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FOLLOWING ARE THE STORIES OF PETS #463-513 DELIVERED BY OPERATION ROGER DRIVERS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2010. WE ARE PROUD OF THEM ALL. WE DELIVERED A TOTAL OF 103 IN 2010. 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. 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. 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. *******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
PIXIE, an 8 y/o female 16-18# was a puppy mill rescue from upper MN and one of nine sent to Cocker Spaniel Resources, Inc. in WI. Picked up in Baldwin, WI, by Driver Chris L from Foster Monica W, Pixie settled in very quickly for her ride. Pixie gratefully curled up in the blanket Chris provided for her crate and went to sleep. Chris said Pixie was partly deaf and partly blind, so sad looking as if in the depths of hopelessness. She had a pretty bad cough, no muscle tone, and bad teeth. Shannon M, Second Chance Animal Rescue, and Pixie's new foster Mom, drove up from Clinton to St. Joseph to meet the driver. She takes in and nurses back to health such dogs from puppy mills. It takes a big heart and lots of patience to do this and we give people such a Shannon a big Thanks. Operation Roger Driver Chris L pu 12/27/10 del 12/28/10 *****************************************************************************************************
#512 HENRY (Australian Shepherd/Husky) Dallas, TX - Omaha, NE
SASHA & GINNY both 3-4 y/o females 40# each began their trip together somewhere in the south with individual transporters. Originally there had been three of them but one was adopted enroute. There was a mix-up enroute and Sasha was the only one to arrive to April B in Juneau. Ginny arrived about a week or so later. We weren't sure we were going to be able to get them to where they needed to go as our normal Canada driver to Edmonton wouldn't be going that way anytime soon. But Drive Gard B stepped in to get them to Billings, MT, and April arranged with Jennifer F in Canada to have someone meet the driver. Below is the story of their travels from Sasha's and Ginny's points of view. Operation Roger Driver Gard B pu 12/21/10 del 12/23/10 ***************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL: Hi people! I’m Sasha, I’M GINNY! Calm down Ginny. Just cuz you’re bigger doesn’t mean you need to be louder, silly. But I’ll tell the story. We are in Canada now, but want to thank Operation Roger and Gard for helping us get there. It was a pretty quick trip once we started out with April on our way to meet “a trucker” for one leg of our trip to a new life. The weather was pretty iffy when we got going, but April said we would be safe riding with Gard on our way to Montana. We left really early in the morning cuz April said we had to go all the way from Madison to Green Bay. We could tell April was happy we were on our way. We thought only one of us could go first, but she said that Gard offered to take us both at the same time so one of us didn’t have to wait another few weeks to go and things were working out good. I GET TO TELL SOME SASHA….ok-ok, I’ll tone it down. We got to a little town on the outskirts of Green Bay really early (7am) to meet Gard. He was finishing loading his truck so April took us each for a walk while we waited. Then we got to meet him. We weren’t sure how it would be, but he greeted both of us and petted us like he knew us. I think he kinda likes company while he drives. Sasha was still a bit timid and didn’t want to get out of her travel kennel, but Gard said no problem. He just picked the whole thing up and moved it into the truck. I was ready for a new adventure, so I just jumped on the ground and went with him. This stuff is exciting!!!! He had to lift me in the truck, and that was a little scary but Gard was careful and talked to me the whole time. Then when I was in he just let me jump on the bed….waaay fun. He put my kennel in the trailer cuz he didn’t think we needed to crowd the truck too much. We said good-bye to April and were on our way with Gard. The roads weren’t really nice…snow everywhere…but away we went anyway. Both Gard and April were talking about freezing rain coming so both wanted to get going quick.
While Sasha layed in her kennel, I got to sit on the bed (well, sometimes I was laying on it) and look outside. Gard had the side window shades open so I could see out there and out the front. Everything was white and I could tell roads were bad cuz so many cars and trucks were going slow, but Gard just went. It didn’t seem to bother him much. He would grumble about dumb drivers, and then talk to us so we knew he wasn’t grumbling at us. We stopped a couple times in the morning so we could take a walk too. Then all of a sudden it was hard to see. Gard was saying funny words and talking the the windshield wipers. I could tell he wasn’t happy and Sasha came out of her kennel to see what he was doing. He petted Sasha to say it was OK, and talked to me too. He said we have to stop at a shop cuz the wipers quit working. Then we went inside a big building full of trucks. Gard talked to the people there, but sat in the truck with us while another person did some work. Then we were on the way again and I decided to take a nap. I thought it was time Sasha kept Gard company for awhile. Sasha??
Yes, I was more comfortable in the truck now. I sat next to Gard while he was driving for awhile and then layed back down so I wasn’t bothering him. We went a long ways with a couple more stops. Me and Ginny had the truck thing figured out by now. He would call one of us at a time to the door so he could lift us to the ground. It was OK. We would get a walk and then go back to the truck. We went awhile in the dark and then it was time to stop for the night. He moved the kennel out of the way….and woohoo, it was dinner time. We all ate and Gard said it was time to sleep. He said we could both stay on the bed as long as we left room for him. We thought that was fair and to sleep we all went. When we got up, we got a little snack and a walk….then down the road again. The roads were getting bad again, but we kept going. I think we were on ice for a long ways because people on the radio were talking about it with Gard. He told us no problem as long as nobody did something dumb in front of him. It didn’t seem like a very long day because we stopped regularly for a walk. It was cold and windy, but none of us minded it much. It was nice to stretch out and do our thing between naps. OK Ginny, your turn. OK. It was dark when we got to Billings. Gard said were going to meet more people getting us to Canada. We waited in the truck for Bonnie and her husband and that wasn’t long. We got to get out and meet them and they were wonderful people too. Who knew there were so many good people. Everybody met us like we knew them a long time!!!! The people talked a bit while we walked around. Then Gard said goodbye to us. When he did that, Sasha ran back to the truck to get in. Gard said sorry, but we are going with Bonnie now and gave us each a hug. I think Sasha wanted to stay with Gard cuz she kept running back toward him. But we went with Bonnie and on to a new adventure. The rest of the trip was pretty quick. We stayed overnight with Bonnie, and then she took us to the airport in the morning. A pilot named Randy was flying us to Cut Bank MT to meet up with the ladies taking us to Canada. It didn’t take long to get there (wow, planes are fast). We got to Cut Bank airport and Randy introduced us to Tina (she arranged a lot of the transporting), along with Amber and Jess. Amber and Jess were taking us to Calgary, and once they had everything they needed it was off to the Great White North. We got through customs without problems and were in Calgary the evening after Gard got us to Billings. Thank you to everyone involved with our rescue and getting us to Canada. We know we have a long and wonderful life ahead of us….the greatest Christmas gift anyone could give us! Sasha & Ginny ****************************************************************************************************** #509 BEAR (Lhasa Apso) Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Miamisburg, OH #508 ZEHRA (Hound) Forrest City, AR - Clifton, NJ #507 RUBY (Japanese Chin) Garland, TX - Highland, CA RUBY, a 13# female 3.6y, has finally found herself in her new home in Highland, CA. She was picked up in Ft. Worth from rescuer Carol G, Japanese Chin Care Rescue, by Driver Mark Miller, once again out of his normal area of running. Planning to head back to Southern California, Mark instead headed toward Colordado, Northern CA, and back east and south before going back to Northern CA again. This time he left Ruby with our Layover Home Jennifer M. Ruby stayed with Jen for six days before Mark once again picked her up and delivered her to her new Mom Vicky in La Mirada. Operation Roger Driver Mark Miller pu 11/30/10 del 12/16/10 ***************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE SHIPPER: Fri, December 17, 2010 Once again thanks to all of you for all you do. Mark has delivered Ruby to her furever Mom and family and they are beyond happy. The wait was worth it for all concerned and both Mark and Jennifer are smitten with the Chin Bug I think !
Carol Gardner, Jack, Willow, Sweetie, Peiwei, Vikki and always in my heart
Patches and Maxie In the Wonderful World of Chin
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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE DRIVER AND LAYOVER HOME: Fri, December 17, 2010
Hi Sue,
Ruby is such a sweet dog. She got along great with Honey, our dog. She is the ultimate lap dog. Every chance possible she would hop up on my lap to be loved on and I often woke up to her at my feet. She loves a good rub behind the ears and back. Occasionally she would let me rub her belly. The best time is when Ruby gets spunky. She puts her little butt up in the air and then takes off around the house at 100 miles an hour then ends the race by attacking the pillow on the couch.
She was a pleasure to have in our home and I know her new family will enjoy her as much as we did.
Jennifer and Mark Miller
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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE RECEIVER: Sent: Sun, Dec 19, 2010
Thank you!!
I just want to say THANK YOU to JCCARE, Carol Gardener and OP Roger for helping us to bring Ruby to her forever home.
We could not be more happy, she's so sweet and playful. Is more than what we expected and she's adapting really well to her new home, we don't have a doggie door yet (planning to get one soon for our sliding door) but she follows KCP and asks to go outside, she didn't have an accident at all, not even on the pee pads, she's so smart!! She loves to be held and is very curious and alert. KCP still not sure about her, but today they were sleeping on the couch next to each other, as long as I was there. KCP is very quiet and needs time to get to know her. Is funny, because KCP follows me around like crazy, he always has but now he does it even more and Ruby is crazy about my husband, every opportunity she has she climbes on his lap and loves to fall sleep on his chest, just like a baby. Again, thank you Carol and Mark for working so hard to get Ruby from TX to sunny CA, I will post pictures soon!! Vickie ***************************************************************** #506 DAISY (Hound) Rose Hill, NC - Pratt, KS DAISY, 6 mo 25# female began her travels when she was pulled from a high kill shelter and put into a foster for a couple of months before she could be adopted. Driver Terri T picked her up in Hope Mills where she joined Oliver, Precious, and Kitty, Terri's traveling companions. At first Daisy had a problem with aggression but with Terri's patience soon calmed down. Daisy met her new Mom Jeanna in Kingman, KS, and is now at home in Pratt. Operation Roger Driver Terri T pu 11/30/10 del 12/12/10 **************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE DRIVER: I met Caroline in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she handed over Daisy. I let my two dogs, Oliver and Precious, bond with Daisy for a time before we parted ways with Caroline. The first day Daisy was scared and nervous. By the second day she was trying to be the Alpha dog. Through talking to a lot of people and especially a friend I learned a valuable lesson. Something that didn't dawn on me till the first week with Daisy. When a dog is not socialized around other dogs they have a hard time finding where they fit in the pack. I myself am the Alpha dog to my two kids. Through a lot of patience and watching, Precious slowly showed Daisy where she fit into our pack. Throughout the first week on the truck, there was a lot of aggression. I was scared for myself as well as my two dogs as they were a bit smaller than Daisy. By week two, Daisy was enjoying her new friends and even enjoyed romping on the bed and in fields with them. She still had a little bit of food aggression, but it seemed to slow down. Especially, when Precious would eat out of the same bowl as Daisy. We made it to Kansas, arranged a time to meet with Jeanna in Kingman and delivered Daisy to her new rescue. ***************************************************************************************************** #505 ANGEL (Pit) DeFuniak Springs, FL - Odessa, TX ANGEL, a 67# 2-3 y/o female was a resident of the shelter when adopted to West Texas. Shelter worker Nikki brought Angel to meet team drivers Gene&Debra J. A short 2 days later, Angel met her new family, John and Hope F in Odessa to begin her new life. Operation Roger Drivers Gene and Debra J pu 12-8-10 del 12-10-11 ***************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE RECEIVER: Sun, December 26, 2010 5:11:52 PM Hello, and Thank Y'all again!!! Angel is doing Fabulous, and she's a happy, happy "pup" (ok, 72 lb mama pit pup!). Gene and Debra actually brought Angel all the way to Odessa (we offered to meet in Ft Stockton, and instead, they all came to Odessa!). They are the Nicest
people on earth, and their dogs are wonderful too. Angel fortunately was a good girl on the way. Steven and I felt badly that she took quite a bit of time to leave their truck cab (she was nervous)!
The horses at Angel Vet also made her nervous, but she boarded well (we have 5 large dogs already!). On Christmas Eve, Angel went to her Forever home, and we are so very, very happy; Walton Co. Animal got to work a Christmas Miracle!
Thanks, Hope and Steve Ford
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#504 REINA (German Shepherd) Olathe, KS - Bridgton, ME
REINA, an 80# female German Shepherd has seen quite a bit of the country in the past couple of weeks. Originally on our Pet Board for transport from FL-ME, she was picked up by another pet transporter (not associated with Operation Roger). Instead of being taken to ME she round up in OK needing another ride. The receivers were able to find a foster for her in Olathe, KS, with Tomina M and resubmitted an application. Driver Lisa C, on her way from KS to Long Island, NY, stepped forward to pick her up, knowing she was already planning to pick up another dog in OH going to the Island. Lisa says Reina was a wonderful companion and was especially good with the little Scottie, James Dean, who later joined them. At the last moment, we got word the person scheduled to drive down from ME to pick Reina up in NY couldn't make it. We assured the receiver Reina would not be left stranged again but would remain on the truck with Lisa until other arrangements could be made. The following day the receiver, Brogan H, notified Lisa another transporter would be picking her up. As it turned out, Lisa was not impressed by the people who came after Reina because of the way they were treating her but felt better once she knew Reina had made it to the horse farm where she was to live near Bridgton, ME, with the final receiver. Operation Roger Driver Lisa C pu 12-4-10 del 12-7-10 **************************************************************************************************** #503 JAMES DEAN (Scottie) Kansas City, MO - Flanders, NY JAMES DEAN, a little 12# 9 month old Scottie was picked up by Drivers Kris & Brandy P from his rescuer Marilyn H with the intentions of being delivered within a couple days. However, the transport hit a snag when the driver's company abruptly informed them their normal route to Long Island had been changed for the time being. They would only be running MO-OH until Christmas, at least. We scrambled to find a Layover Home for J.D. with Jennifer G in Columbus, OH. After a week with her, we learned the scheduled flight with PilotsNPaws had hit a snag. The receiver couldn't meet the pilot due to a family wedding that particular day. Once again we hit the phones to find a driver who could help. Two drivers had just gone through Columbus mere hours before. The following day Driver Lisa C called in and wanted to pick him up on her way to the Island. She would have another transport, Reina, on board as well. Yappy James Dean might have been only 12# compared to Reina's 80# but that small difference didn't phase him in the least. He nipped Reina's leg at one pont. Reina just looked at him as if to say, "You just didn't do that, Squirt," then sighed and turned away from the pup. J.D. would still try to let Reina know he was boss. Lisa, the driver, could easily hold him back with one hand though. It was if he wanted to be held back so he wouldn't have to go through with his threats. Guess it was a case of the "bark being worse than the bite." J.D. was picked by his new family, Devon B, at Lisa's customer in Lindenhurst, NY. Operation Roger Drivers Kris & Brandy P and Lisa C and LOH Jennifer G pu 11-24-10 del 12-7-10 ***************************************************************************************************** #502 SHADOW (Battle Ground, WA - Colorado Springs, CO) SHADOW, a 3 year 45# female Springer Spaniel/Cocker Spaniel mix was surrendered to the Alder Creek Vet Clinic when her owner could not longer care for her. Joanne B and Wendy C both assisted as fosters before Driver Brad M could pick her up in Portland, OR. Brad took Shadow to meet Driver Jim F's daughter, Christy, in Logan, UT. Jim then transported her on to Cheyenne, WY, where she met her new Dad, Richard M, who drove up from Colorado Springs to get her. Operation Roger Drivers Brad M and Jim F pu 11/30/10 del 12/5/10 **************************************************************************************************** #501 BONNIE (Columbia, MO - Hopedale, MA) BONNIE, a 12 year senior 45# female and her owner's mom, Carolyn, met driver Jonathan S near Columbia for her ride to MA. Carolyn, caring for Bonnie while her son, Terry S, had moved to Las Vegas, NV, and in the process of finding a home in which to live, was torn between her love for the dog and knowing she couldn't care for her along with her own two dogs. Jonathan reportedly spent extra time, an hour and a half, in assuring Carolyn Bonnie would be in good hands with him and easing the separation anxiety both were feeling. Bonnie could sense Carolyn's distress and didn't know what was wrong. Once on board she settled down and made the trip to be with Luanna, a long time family friend who knows and loves Bonnie. Luanna will care for Bonnie until such time as Terry has a proper home for her in NV. Bonnie may once again become a trucking dog and get to ride in a big truck once again. When Jonathan delivered Bonnie to Luanna near Boston, she was extremely delighted to see someone she knew. While she was a good trucking dog, she was happy indeed to see Luanna. Operation Roger Driver Jonathan S pu 12-1-10 del 12-3-10 **************************************************************************************************** #500 ZIP (Wabash, IN - Brea, CA) ZIP, an 18# 7 month old female, began her trip when her rescuerer, Mary S, met Driver Randy T near Indianapolis. She is very special. Not only is she our #500 transport, she is the first service pet we have been able to transport. She is going to be trained for detection - bed bug detection. Curious about this type of detection, we asked the trainer. Her replies are below. Operation Roger Driver Randy T pu 11-26-10 del 11-30-10 **************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL: Hi Sue, AND THIS E-MAIL: Hi Sue, With so many people travelling and moving around, they spread easily and their numbers increase fast. They are found not only in hotels and motels, but also nursing homes, movie theaters, cruise ships, airports, private homes, even in rental cars. Although it is not yet known if bed bugs spread diseases, their bites may hurt quite a bit after a couple of days (I know first hand - I feed the bugs that we use for the training... ). It is quite expensive to get rid of them and that's why it is important to find them before they spread around. If there are only a couple of bugs, the dogs are the most reliable 'tools' to find them. We are still learning a lot about detecting bed bugs, but dogs can find a single bug in a room. They are simply amazing. #499 CHOPPER (Ft. Pierce, FL - Greenfield, IN) CHOPPER, a 2 year old 25# male started his ride in Ft. Pierce, FL, when Jamie S met Driver Matt W at a nearby truck stop. Jamie, no longer able to provide care or time for him, knew Kohlby C, who had known Chopper since his was a pup, would be able to provide the environment he needed. Matt knew he would need to keep Chopper on board a couple weeks until he would be able to head toward his new home in Greenfield, IN, on the way to his home for the Thanksgiving holiday. In the meantime Chopper became a regular trucking dog as the duo traipsed between FL and TX while providing companionship to Matt. Operation Roger Driver Matt W pu 11-9-10 del 11-21-10 **************************************************************************************************** #498 DOODLE BUG (Labradoodle) Sequin, TX - Calhoun, GA DOODLE BUG, a 6 mo 40# female was picked up near Sequin from foster mom Amber S by new Operation Roger Driver Peggy T even though she was said to be afraid of vehicles and not quite potty trained. Peggy said Doddle Bug was trembling and fearful and would stay right by her side on their potty breaks, even afraid to venture out by herself to do her business. After a couple days, she did go much to Peggy's relief. Doodle Bug was even afraid to eat. Peggy put the food and water right in front of the dog at first then moved it to the bunk. She had to literally force Doodle Bug to go back there to eat and drink, but the strategy worked. Peggy would pet her all over, including her feet which were extremely sensitive. By the end of the six days on board, Doodle Bug would allow even her feet to be petted and had warmed up to Peggy. This is one of those cases where we wish we could have completed the whole transport for Doodle Bug to Maine where she will have a permanent home. With a loving driver as Peggy was to help her heal from whatever Doodle Bug has been through in her short life, even more strides could have been made. As it was, Peggy was heartbroken to see her traveling companion go to David and Brooke P. David met them in Dalton, GA, and will see to it that Doodle Bug is cared for and gets onto the next leg of her journey to her new home. Operation Roger Driver Peggy T pu 11-16-10 del 11-21-10 **************************************************************************************************** #497 TOOTSIE (Mix Small) Circleville, OH - New Windsor, NY TOOTSIE a 1 year 35# female termed a small mix from the Pickaway County Dog Shelter in Circleville was taken by her handler, Rhonda, to meet Drivers Kris & Brandy Peters in Columbus, OH, who then took her on to her new home with Janet G in New Windsor. The driver's story is below. Operation Roger Drivers Kris & Brandy P pu 10/30/10 del 11/1/10 **************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE DRIVERS: This is the story on Tootsie, the small mix 8-10 months old female dog from Circleville, OH, to North Windsor, NY. We picked up Tootsie in Columbus, OH, on 10/30 from Rhonda, the Foster Mom. She took to the truck right away. We took off for Huber Heights, OH, where we dropped a load and went to Ottawa, IL, to pick up our next load going to the Bronx, NY, which is the load we were going to deliver Tootsie to her new forever home. We had agreed to run a little bit out of our way to Mahwah, NJ, to meet Janet, Tootsie's new Momma. Enroute, we broke down in Milan, OH. We had to get a motel room as the truck was in the shop. Most dogs can sense stress and then they become stressed out. But Tootsie was just fine. In fact, I think she knew I was stressed. When I was laying on the bed, she kept rubbing up on my side, forcing me to pet her which made me calm down. The next morning we were up and running and once again headed for Mahwah. We met Janet and her husband at a small fuel stop on the night of 11/1. Tootsie was a great transport. I was glad to get her off the truck as quick as I did because I was starting to bond with her and feel she was bonding with me as well. Tootsie traveled 1,270 miles with us on her journey to NY. Thanks, Kris and Brandy ****************************************************************************************************
Driver Mark M was out of his regular running area when he contacted coordinator Sue W about picking up a dog out of the Texas area going to California. Calling on the pet, Mark discovered it had just been adopted locally but that the shipper had another pet going to CA as well. As our policy does not permit drivers to just "pick up" a pet, hurried arrangements with the shipper were required to get the new pet's application in and approved, health certificate obtained, and all the other necessary items taken care of before the driver left the area.
Rescuer Carol G went into high gear, got everything done, and drove Panda from Garland over to Denton to meet Mark. The trip was uneventful as Panda was a great passenger Mark enjoyed. Mark says Panda slept most of the time. He didn't bark during the trip. Once he was able to run around Mark's back yard with Honey, a Pit, he was one happy doggy. Mark says Panda was in his lap while they were sitting in a chair in the back yard, Honey came up, and Panda didn't like it one bit. Later Honey was sitting between Mark's legs when Panda came up. Honey didn't like it either. They were being protective of Mark when they had Mark's attention.
As receivers, Cindy H and Kathy K, could not meet Mark on his schedule, Mark's wife and OR Layover Home Jennifer M, kept Panda overnight and met up with them the next day in Lathrop, which was about half way.
Operation Roger Driver Mark M pu 10/21/10 del 10/25/10
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WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE DRIVER:
Dropped off Panda with Jennifer last night,he is a very happy little dog. He warmed up to our pit Honey real quickly. Jen will meet up with Kathy's friend today and hand him off. Thanks for the opportunity to transport Panda. It was a real pleasure. Mark
*************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM THE RECEIVER: I want to personally thank Mark for the wonderful care he gave Panda while on his journey from Texas to California. He arrived a healthy, happy little guy. Thank you so much for your tender care of Panda. I look forward to having OP Roger transport more of our Chin.
Your services help rescue groups to move dogs around the country, when it is impossible to afford other means of transportation. We are indeed grateful that you have a heart for many dogs that we as resuce groups endeavor to save and find forever homes. Kathy, JCCARE California/Nevada Regional Coordinator, http://www.japanesechinrescue.org Daisy, Gizmo, Miki, Geisha and Sachi, Chins are like potato chips, can't have just one.
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WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM THE SHPPER:
Fri, November 5, 2010 5:17:47 PM - Hi there. Just a quick note to tell you how pleased we were with the planning and outcome pf Our Recsue Chin Panda. I so much enjoyed meeting Mark and the care he gave this scared pup on his trip to California. I am enclosing a picture of Panda in his favorite bed here at my house and one of Mark's wife Janet, when Our foster picked him up. Thanks so much for all you do.
Carol Gardner, In the Wonderful World **************************************************************************************************
OTIS, a 15# 3 y/o male has gone to his new home in Pennsylvania to be loved despite his Vestibular Atoxia. This is a disorder which affects the brain. He walks as if drunk, tilts his head to one side, and runs in circles.
Operation Roger drivers Kris & Brandy P picked him up in the Troy, IL, area from his foster family, Tim & Kim K, and delivered him to his new family, David F and Ginny C in Eighty Four, PA. The driver's story will follow shortly.
Operation Roger Drivers Kris & Brandy P pu 10/23/10 - 10/24/10
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WE RECEIVED THIS STORY FROM THE DRIVER:
This is the story on Otis, the 3 y/o male Silky. We picked him up in Troy, IL, at the Pilot Truck Stop on 10/23/10 from Tim K, the Foster Dad. Otis had a mental problem that made him turn his head and walk in circles when he got stressed out. Brandy thought he was just so cute when he would tilt his head.
Although he was listed as a Silky, we both think he was a Yorkie. Otis was really good on the truck. The first night we spent in Effingham, IL, and Otis enjoyed watching TV with us in the truck. We delivered him at a small fuel stop in Eighty Four, PA, to his new Mother Ginny, who has several special needs animals, so Otis will fit right in. Ginny has three girls who were very excited about geting a new member to their family. Otis was delivered on 10/24/10 and traveled 566 miles with us.
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DINO, a 2.5 y.o 62# male was rescued by Cambria H before going to a boarding facility in Sun Valley. Picked up at a Castaic truck stop by Drivers Martie & Tracie R, Dino reportedly rode well on the truck. The team repowered him with another team, Kris & Brandy P, in Tulsa, OK. The story continues below. Opration Roger Drivers Martie & Tracie R and Kris & Brandy P pu 10-11-10 del 10-18-10
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This is the story of Dino, the 2 y/o male American Staffardshire Bull Terrier. We picked him up from Martie & Tracie on 10/15/10 at the Flying J truck stop in Tulsa, OK. We had to go to Rogers, AR, to pick up our next load. I was told by Tracie that Dino is a bed hound and loveable dog that enjoys looking out the window whle going down the road. Well, this was very much true. He would always come up to the front of the cab and look out the windows for a bit and then go back to the bunk.
We had some complications with our load that put us in a motel for two days while waiting to get our load. Dino was a good dog and would play with my other two dogs. On 10/17/10 we finally got our load and headed to Ridgefield, NJ, where we were going to meet Lori S, Dino's new Mom. Once we got back in the truck, Dino became another dog altogether. Tracie had told us Dino was very scared of noises and it was somewhat of a chore getting him out of the truck. But, it went to a whole new level once we left the motel. Dino had started nipping us when we would try to get him out of the cab to go potty. By the last night of his trip, he actually bit both myself and Brandy. There was also food aggression with my Toy Poodle, Little Joe. Dino was eating and Little Joe went to go get some water. Dino went after Little Joe and bit him as well. I have talked with Tracie and Martie and they both have stated that what I am explaining is not the dog they picked up in CA. I feel he was just plain tired of the truck and was lashing out.
I have explained this idea to Lori and she will watch him over the next few days. We delivered Dino to Lori in Ridgefield, NJ, 10/18/10. He traveled 1,451 miles with just us.
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#493 ROCKY (Bloodhound/Doxie) Pilot Point, TX - Oshkosh, WI
ROCKY, a 3 y/o 35-45# male and his rescuer, Anneliese B, have been reunited. Adopted from a shelter when she visited near Pilot Point with friends, David A and Courtney B. David met Operation Roger Driver Terri T in Denton. Terri's story of the transport, which included time at home so she could do jury duty, is below.
Operation Roger Driver Terri T pu 9/28/10 del 10-14-10
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WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM THE DRIVER:
Rocky was such a playful gentleman. We picked him up in Denton, TX, and by the look on his face; he was not sure where he was going or why he was leaving David’s place where he had been since he had been rescued by Annaliese one day from being euthanized.
She had been looking for a pet to be a companion to her horse who appeared to be sad after his faithful companion, a cat, had died. The horse and cat would sleep together at night. Annaliese saw him during a visit to Texas and just knew he was the right dog for the job. While observing Rocky in the kennel, she noticed he would just sit back in the kennel while all the other dogs barked and carried on. I sense Annaliese, herself, is as mellow as Rocky. I had planned to deliver Rocky soon after I picked him up. That was before I got jury duty papers. Rocky went home with me while I served my duty, and spent a week with four other dogs. It was a romper room, but he was such a gentle boy. Despite his weight and strength, he played just like the other dogs.
The day for jury duty came and I did not tell Rocky or my own two dogs where I was going. I guess it is something we take for granted and believe they do not understand. I was mistaken. Rocky dug out of the fence, but did not go far as my brother-in-law saw him and put him back in. The next day I decided to tell them where I was going and it seemed to work. I guess he was so used to going where I went and thought he should be going also. After my jury duty, we went to Florida and then worked our way to Illinois. That is where I finally met Annaliese, who is a horse trainer/owner. I handed the good boy over to her and a tear came down. I knew he would have a great job tending to his new job and his new love.
I got a message Annaliese a few days afterwards. She said Rocky was a sweetie, despite tearing up one of her blinds. They are not perfect, just like humans are not perfect. Yet, they always strive to please.
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#492 DEXTER (Golden Retriever/Lab X) DeSoto, MO - Chardon, OH DEXTER, an 8 mo 50# male started out with rescurer, Jeri D. The story of this short transport is told by the drivers below.
Operation Roger Drivers Kris & Brandy P pu 10-9-10 del 10-10-10
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WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM THE DRIVERS:
This is the story on Dexter, the 9 mo male Golden Retriever/Lab mix. We picked him up on 10/9 in St. Clair, MO, in a rest area from Jerri D. Dexter was a big 50# dog but was even bigger in his love and affection. This dog went up to anybody and gave them a big ol' kiss on the face.
I found out from Jerri that Dexter was literally on the put down table when he was rescued. I have no idea why on earth someone would just put down such a loveable dog. Our first night, we shut down in Effingham, IL, and got a room due to Dexter being so large and, with having our two others dogs, Little Joe and Pinky, in the truck, it was crowded. There was no problem, at first. But, as we were watching TV, I saw my shoe go flying through the air. When Brandy went to investigate, she found Dexter had completely chewed up her tennis shoes. We had asked if he was still a chewer and was told, No. It took awhile for Brandy to start talking to him again! I think Dexter knew he had done something wrong because he would not stop pacing the floor until she started loving on him again and told him she forgave him.
We were put on the second floor of the motel. We knew Dexter did not like getting into the truck, but when we got to the stairs, we discovered he didn't like stairs either. It was a big chore getting him up and down them. The next day, we drove him to a McDonald's in Rootstown, OH, where we were to meet Sherry R, his new Momma. Sherry had googled this place to make sure it was trucker friendly, even going so far as to call one of her trucker friends to verify the easy access to the parking lot. The directions she gave us were right on. The funny thing was, she was late picking Dexter up because she could not find the place! Once she did arrive, there was no doubt who she was because I saw her light up with joy when she saw Dexter. He will be very much loved with her and her family. It just confirms my feelings as to why I do go to the trouble of transporting these pets.
Oh, on Dexter not liking to get into trucks. We were not sure how he would do getting into a car. Well, true to Dexter's form, when he realized we were trying to get him into the car, he layed down and rolled onto his back as if to say "I'm done with traveling and this is it!" He was putting his foot down...or at least...himself. He traveled 610 miles with us and was delivered on 10-10-10.
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YUKON, a 4 mo 37# male has finally, after two months of trying to get him transported, has finally made it home. Several attempts were made to get him to a driver able to transport him to a Layover Home in MN so driver Gard B could pick him up. None worked out. Then the loads for that first driver were no longer available.
We had to wait during most of the month of August and into September for Gard to come back onto the road after a stint fighting wild fires on and near his family's property in Montana. Even then, his earnest attempts during September to pick up freight that would take him through Indianapolis took him far around the city instead. The shipper wouldn't go but 60 miles which made it difficult to get Yukon picked up by the one driver who goes right through the receiver's town.
Then, team drivers Martie & Tracie R picked up Yukon from Dominic P in Indianapolis. They were going to MN, which would put them in a perfect spot to meet with Gard on his way back to MT. Their willingness to do what it took to get Yukon moving after so long shows the heart of many of our drivers. Because, after they unloaded in St. Cloud, they waited on Gard to arrive and lost a good load which would have gotten them moving the same day. They spent two extra days in MN waiting on another load.
Gard delivered Yukon to Nicole C in Dickenson, ND the next day. The drivers commented that during the time Yukon was on our board he had almost doubled in size and was much larger than expected.
Operation Roger Drivers Martie&Tracie R and Gard B
************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE RECEIVER: Tue, December 21, 2010 1:42:33 AM Hello, ***************************************************************************************************** #489 SANDY and #490 ANDY (Bichon Frise/Papillon X) Kirbyville, MO - Bullhead City, AZ SANDY #489 and ANDY #490, 2 mo 2-3# males, were litter mates when they came into Linda B's rescue and were adopted by a family as a surprise for their son's 12th birthday. He had found them on the internet and really wanted these two pups above all else. One transport was arranged for them but, just as the driver, was heading their way, Linda reported they both had become ill, which put a kink in the hope of getting them out to AZ by the boy's birthday. However, during the time they were recuperating, former driver Jonathan S came back on board. When he heard about these two pups during a Sunday night meeting, he quickly put his stamp on them and made arrangements to get to Springfield, MO. By the time he made it there, the pups were well enough to travel, along with Chloe, another pet heading to AZ, and the birthday date had passed. At his birthday, his parents had given him the collars and leashes so he was really jazzed now just waiting for their arrival. Jonathan used to be a Trucker Buddy for a 4th grade class in Bullhead City and his hopes were this boy would have been in that class. Thus, this transport was extra special for him as he wanted to revisit the school. Unfortunately, the young lad had gone to another school but did know two boys who did know Jonathan. Melanie B, the mother, met Sandy and Andy in Kingman, AZ, instead of Bullhead City, while her son was still in school. The following week was scheduled as a fall break for him so we are certain he got to play a lot with his new best friends. Operation Roger Driver Jonathan S pu 10-3-10 del 10-5-10 ************************************************************************************************** #488 CHLOE (Maltese) Kirbyville, MO - Prescott, AZ CHLOE, a 9 y/o 7# Female had been abandoned by her previous owners when she came into Linda B's rescue. She was quickly adopted by Joe & Penny W in AZ. Driver Jonathan S had made plans to pick up two other pets from Linda in Springfield, MO, both going to AZ. While we don't ask Operation Roger drivers to take more than one pet at a time, Jonathan stepped forward and took all three! He reports Chloe was a great little doggie and gave him no trouble. While she is considered a senior and unadoptable by most thinking, Joe & Penny thought otherwise. Chloe will live out the rest of her life being loved. They met Chloe and Jonathan in Flagstaff in a downpour! Jonathan says the clouds opened up just as the exchange was being made, soaking Joe as he had jumped from his car, ran to the truck as Jonathan opened the door, got Chloe and all her stuff, and ran back to his vehicle. Then, the rain stopped. Of course! Operation Roger Driver Jonathan S pu 10/3/10 del 10/5/10 **************************************************************************************************
Miley, a 11 w 10# Female had a very rough beginning in life. Her mother starved to death trying her best to feed her babies. The rescuer, April W and Thomas P, took Miley and her litter mates and put them with one of their other rescues to nurse. Driver Candi C picked Miley up in Springfield, MO, and transported her to Jennifer G, a Layover Home in Columbus, OH. Then it seemed all our transports northeast dried up. Needing to retrieve Miley and get her going again, Kris & Brandy P, finally able to get back on their regular route, contacted the receivers, asking them to go further than they had originally planned in order to meet them along their route. They would not. We were faced with having to return Miley to the original rescue in AR and try again at a later time. Kris didn't give up though. He finally was able to make the receivers, Thomas P and Abbie R, understand the problem and, in addition, the team was able to get a load that would take them off their regular route but would take them closer to where the receiver's lived. This action, while commendable, cost the team a lot of money as this load didn't pay them as well and they also lost the next load to get them back on track. This is the type of action that can't happen often. Again, this is an example of team effort. It took two drivers and a Layover Home to complete the mission. A report from Kris & Brandy is below: Operation Roger drivers Candi C and Kris & Brandy, Layover Home Jennifer G pu 9-11-10 del 10-6-10 ************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM THE DRIVER: This is the story on Miley, the female Aussie Shepherd/Point mix. We picked her up from Jennifer, the Layover Home in Columbus, OH, on 10-3. Miley road with us to NYC and then up to Coxsackie, NY, where we met her new Mom, Abbie, at a truckstop late the night of 10-4. Miley was a good transport at first. She would just lay on the passenger seat floorboard. But, after she got used to the truck moving, she went exploring and found our trash bag. We had a hard time keeping it away from her after that. As we waited for her Mom to get off work and make the drive from Johnstown, NY, to pick her up, we were watching TV. Miley wanted to play with Little Joe, our Poodle, and Pinky. She would bark and wine because they wanted nothing to do with her. We were then elected to entertain her with toys and running around outside. Miley travel with us 746 miles. ************************************************************************************************** #486 THOMAS (Plott Hound/Pit) Dallas, TX - Williams, CA Thomas, a 9 week old 9 pound male, along with Mason, the son of his rescuer, Sara S, and another teenager, met Driver Edwin A at a truck stop in Lancaster, TX. After making sure he had all the paper work, food, crate, etc. required for the trip, Edwin resumed his trip to California. The first day of the trip, Thomas was scared and stayed in his crate which looked like a house with a zipper in front. The second day, however, Thomas was acclimated to the truck and lost all his fear. Enroute, Edwin enjoyed the pup, even over-looking the puppy things like poop on the seat, bed, and floor. Being such a young pup, Edwin knew that was to be expected and was prepared. He described Thomas as very, very smart and would make a good pet. The only problem was when he was handed off to Beau, son of the receiver, Linda W, who met Edwin and Thomas in Williams, he didn't want to leave the truck. When put back into his crate, Thomas let it be known by barking and growling he was not a happy camper. He apparently wanted to stay on the truck which would have made him a very good trucking companion, or perhaps it was just because Edwin was such a good "foster home on wheels" for him. Operation Roger Driver Edwin A pu 9/23/10 del 9/28/10 ************************************************************************************************** #485 HARRY/CEASER (Husky X) Ft.Lauderdale, FL - Los Angeles, CA HARRY, a 65# 13 y/o male had a slight hearing loss and eyesight problems. We were warned not to make a fast movements around him by Laura R of the Abandonded Pet Rescue. Despite the initial trouble of getting Harry into and out of the truck, drivers Gene and Debra said they, and their three traveling companions, Moe, Fancy Anne, and Lily, thoughly enjoyed his company. With three pets on board already, Gene and Debra had at first hesitated about taking such a large dog on board but were later happy they had taken that leap of faith. Harry made the cross country trip well. Although it had been about two and a half years since he had seen his mistress, Celia A, Harry knew her. Well almost. It wasn't until he heard his name is Portugese that he finally understood this was indeed his family. One he certainly had not expected to ever see again. That's when he really perked up. It was discovered enroute by the drivers that Harry's original name had been Cesear so that is what they called him. Drivers Gene & Debra J pu 9/23/10 del 9/27/10 ***************************************************************************************************
POSSUM, a 9 mo 50# male was a stray when he became a resident of the local shelter. After he was enroute, it was discovered why. Team drivers Gene & Debra J picked up Possum in DeFuniak Springs and took him to the Houston, TX, area to be put into a Layover Home with Barbara S. However, driver Bob F called in to say he was on his way to Houston going to El Paso. Suddenly, logistics for Possum changed. Barbara still went to the truck stop to wait with Gene & Debra on Bob. Bob and his traveling companion, Little Joe, a Puggle, welcomed Possum on board. Looking over the paper work sent along, Bob concurred with Gene & Debra in that it looked like Possum was HW+ and we had not been told. Apparently, neither had the receiver, Michelle O, in CA. In El Paso, Possum was put in a Layover Home with Dawn P until Bob picked him up the next day because he had gotten a CA load and would be able to complete the transport. While waiting on his load, Bob put Possum in the 5 foot tall holding pen his company has for their driver's pets, while he participated in their Driver Appreciation Day. To Bob's surprise, Possum easily sailed over it. Then, Bob lost that load and Possum went back to Dawn for the night. There, Possum went over a 6 foot fence. Driver Michael Walden came through late the next day to pick up Possum. It didn't take long for Michael to fall in love with his first transport. He says when he delivered Possum to Michelle O in Costa Mesa, CA, he had to quickly hand him over before Michelle could see the tears in his eyes. It took three drivers and a Layover Home to complete this mission. Operation Roger Drivers Gene & Debra J, Bob F, Michael W pu 9-15-10 del 9-25-10 *************************************************************************************************** #483 REBA (Boxer X) Elizabethtown, NC - Bellingham, WA REBA, a 1.5 y/o 40# female was rescued by Silvia K in Elizabethtown. Originally Karl S, a Canadian, had adopted Reba only to later learn of the ban on "bully" breeds in the Ontario Province. Not willing to let Reba go unadopted, he arranged for a friend of his, Christian M, also a Canadian, to take her. Driver Carl W was visiting relatives near Richmond, VA, when he learned of Reba. He didn't know where he was going to go to pick up his next load but only that he was to work his way to Seattle, WA. Even though it is a long four hours from Elizabethtown to Richmond, Carl and Coordinator Sue W, took a chance the shipper, Silvia K, would be able to help get Reba to VA. And try she did. Carl met Silvia in Raleigh, SC, a few days later. He said Reba was extremely intelligent and was just a sweetheart of a dog. Reba wanted to please. She quickly learned how to get in the truck within two days by herself. During the trip across country, Carl visited with his sister in Palestine, TX. Reba enjoyed playing with Fred, a Beagle, on their five acres. He said it was fun teaching her how to go in and out of the doggy door. He had to physically push her through it a few times. Now the cows were something new for her and thought they were such strange looking big dogs. During the trip, Carl looked around to see that Reba had destroyed a box of tissues which he thinks had a food smell on them. Actually, Reba was going to a location about 60 miles north of the WA/Canadian border. She was going to share a home with two other dogs, one a three-legged, 2-3 children, and cattle. Guess Reba will find out up close and personal what those strange looking big dogs really are. Christian drove down to Seattle, WA, to meet Reba and Carl. She went to Canada in a Land Rover with the steering wheel on the right side. Operation Roger Driver Carl W pu 8/25/10 delivered 9/15/10 ***************************************************************************************************
MURDOCK, a 2 y/o 60# male is the personal pet of a young lady who was moving soon to AZ to get married. Driver Glenn W was headed south on a state highway which would take him very close to Starkville when he called in to his team leader. With about an hour to arrange everything, Toni, a volunteer at the Oktibbeha County HS shelter, had her daughter, Murdock's owner, meet Glenn in Brookville. Glenn said Murdock was very will mannered. He marveled at how Murdock would just turn his head whenever Glenn would be eating something. He said Murdock was one dog who knew and stayed within his boundries. Laughing, Glenn recalled how Murdock would start out at his feet on the bunk when they went to bed. But, by morning, Glenn would wake up with Murdock sharing his pillow and breathing peacefully into his ear. Kevin, the fiance of the daughter, met Glenn and Murdock in Flagstaff, AZ. Murdock would soon be reunited with his owner when she flew in a few days later. Operation Roger Driver Glenn W pu 9-8-10 del 9-11-10 ************************************************************************************************** WE HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM THE RECEIVER: I would like to thank Operation Roger and truck driver Glen for bringing my new dog Murdoch to his new home in Buckeye, AZ. Glen was very courteous and called me every night with updates on how the trip was going and how Murdoch was doing. I would like to thank Glen very much and could not thank him enough. I want to express how grateful I am to Operation Roger for making this possible. Murdoch also thanks you for helping him get a new home. I am attaching some pictures of Glen and Murdoch and some pictures of Murdoch in his new home. Thank you again. ************************************************************************
CHANCE/BUDDY a 1-2 y/o 50# male was a stray when he arrived at the Idaho Animal Shelter. Picked up from Officer Manny, Driver Brad M took Chance to his home in Utah to stay until another driver could be found to take him on toward Maine. Unfortunately, in addition to climbing their six foot fence, Chance took a liking, or rather, disliking to two of Colette M's chickens. It just happened it was the very two Colette considered pets as they would let her pet them. A friend of their son also had a boxer. It was decided to let them foster Chance. Well, during his stay there, he reportedly climbed the fence and went across the way to a construction site to befriend a worker. That worker took him to a vet who called Officer Manny in ID, who in turned called the receiver, Tiffany B in ME, who called Sue with Operation Roger in TX, who then called Brad M in UT. When the worker returned to the construction site, Julie saw them and came over to retrieve the wandering pup. Finally, Driver Glenn W made arrangements to meet Colette M in Ogden, UT, and picked up Chance on his way to OR. Glenn thought Chance was great. Never gave him a problem, even when Glenn went home to NM for a couple days and introduced Chance, now being called Buddy, to his two Boxers. Once back on the road and heading for Illinois, Glenn knew he would not get to Maine so arrangements were made to meet Driver Nancy R in the Chicago area. Nancy quickly shuttled Buddy over to Walbridge, OH, to stay with LOH Susan R to await the next driver. However, Buddy became quite a problem. He reportedly put his head through an air conditioner and chewed up the doorframe to a bedroom before Susan finally put him in a large wire crate to not only protect her home but to protect Buddy from getting hurt. Buddy kept banging his head against the wires until he had them spread apart enough where he could get out. Susan finally had to put him in boarding while she worked, at her expense, in order to keep him from hurting himself further. With still no prospects of a driver coming through Toledo, Susan asked permission for and made arrangements to drive Buddy to an airfield in PA where pilot friend's of Susan were waiting to pick up Buddy and transport him to MA. One of the pilots, kept Buddy overnight and then drove him to meet Shuttle Driver Noreen K in Boston. Noreen then drove up to Portland to meet the receiver, Tiffany B, who had driven down from Milo to get him. It took three drivers, three layover homes, two pilots, one shuttle driver and about two and a half months, but in the end, the mission was accomplished. Operation Roger Drivers Brad M, Glenn W, Nancy R, LOH Brad & Collette M, Susan R, SD Noreen King, and 2 pilots pu 6/24/10 del 9-7-10 *************************************************************************************************** #480 FITCHY (Doxi) Savannah, GA - West Palm Beach, FL FITCHY, a 5 y/o 12# male had been the pet of Kendra S all during high school. Once she graduated last May and moved to live with her father in Georgia, Kendra wanted her companion. Her mother, Heather S, drove Fitchy to Savannah. However, once there, because of her working long hours, Kendra's father was left with caring for Fitchy. This he didn't care for and wanted the dog gone. Unable to make the long drive north again so soon, Heather looked for help to get Fitchy back and found Operation Roger. Driver Edwin A was on his way home for time off when he became aware of Fitchy's plight. Persistant in making the necessary calls, Edwin got the arrangements made. He described Fitchy as friendly and playful with his toys. He wanted very much to sit in Edwin's lap but finally had to settle for the knowledge that helping to drive the truck was not his job. In West Palm Beach, Fitchy was surprised but very happy to see Heather again. Operation Roger Driver Edwin A pu 9/6/10 del 9/7/10. *************************************************************************************************** #479 COLE (Australian Cattle Dog X) Dallas, TX - Fairfax, VA COLE, a 3 mo 12# male began his trip in Dallas with rescuer Sara S. Picked up in Plano by team Drivers Martie & Tracie R, Cole was reportedly a happy, healthy, and very spirited pup with no attention span whatsoever. He quickly tore up every toy given him. Martie even put cookies in a couple empty water bottle to challenge him. Cole had them out and the bottle destroyed in less than fifteen minutes.
The team couldn't help but laugh at Cole's antics, especially when he would put both feet in his water bowl and then look around as if he couldn't find it. Needless to say, there was usually more water on the floor than in the bowl. Cole made Martie his buddy and would snuggle up against him every night.
Unable to get to Fairfax, VA, arrangements were made for the receivers, Christy and Michael W, to meet Cole in Haggerstown, MD. Even though Cole had bonded with Martie, he quickly melted into the arms of Michael, giving him kisses. He had a new buddy now. With grins on their faces and tears in their eyes, Martie and Tracie left, knowing Cole was in good hands. Mission accomplished.
Operation Roger Drivers Martie & Tracie R pu 8-23-10 del 8-30-10
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#478 STEWART (Brittany Spaniel) Leslie, AR - Chicago, IL
STEWART, a 1 y/o 40# male began his journey with Rescuer April W in Leslie. She brought Stewart to Driver Terri T in Springdale, AR. Terri knew she wasn't going directly to Chicago but was willing to keep Stewart on board with her two traveling companions, Oliver and Precious. All was well for the first week. Stewart got along with everyone. Then out of the blue he got stir crazy. Terri came back to the truck to find he had dug into her mattress. Although this distressed her, she isn't one to give up easily. However, the next morning, Stewart bit into the leather back wall of the bunk. Terri and Sue, the coordinator for Operation Roger, decided it would be best for Stewart to be in a different environment. As it happened, Terri was coming through where we have Cheryl N, a Layover Home/Rescue, in Benton, IL.
Cheryl said Stewart immediately began playing with her dogs and was a very good dog over all. We all agreed he was not a good long-term traveler and needed the break. Arrangements were made with another driver, Edwin A, to pick up Stewart within two days. However, part of his load cancelled and he had to hold over in OK a few extra days before making his way on over to Mount Vernon, IL, to meet Cheryl and Stewart. Eddy was able to deliver Stewart the next day to his new master, Professor Kevin Quinn, in the Edgewater, IL, area. Eddy said though that Stewart was very needy. He insisted on sitting in Eddy's lap and trying to help him drive. Of course, Eddy couldn't allow that so it was a tussle between them for awhile.
At last report, Stewart was doing well after settling down. At first though, Prof. Quinn came home to find Stewart had torn up an ottoman to show his displeasure at having been left alone.
Operation Roger Drivers Terri T, Edwin A, and LOH Cheryl N pu 8-12-10 del 8-26-10
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#477 ELSIE (Boxer) Boise, ID - Blackwood, NJ
Elsie, a 1.5 y/o 40# female was pulled from the Boise shelter by rescuer Tracy A. Adopted by Jennifer K in NJ, Elsie waited nearly two months before we could get Driver James W into Boise. Even then she was to come to a Layover Home in Texas to await another driver who could get her on across to the East Coast. Unfortunately, after the driver had her on board, Elsie attacked James' dog, Sport, three times while in the truck. In the attempt to save his own dog, James was bitten. Repeated requests to have Elsie returned to the original rescue were refused. James waited two days before he had to leave, with Elsie on board. A new Layover Home came on board the very day James was to be in the Salt Lake City, UT, area. Jil G agreed to take Elsie until further arrangements could be made.
Due to the aggressiveness of Elsie and the fact she already had an older Boxer and a couple young children, the adopter decided Elsie wouldn't be a good fit for them. Over the period of time Elsie was with Jil, she became calmer and less apt to attack other dogs. It is thought it could be a leash thing but Jil was not able to test out that theory. Otherwise, Elsie was great. She loved people. The original rescuer decided she wanted Elsie back. After much discussion, this was accomplished.
Operation Roger Driver James W and LOH Jil G pu 8/13/10 del 8/25/10
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#476 BERTHA (American Bulldog X) DeFuniak Springs, FL - South Haven, MS
BERTHA, a 2 y/o 39# female was found as a stray alongside the road and taken to the DeFuniak Springs Shelter. She was brought to Driver Matt Whittenbarger by Shelter Volunteer Nikki S. The receiver, Leia V, informed us she was going to be visiting relatives in New Orleans beginning the following weekend so arrangements were made for Leia's mother, Regina, to meet Matt and Bertha in Slidell. Even though Matt only had Bertha overnight, he said she was very pleasant and friendly.
Operation Roger Driver Matt W pu 8/24/10 del 8/25/10
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#475 BUSTER/PEANUT (Chihuahua X) Winnsboro, SC - Highlands, TX
BUSTER/PEANUT, a 4 mo 4# male was rescued by Nancy W in Winnsboro and adopted by SuLain B in Highlands. A couple drivers tried to arrange their schedules to pick him up but none were going to TX. A returning driver, Dellcina H, finally made the arrangements planning to keep him on board until she could work her way to the Houston area. That was not to be. Buster/Peanut and several other dogs became ill and had to be quarantined for a spell.
As soon as she could after Buster recovered, Dell picked Buster/Peanut up. From the beginning, however, he would fight with her dogs. After nearly two weeks of running the East and the dogs just not getting along, LOH Susan R, in Walbridge, OH, stepped in to help. She also discovered that this little 4 pound bundle of energy didn't like her dogs either.
We couldn't get another driver through the Toledo area going south to Texas. Susan asked if a truck driver not with Operation Roger could take him south. With SuLain's permission, this was accomplished. Wouldn't you know, just after they had left the area, one of our driver's came off home time in MI headed for Houston! Not having the training our driver's get when they come on board, the driver with Buster/Peanut didn't know to call the receiver ahead of time to make arrangements. A little bit of a snafu occurred but was soon smoothed out with the help of coordinator Sue W. SuLain met the driver at a truck stop. At last report Buster/Peanut was running a playing in her back yard.
Operation Roger Driver Dellcina H pu 7-28-10 del 8-24-10
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#474 RAIN (Basset) Hattiesburg, MS - Albuquerque, NM
RAIN, a 2 y/o 40# female, rescued by Sally R, was picked up in Hattiesburg from Vet Brenda S who brought Rain to Driver Glenn W at a truck stop a couple blocks from the shelter. Glenn said Rain craved attention, happy, and no trouble at all. She preferred to lay on the bunk in order to watch the road ahead of the truck rather than in the passenger seat as most dogs do. At night she would sleep in a very small area on the bunk, leaving most of it for Glenn.
In El Paso, Glenn handed Rain off to Mike, a volunteer for Chris D, the actual receiver. Mike then drove Rain on up to Albuquerque to meet Chris.
Operation Roger Driver Glenn W pu 8/17/10 del 8/20/10
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#473 BELLA (Golden Lab X) Fremont, CA - West Palm Beach, FL
Bella, a 5.5 y/o 35# female when she came on our Pet Board, finally made it back home to Florida about 11 months after she was taken from her owner by a family member. Owner Shane Thompson received a call in May/June area from a vet in Fremont after scanning and finding a chip in a stray that had been brought to their clinic. Shane learned about Operation Roger and submitted an application.
On our Sunday night driver's meeting, we talked about Bella's plight. One of our driver's, Mike W, sprung into action and contacted his wife, Vickie, also a driver but who was visiting her folks in that general area while on home time. Arrangements were made with Jennifer, a Layover Home in Elk Grove and wife of driver Mark M. Nine days after receiving the application, Vickie picked up Bella from the vet and met Jennifer about half way between the two towns.
Severely underweight and on medications for seizers, Bella flourished and gained weight under the care of Jennifer and Mark while she awaited a driver to come by to take her home. Almost two months later, driver Bruce H joined our team and was in the L.A. area. Mark arranged a load with his company that would take him more south than his usual run in order to meet Bruce. Mark made an extension to the passenger seat just so Bella would be comfortable for the trip. What a guy!
Bella, a little apprehensive about meeting this new man, reluctantly made the switch to another truck. On about the third day, Bruce text the office with "Bella let me put my arm around her!" and a few days later "Bella put her head on my leg!" On the eight day trip across country, Bella and Bruce stopped off for a couple days to spend time with one of his family members. Bella got to run and play with another dog before getting back on the truck and heading East again.
The closer Bruce got to Florida, the more uneasy he got because the owner wasn't as excited to get Bella back as Bruce would like. Calling Sue W, the coordinator, with his concerns, Sue explained the owner was a very low-voiced, low-keyed kind of guy who didn't get excited about much. That explanation helped Bruce but he still had his reservations until he actually delivered Bella. Seeing Shane coming toward her, Bella watched him closely but didn't move until he spoke and called her by a special name. That did it. Bella was all over him. She couldn't get to Shane fast enough.
Shane called from the meeting area in West Palm Beach, FL, as the transfer was taking place. Sue asked him how he felt now. Bruce put Shane on the phone and his voice was so raw with emotion and tears he could hardly talk. Shane actually believed he would never see Bella again and just couldn't get his hopes up too much or his mind around the fact she was actually coming to him. He was even prepared for it to be another dog and not his Bella. But, once he saw Bella, there was no doubt. Just having his hands on her again was a dream come true.
As Bruce said, this is what Operation Roger is all about. His first transport was one he would never forget.
Operation Roger drivers Vickie W, Mark M and Bruce H, LOH Jennifer M pu 6/12/10 del 8/15/10
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#471 BILLY and #472 BOBBY (Maltese) Kirbyville, MO - Bend, OR
BILLY and BOBBY, both 5 mo 6 lb male siblings, began their trip in Kirbyville with rescuers Linda and Don B. Originally, they were to go to AZ to meet their new family while they were there during the summer. A transport was finally found and just as the driver was making preparations, we learned both pups had come down with an illness. Then we learned the family was returning to their home in OR.
Knowing it would be harder to get the pups to OR than AZ from MO, we rather despaired until Driver Bob H checked in before leaving his home in MO for...OR! Rather quick arrangements were made and Linda met Bob in Willow Springs, MO. Bob said they were rather nervous at first, chewing up a cigarette lighter, a glasses case, and several water bottles Bob had made into toys by putting cookies inside them. One of the pups, Bob couldn't tell which as they looked so much alike, chewed two sets of harnesses, his and his brothers. The nightly routine putting them into their crate was a zoo for Bob. He would put one in and the other would run out. Even Traveler tried herding them.
Jeannie B, their new Mom, met them in Portland. She didn't tell her adult daughter she (Jeannie) was getting the dogs but only that she was going to meet a man (the dogs) she had met on the internet. So...when Bob got out of the truck the daughter made the remark "So this is my future daddy." Needless to say Bob was very confused as he is engaged to another one of Operation Roger drivers!
Operation Roger Driver Bob H pu 8-10-10 del 8-13-10
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#470 CHARLIE (Shih Tzu/Poodle) Portland, OR - Buffalo, NY
Charlie, a 3 y/o 20# male has been around the world. Well, not quite, but he did travel from Canada to Korea to the U.S. and back to Canada at least. Picked up in Portland, OR, from Jason R by Drivers Mark & Sherry M, Charlie rode with them to Kansas City, MO. Charlie knew he was going somewhere and was ready for his new adventure. He went right to Mark & Sherry's truck and put his paws up on the first step, looking back at them as if to say..."Well, aren't you coming?"
The drivers described him as awesome, spoiled, and smart dog who would cuddle and give kisses. He acted like he had never seen a cat before. First thing he did was to pounce on DooDoo, Mark and Sherry's companion cat. Now DooDoo didn't care much for that but did let Charlie take over his bed and found himself a new one on the dash. Charlie loved the cat and DooDoo did let Charlie play with his toys. They had an occasion to stop at their company's yard where all the trucks looked the same. That didn't phase Charlie. Upon returning from a walk, he by passed all others and led the way directly to "his" truck.
When Mark and Sherry transferred Charlie to Tammy M, the OR Layover Home near Kansas City, MO, Sherry went all teary eyed. She'd kept telling him he was gong to see his Mamma and on a big adventure. He understood.
Driver Debra H picked him up a few days later and got him over to Walbridge, OH, where he stayed with Susan R, another Operation Roger Layover Home. From there, Driver Nancy R swung by and escorted Charlie on up to Buffalo, NY, where he was reunited with his owner, Vivian T.
Vivian had had to leave OR by plane and could not take Charlie with her to her new home in Welland, Ontario, CN. She drove over to Buffalo, met her friend Pat G, and both ladies met Nancy at a truck stop nearby. Charlie was estactic to see Vivian. Needless to say, Vivian was extremely happy to have him in her arms again.
It took three drivers and two Layover Homes to get little Charlie home, but the mission was accomplished.
Operation Roger Drivers Mark&Sherry M, Debra H, Nancy R pu 7-21-10 del 8-12-10
*************************************************************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL:
Hello ! I had looked many times at your website, hoping to find the story posted about Charlie, Vivian's dog. I found it about an hour ago... Once I stopped crying, I was able to make a call to your phone number which I found on your site and left you a message. My phone number is XXX. However no need to call me, you would only need to respond to my email to let me know you received it... You have no idea what your kindness and help have meant for Vivian and Charlie! Actually after reading many of the stories, I know that you do have some idea of how much help you are... BLESS YOU ALL!! Many people online - and in real life - are waiting for the story to be published, especially Carol from Portland Maine who recommended your site to us. I had looked for the story several times since late August and could not find it... I guess I am not that internet savvy after all ;)
Before I send the link to family and friends, I would like if possible, that you make one small correction, that is to my daughter's first name. Vivian. You have her name in the story as Vivan... Another small correction, you have 'Porland' and it should be 'Portland'.
Once again, my most heartfelt thank you for the help you have given Vivian in her time of extreme need. We will continue to sing your praises to any and all who want to hear!
Thank you!!! Jocelyne - Vivian's mom
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#469 MAGGIE MAE (English Bulldog) Las Vegas, NV - Greysville, TN #468 SQUISHY (Boxer/Beagle/Border Collie) Leslie, AR - Branford, CT #467 BOOBOO (Fairgrove, MI - Daytona Beach, FL) #466 O.C. (Rottweiler) Lake Forrest, CA - Seattle, CA *********************************************************** WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL.. Dear All: As you will recall, OC had injuries to his front legs when he was rescued from the OC Shelter. All of the injuries to OC’s front legs are fully healed now, and the steel stitches have been removed. Plus, he has dropped 25 pounds! Attached are current photos of OC.
To my surprise, OC still can’t walk despite these improvements. In fact, going outside to the potty (with my help lifting him to his feet) is all the movement he can manage. To find out what is wrong, I took him for a full physical, X-rays, spinal MRI, and a consultation with a Veterinary Neurologist. The diagnosis is good and bad. OC does not have cataracts, arthritis or dental issues and may be only 6-8 years old. He does continue to show slight hypothyroid, and he has a chronic bladder infection (probably related to the massive internal infection he suffered last year in the Shelter). But these are minor health issues.
The serious problem is that OC has a severe spinal injury between the base of his skull and his shoulder blades. It causes him to be lame because the nerves to his legs are disconnected. According to the Neurologist, the spinal injury cannot be repaired with surgery, and can only be treated with pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. So, I am giving him Rimadyl, Dasequin, Adequan injections, Tramadol (pain killer), thyroid meds and antibiotics. Here is the heartwarming part: The vets say that his spinal injury is extremely painful. Yet all these months, OC has been a perfect gentleman to all humans and animals alike, including children. No growling, snapping or any other misbehaviors. Accordingly, all the veterinarians and my friends and neighbors think OC is the sweetest dog alive! I will continue to monitor OC’s quality of life. Since he shows no signs of pain, I am watching for signals of happiness and love of life. Needless to say, OC is not adoptable. So, he will be staying with me for the rest of his life -- as long as his pain can be managed adequately. As you know, I made a large financial commitment to OC last year when I paid for Dr. Lee’s intensive care of OC’s leg injuries, and I will continue to provide OC’s ongoing veterinary care. This is not a plea for contributions! But I do want you to know that OC’s care is why I am not able to help you save the other unfortunate Rotties and Pitties at this time. Keep up your good work and keep in touch, Wynn Kerr
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#510 SASHA &
#511 GINNY (Lab X) Juneau, WI - Calgary, CN)
#495 OTIS (Silky Terrier) St. Louis, MO - Bethel Park, PA)
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#481 CHANCE/BUDDY (Boxer) Paul, ID - Milo, ME)
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