Jackson, the little guy you all have been hearing about, who had got lost in Beaumont Texas, arrived home to Ontario, California on Sunday. His personal chauffer was a lady trucker, Cathy Barber, who drove 5,074 miles to save this dog's life. Jackson proudly sat in the passenger seat of this huge big rig as Cathy and he pulled into the TravelCenters of America- East after they had traveled from Beaumont to Chicago and then to California. He was greeted Hollywood style . . . with flashing cameras and a video camera rolling.
Members of the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter, who knew Jackson from his long stay at their shelter, as well as many truckers and their pets gathered to welcome him home.
Stater Brothers manager Nick Shermer, Store 170 in Corona, California donated two cakes decorated by their bakery artist, Lisa Kersey, who created a highway, big rig, a dog and a sign saying "California Bound" on the cakes. And, it was delicious!! And, Corona Petco, manager Fallyn, gave Jackson a gift certificate to their doggie spa and a bag full of goodies of which all are appreciated by this truckin' dog.
One of our band members, Bill Bennettemt and his family, also brought a doggie goodie bag for Jackson. They also have a dog adopted a few weeks back from our program. It was a grand celebration and Jackson just gave kisses to everyone. This animal has so much love to give to all.
Jackson is a pretty lucky dog. After being adopted on February 7 at my show he got lost in Beaumont, Texas. Luckily the Beaumont Animal Control folks were willing to keep him until we could get him rescued.
At my next regular country music show I simply announced that Jackson was now "in jail" in Texas. Immediately truckers told us they would try to get a load that way. By the end of the day, Cathy Barber was rerouted by her dispatcher who had rearranged their entire schedule so she could get this dog.
When she arrived in Beaumont TV station KFDM reporter Ashley Rodrigues and her camera crew all helped bring Jackson down to the Beaumont Petro to meet Cathy for his ride home. Jackson was given a "BIG" collar and leash from his new Texas friends at the Animal Services, and the Beaumont Petco gave Jackson a day at their dog spa grooming him all up for his trip home. It was quite a send off.
I think what happened with Jackson tells us a lot about the loving and caring people there are in this world and I tell you this story to share with you that our nation is a pretty great place. Individuals from all across this country helped rescue Jackson,
And, what has also been so rewarding to me is that each week, at my shows, held every Sunday and Tuesday, we are saving dog after dog with adoptions. This past Sunday, during our welcome home party, five dogs brought to my concert by the Rancho Cucamonga Shelter were all adopted and are headed out across the nation with their new loving owners.
A special thank you to the Travel Center of America - East who allow us to put on our country show, The Susanne Spirit USA Road Show, Love My Truck Drivin' Man, every week. This is the platform to all of my doggie events; and to a trucker, Rhonda Sanderlin, who has taken her time to call in to Marcia Campbell and the Dave Nemo Show to tell truckers on these radio talk shows about Jackson and our concerts; and all the truckers who have so graciously stepped forward to help, and who love their animals so much; and my Greenland Holler Band who worked way beyond just to give a marathon show to get Jackson home, and, our InlandSoCal Pet Channel that has supported my trucking program from its creation, and of course our local shelters who so warmly bring their dogs to my show so we can get them adopted,
Beginning next Sunday we will be offering micro chipping of dogs available right at our show. If Jackson had not been micro chipped, we would never have known what happened to him, nor would he be home here with us now. The manufacturer of this product will be setting us up so we will be able to make sure all trucking dogs have this device and will always be found if they get lost.
What I think is amazing is just because of entertaining people with some of my country music well, we have been able to make a difference, and are truly saving many animals, and giving pride and honor to the trucking industry. We are so thankful to all of you who helped us to accomplish this task. Love to all . . .Please visit my website: http://www.susannespirit.com or visit me on Facebook. Susanne Spirit and Family
The Beaumont TV Channel News Video:
My Facebook Page and Story on Jackson:
