Straight from the Heart: Truckers and their Dogs

By Susanne Spirit

Corona, Ca

I truly believe that every day on this earth is a pleasure so I try to do the things I love and a rewarding feeling from. Music and animals truly stir up my deepest emotions.

I created the "Susanne Spirit USA Road Show, Love My Truck Drivin' Man" which I perform two days a week at the TravelCenters of America - East in Ontario. I perform for the truck drivers who come from all across the U.S. and Canada. Part of the show includes two contests; one is the Most Talented Truck Driver and the other is the most talented pet.

 My road dog contest has brought many tears and laughter to the audience as we hear the stories of the drivers and their pets. One driver found his doggie in a dumpster and he shared how that dog changed his life. 

Another driver has four dachshunds all traveling in one truck and they sing! Great fun!

I came to appreciate truck drivers many years ago when I used to drive back and forth from California to Minnesota with my mother. We traveled in cars that should have been parked and we ended up in ditches in blizzards, or stranded in a broken down car, and truckers always saved the day and would often even buy us steak dinners. I loved these folks.

As years passed I never forgot how good they were to us so I was inspired to use my talents to give back a little to them. As I began to perform for these highway troopers, I noticed all the dogs aboard their trucks, and of course, in my audience. I have always found comfort in animals because you can trust them and they love you unconditionally. They are always happy to see you.

The truckers feel the same way I do about these little critters and feel these animals just make the best companion for their long hours on the road. This inspired the dog contest because the truckers are so proud of their critters. The love between these people and their dogs is heartwarming.
 
A few years ago one of my rescue dogs was pregnant and I took the puppies to the travel center. The drivers all wanted these little ones and I was happy the pups got homes with someone who loved them. I kept one who I named Tiller because she likes to stick her nose in dirt and just stand there. I still hear from the drivers who took those dogs and how much they love their animals.

View a gallery of the event

Editor's note: Susanne Spirit is a Norco resident and animal lover.  She performs her shows at the truck stop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has degrees from the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and TV, with study in musical theatre and film and president of the UCLA Inland Empire Bruins Alumni Club. She will be contributing more about the truckers and their pets in the future.