a stop before heading on to AZ. Both dogs did fine while in transit. Unfortunately, while in Albuquerque, after making our delivery, we were forced to take Little Joe to the vet on an emergency basis. He had become very sick along the way and had stopped eating, not able to keep anything down. As of this writing, he is really touch and go. The vet said he may have a twisted bowel which would require a $3,500 operation. He was put on meds and wet food. I was told to watch over him for the next two days and time will tell. After getting out of the vet’s office, we headed to AZ where we met Freckles’ new “Mom,” Kate in Mayer, AZ. The new momma was very happy to see her new family member. Kate got very emotional once she saw him. She had waited over five weeks for her new baby and you could see the relief in her eyes when she took him in her arms. ************************************************************** #318 POSEY (Sheltie) Kirbyville, MO - Prescott, AZ POSEY #318 an 18# female 3 yr Sheltie was delivered to Team Leader Kathy Y in Springfield, MO, along with her buddy, Freckles, by Linda and Don. Kathy took both of them as they were essentially going to the same place in AZ. However, Kathy wasn’t headed that direction right then and everyone knew the two could be on the truck awhile. As it turned out, it was but for a short time. Kathy met up with Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P who, along with their little Poodle, Little Joe, took them on board and headed for AZ. Team Supervisor Kathy Y and Team Leaders Kris & Brandy P pu 11/19/08 del 11/24/08 **************************************************************** E-MAIL From Kris & Brandy: Brandy and I picked up Posey and his buddy, Freckles, from Driver Kathy Y in Fairview, TN. Both of them had come out of a home in the Springfield, MO, area and was very scared of everything. Our Poodle, Little Joe, being an experienced foster brother by now, took right to them with no problems.Unfortunately, while in Albuquerque, after making our delivery, we were forced to take Little Joe to the vet on an emergency basis. He had become very sick along the way and had stopped eating, not able to keep anything down. As of this writing, he is really touch and go. The vet said he may have a twisted bowel which would require a $3,500 operation. He was put on meds and wet food. I was told to watch over him for the next two days and time will tell. After getting out of the vet’s office, we headed to AZ where we met Posey’s new “Mom,” Georgene, in Mayer, AZ. The new momma was very happy to see her new family member. ************************************************************** #317 HOLLEY (Spaniel X) Kingwood, TX - Carriere, MS HOLLEY #317 a 2yr female 50# Spaniel Mix was rescued from a kill shelter and a home was found for her with Sharon and Tom N. Team Leader Nancy R was heading into San Antonio eastbound when she realized Holley would be on her route. A quick call to the shipper, VAP Shelter, and the meeting was set to meet Nancy in Brookshire, TX. A few short hours later and Holley arrived to meet her new family with Tom and Sharon. Nancy said in her opinion Holley was not a Spaniel but more of a St. Bernard. Team Leader Nancy R pu 11/23/08 del 11/23/08 ************************************************************** #316 SUGAR (Jack Russell Terrier) Honaker, VA - Blue Earth, MN SUGAR #316 a 3 yr 13# female JRT began her extended trip near Bristol with Driver Chris L. Chris knew Sugar would need to be on the truck for awhile as she would need to work her way toward the Albert Lea area, which would be the closest she would get. Plans had been made to meet the receiver, Cindy, near Cedar Rapids, IA, and Sugar would be on her way home. Oh so we all thought. Chris got turned around in St. Louis and we couldn’t find a repower for her soon enough. Then Chris’ truck began having major problems and she was in and out of shops trying to get it fixed. Several times we thought we had a repower and then it would fall through. Finally, we got word Driver Rick Marshall was headed toward Atlanta as was Chris. Determining Chris was 2-3 hours out, Rick waited for her in Cartersville, GA, and the exchange was made. The good news? Rick’s load was headed right through Albert Lea, MN, after a stop in Kansas City, MO! The bad news? His load was re-powered in Kansas City and it seemed Sugar was once again a trucking dog. The next day brought good new again as Rick got another load up to Des Moines, IA, where Cindy and her family could meet Rick. Shortly thereafter, Sugar was in the arms of her new family and on her way to her new furever home. Drivers Chris L and Rick Marshall pu 10/9/08 del 11/14/08 ************************************************************** We received this Email: Thursday, January 29, 2009 9:53 AM From: "Krystal McClain" To: "OP ROG-Sue W." From: Paula Subject: Update on Sugar Sugar was chosen Jack Russell of the month for December! We are so very proud of her and thankful for the Konrad family for giving her a wonderful loving home in Blue Earth MN. To check out the web site with Sugar ’s photo and story click the link below . http://www.jack-russell-terrier-pictures.com/sugars-first-visit-with-santa-paws.html Paula & Kayla Saving Homeless Animals ************************************************************* #315 CHICKABEE (Dachshund/Rottweiller) Rock Rapids, IA - Surprise, AZ CHICKABEE #315 5 yr 40# female Doxi/Rott was picked up near Sioux Falls, SD, by Driver Jim F. She had a left knee repair about 18 month ago and the cold weather apparently was telling on her. The owner, Patricia B, arrange for her son, Brian, to give her a permanent on the warmer weather of AZ. Jim was headed for KY and thought for sure he would be heading for the desert southwest; but, at it goes with the trucking industry, he went on the East Coast instead. On the bright side, Jim was able to spend a day or two with his father in FL and Chickabee got to run and play in the yard before getting back on the truck. Jim had already told us she was doing fine on the truck but he really felt she needed to be on solid ground. Then Jim got a load going into Canada and we knew we had to get Chickabee off his truck. As luck would have it, he came right through Ft. Worth and Sue W once again became a LOH. Chickabee had been on Jim’s truck for two weeks. Once at Sue’s, it seemed everything dried up. Chickabee played with the family’s Doxi and Mutt X and pretty much ruled the roost for the next thirteen days. Team Leader Nancy R came through, picked up Chickabee, and delivered her to Brian B the very next day. Nancy reported Chickabee got up in the passenger seat, whimpered a little, curled up into a ball, and slept. Nancy said she even forgot Chickabee was over there until she had to stop for a nature break and Chickabee decided she did also. Drivers Jim F, Sue W, Team Leader Nancy R pu 10/15/08 del 11/12/08 ************************************************************** #314 BUDDHA (DSH Cat) Oak Bluffs, MA - Wildwood, FL BUDDHA #314, a 5yr 8# male DSH cat’s story overlaps three other pets Driver Susan M transported while on vacation. On the return trip south south of Massachusetts, Susan had the pleasure of being escorted around the island of Martha’s Vinyard, MA, before picking up Buddha. We will let her tell you her saga. Driver Susan M pu 11/7/08 del 11/9/09 ******************************************************** E-MAIL From Susan M Fri Nov 7th 2008. Drove from Springfield, Mass to Falmouth, Mass. I parked in the ferry parking lot, and caught the bus that takes you to the ferry. Bought a round trip ticket for $15 and hopped on board the ferry to Martha's Vinyard. Was met at the dock by Kim and her sister Ann. The two women were so nice and fun, it's like we were all sisters. Ann drove her car and took me with her sister Kim on a tour of the island. It was a quick tour. We stopped for a quick lunch and Kim paid for my lunch, and she bought me a sweatshirt. We stopped at a few stores and I bought a thick, leather, wool, sheepskin, hand made winter hat that also has a ventilation hole in the top and the sides come down to cover my ears. It's cute. Since I drive a truck in 48 states, this hat will be great in cold winters. Especially windy Wyoming winters!! After driving around and taking video and photos', we stopped at Kim's house and got her cat Buddha. He is a very cute and sweet cat. We made it back to the dock in time to catch the ferry back to Falmouth. Once back in my Nissan truck, I drove a short distance to Wareham, Mass and picked up LUKE. A cute and energetic Australian Kelpi Shepherd. He is 8 years old and has energy like a puppy. He was so excited to ride with me and really liked the cat Buddha, who was riding safely in his cage. About midnight I stopped in New Jersey at a Motel 6 and brought both pets in with me. To keep the cat Buddha safe from the dog Luke, I put Buddha in the bathtub (no water, obviously) and opened his cage to let him wander about the bathroom. I took his litter box out too and placed it near the toilet. I made sure he had enough food and water and then shut the door to let him rest in there. LUKE was running around the hotel room, but stayed near the bathroom door often to sniff the cat. At one point during the night, Luke jumped on my bed and slept at my feet. He would whine a little at wanting to play with the cat, and Buddha meowed a little during the night. I didn't get too much sleep. I slept as much as possible. I was up at 6:30am, took Luke out to the bathroom, jumped in the shower, then loaded pets and everything in the Nissan and proceeded to drive to the TA Truck Stop in Richmond, Va. I met Theresa and her husband who then took Luke to his new Ranch. I then waited for Jimmy F and Monique to arrive with Kelly. I let Buddha out of his cage several times while I had him, on his leash to let him stretch his legs. During the drive to my house in Florida, I let Buddha out to roam around inside the cab of my Nissan truck. Buddha didn't mind the dog, Kelly, and we all got along. I made it to my house, over 1000 miles from New Jersey, at about 1:30am. I was exhausted. I didn't want to spend $60-70 on another hotel and I knew I could make it home with no problems. My strength would hold up. I am a long haul truck driver and used to fatigue and have good endurance. After Kelly left with his mom, I drove to the house of Carolyn. She is legally blind and could not drive to get her cat. She was reunited with Buddha inside her home. I took alot of photos' of pets and their people and have posted them on myspace, and sent them also to operation rogerphotos@yahoo.com. **************************************************************