Sometimes when my feet hurt and I think what am I doing at a truck stop all day with my Musical Trucking Dog Adoption Program isn't making a difference I remember the blessings and miracles happening across the nation because of our adoptions. I am touched by a Portuguese word "Garra" that literally means claw but it's used to describe " hanging in there."
I get lots of emails and letters with updated pictures of the wonderful gifts of life that have happened to the folks who have so lovingly taken the time and energy to adopt one of our beautiful dogs brought to the TA-East, Ontario on Tuesdays by Ramona Animal Shelter or by individuals who have found dogs or have a dog they cannot keep. And, so as they say in Hollywood, the show goes on.
What I have also found absolutely amazing is that a dog that was in a cage at the show, near lifeless and shaking, has healed. I am beginning to understand that dogs project what they are given. If a dog is in a loving and caring environment, one that treats him well, who is nurtured, not put on a chain and left in a backyard, or hurt by an adult or child, that animal will only be loving. If someone is mean, that dog will be mean. Much like we are as humans. A dog is much like a five-year old child and if a baby is harmed, it will somewhere down the line, have to deal with those issues.
The truckers adopting our dogs, I just think the world of these people. They love their kids, their animals, and their families. Many of the dogs end with the wife and kids, or an elder family member, or just ride the roads, protecting their Mom and/or Dad driving.
Anyway, here are some of our stories:
I just have to tell you what an absolute pleasure it has been with Dixie. We could not have asked for a sweeter pet!! We stopped in Tucson, AZ to visit family, they have a 2yr. old girl and a 15yr old dog and Dixie was SO SWEET and gentle with both!
We are still waiting to get home to introduce to our other dogs, but if Tucson is any indication, I think it will go WELL!
She is still afraid to get in and out if the truck, but she's working on it. She is such a lover! Thank you very much for making her part of our family! Lisa and Eddie"
Dixie met the family on Wednesday. I was so worried about our Boston terrier because she thinks she's the boss but it turned out our Boxer is the one having the hardest time. He's so old and is threatened that he's going to lose his place. But each day has gotten better. Dixie has so much energy and our others are old and lazy! She does love the yard! Thank you so much for our joy!!! Love, Lisa and Eddie"
"Susanne: My husband adopted "Bear" in California, while he was out there. He is a member. I see that you have a picture of him and Jeff on your sight when he adopted him, and they have him as a pit mix. Well we found out that he's actually a "Dutch shepherd"...and a wonderful addition to our family!
We have five children. This is our youngest and our other daughter with him. He's such a smart loving sweet dog. Our children call him "Care Bear". Thanks so much for all you do with helping these animals find love and homes!!!
Sincerely, Shauna Bush, Merrill, WI"
A local trucker found this frail pit half starved by his home and he brought her to our show where she was quite popular and got adopted immediately. And her tenderness with children is amazing. She just loves everyone and fortunately survived her ordeal and is now safe.
My husband, Bryan adopted Butch on the 7th of this month...
I am happy to report that Butch gets along with the other dogs in the household and with the 4 cats of the household.
I have enclosed a picture of the poodle and the Chihuahua we have....
The poodle whose name is Missy is a rescue from the local animal shelter and the Chihuahua whose name is Jake was given to us by Bryan's daughter.
Butch is a chewer though; Bryan has lost a pair of brand new shoes already.
I will be keeping in touch with you of Butch's progress.
Thanks for getting Bryan a truck partner....
God bless you, Roberta and Butch and the Family"
Dogs love making friends and bond so easily to another dog when in a safe environment. And once they are safe, their personalities blossom:
Another little dog:
"Susanne, Thank you for the pictures! Spike is doing great, he is getting along very well with Peanut.... and my wife can't wait until we head home. We might have to fight over whether he heads back out with me or stays with her!
Thanks again, Nick and Spike"
One more story of where a dog just brought so much happiness to this hard working couple:
Hi Susanne & gang,
Here are some pictures of Eddie on 4th of July with his new family. Pictured is my wife Jennifer, Eddie & willow.
I am frequently woken up by morning kisses from Eddie & willow and picture 4 is Eddie giving his big smile.
He's really loving his new life & family I think, he's always waging his tail, playing & giving and getting lots of lovin'. He has brought a lot of fun & happiness to all of us & look forward to many, many years with him.
Thank you for all you do & I promise to keep in touch with you.
Sincerely,
Kevin, Jennifer, Eddie & Willow
THE FRAYERS"
And here are some other pictures of our miracle adoptions:
This dog, Sammy, no one seemed to want because he was blind in one eye. And suddenly there came along this incredible guy with love just flowing out between this man and this dog:
This ex-marine was so excited to find a new friend to travel with him. And, because of this man's service to our country none of the other men that day would let him pay for the dog, Folks put their funds together, including an employee who also was in the Marines, and bought the dog for this guy. The man's wife is sick at home, and having the dog he said will make such a difference. Tears flowed and joined together strangers who became a family, and our prayers are with him everyday that his wife will get well:
These people are so special. They drive team as a couple, have been married for years, and hold close to them their precious "baby" animals. They believe that just like man, a dog needs a companion, and so their family grows:
These pictures say it all. . . . this is the way it should be for every animal:
The stories are endless, every week, every show day, is a whole new adventure. Please visit our community page on FACEBOOK: Musical Trucking Dog Adoption Program and for other information visit my official website: http://www.susannespirit.com.
In the interim, give your animal, your family and yourself a hug today.
Best Always, Susanne Spirit
