Recently in Truckin' Dogs Category

I believe in angels, and from the moment I saw this little, okay, big, Rottie boy, so scared, in our front yard, with such a gentle heart, I knew he was a very special dog. His journey appeared to have been pretty rough on him. He could barely walk; he was starving; and he just looked sick, and was in need of emergency medical treatment.

This whole situation with this adorable dog reminded me of how important our work is in saving dogs who have been abandoned, harmed or who have gotten lost. I have been dealing with cancer, and have had to take some time off from our shows, but I know I have to get back to work, soon. There are too many precious animals needing help.

Anyway, this Rottie was petrified and exhausted. My fiancé approached the animal and as shaky as the poor little doggie was, that animal began to give kisses, and you could tell he was really happy to be resting. He knew he was safe. And, he had not eaten in quite a while as I filled a bowl with dry dog food, gathered 6-8 milk bones and put water in a huge bow, and brought it all to him. Within minutes everything was gone. Then he just put his head down, and closed his eyes.

My fiancé got in our truck and started knocking on neighborhood doors, seeing if anyone owned this dog. Then a young boy and his Mom came out from one house and said they thought the dog belonged a few doors down from them. But when the boy knocked on the door to that home, a lady peeked out of her window, and disappeared, and did not come out. Meanwhile the doggie is just resting with me; his eyes closed. He was worn out. But when my fiancé came back, and started walking toward us, this dog, whose legs were not working very good, got up to say hello. Tears rolled down my face as I watched him limping and just barely moving his sad body. Yet here he was filled with so much love. At that time we wondered if maybe a car had hit the dog. He was in bad shape. Panicked and afraid to take him inside our home, as we have two dogs, and this dog could have a disease too, it was a horrifying feeling. We knew the baby needed medical attention fast.

We called Corona Animal Shelter but it was a Friday and they were closed. Great! We then tried Riverside County Dept. of Animal Services, and luckily, we actually lived outside the Corona city limits so they came immediately.

I knew instantly that the Rottie was in excellent hands. The officer even checked the dog's condition before he put him in the truck. As hard as it was to let him go, I knew he needed help I could not give him and that within a few minutes he would be completely checked out medically and we knew he would be in the hands of people who would care for him.

I think we all need to know what to do for our animals if there is an emergency, and who to call. I am not sure what would have happened if we lived in Corona. Emergencies happen all the time with animals. Today, we had a neighbor's new doggie get loose. That dog started fighting with another neighbor's dog hanging out in his front yard, not on a leash, and it was scary. Fortunately, it all worked out; the two dogs were separated, and both dogs calmed down. However if a shelter is closed, who is there to help?

Everyone at the shelter has fallen in love with him. The dog was just exhausted, has no medical problems, and now just needs a home where he can be a lap dog, and be a best friend to his owner.

They did have to hold the dog for a few days before allowing him to be adopted because the law makes sure to give owners time to claim their animal when they get lost, but no one showed up for this little guy. But he is now all ready to be adopted. He looks so handsome, and is just waiting for you to come get him. I know he will fill your life with unconditional love, Please adopt him. And let us know, so we can follow his new safe life, after being saved. He is a very, very, very special dog.

Again, the phone number to the shelter is: 951-358-7387. Our Rottie's ID is A870286. He will make a great pet! Please help!

Thank you

Susanne Spirit

Are you looking to put a smile on your face? Would you like to know that the world is not all bad, that there are many, many wonderful loving people who care about the world and the all the animals of our planet? Or do you just want to put some sunshine in your life today?

Recently our story about the woman truck driver who drove over 5,000 miles to rescue one dog just because of the love in her heart was published in the "To The Rescue" section Animal Sheltering Magazine. It was written by Matt Fortenberry of Beaumont Texas who runs the city shelter.

Even though the rescue has been almost a year, Matt felt the story deserved another round, and it was published, again, in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue. The article is on pages 16 & 17.

Originally adopted by a truck driving couple from our Truckin' Dogs Adoption Program, Jackson got separated from them in Beaumont, Texas. He was picked up by the Beaumont Animal Control who checked him for a microchip and thanks to the folks at Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care making sure he was micro chipped before they allowed him to be adopted Jackson was able to get back home.

This situation with Jackson has made me believe that micro chipping is critical to every dog, and cat, and goat for that matter, as it can save your pet. All our dogs from Ramona Animal Shelter come with a Home Again chip, and we also offer them to all dogs at out shows. Jackson having his chip led him home.

He was found by the employees of the Beaumont Marriott Hotel lying by the pool. They fed him sausages from the breakfast buffet and he was living the good life thanks to all of these caring people on an early Sunday morning. When the shelter was called his chip was found and now the challenge was to get him back to California as the original folks who adopted him could not get back to Texas. Many drivers offered immediately but it was Cathy Barber with YLC, that was able to rescue Jackson.

Jackson all spiffy from a "Day at the Spa Gift" from Petco, and all decked out with a new collar, leash, bowls, treats, etc. he was ready to hit the road and become a real 'Truckin' Dog," And that he did, as he and Cathy traveled over 5,000 miles more before arriving back to California. Where then he was greeted by a cake from our Stater Brothers and again more gifts from the local Petco. He got a lot of publicity as well. The world really cared about one dog being safe. My fiancé and I adopted him, and love him to death, but we also know the world loves him. At the shows he goes crazy with kisses when he sees Cathy or anyone who has touched his life, he has not forgotten.

But this love coming from so many all across the country let us know that we needed to keep our program going, and grow, as Jackson is one of millions of animals in need of just having a home, and so we go forward for these voiceless animals, and for all of you who care: www.musicaltruckindogs.com.

Jackson, who is sitting by me in his own recliner chair as I write this story, is now the king he deserves to be with his little princess dog right beside him. Brownie, our other rescue dog came from the Ramona Animal Shelter. This shelter shows up week after week and the volunteers work so very hard and homes are found for many dogs. But Jackson is our mascot for our entire program, www.musicaltruckindogs.com and our new forthcoming program, Musical Dogs Adoption Program, where we intend to help save the lives of more dogs throughout our Inland Empire in the shelters by helping to find homes for these scared and fragile animals, including now we hope to reach into being able to give dogs to our seniors and disabled folks in our communities,

The UCLA Inland Empire Bruins Alumni club has elected our group to be their focus of care within our community that covers San Bernardino and Riverside County, We are going to have monthly Poker Nights starting March 18, 2011, a Golf Tournament at the Red Hill Country Club happening August 1, 2011, and much more, all that will benefit the animals in need, and our Scholarship Program as well. I will keep you posted on these events, as the public is welcome to attend, and we are always happy to find sponsors for our gatherings as well: www.uclalumni.net/inland

Matt Fortenberry of Beaumont Animal Services is an angel. He has promised to personally shuttle any trucker who comes into the Petro Truck Stop in Beaumont that is considering getting a pet. We call that road service!

We can all sleep at night knowing there are people like you in charge of an animal shelter, like folks all over the country who work hard at the shelters. You are all such beautiful people and really love your animals that are brought to you. We can give back to the loving people who everyday take care of these precious animals coming into their shelters and know their part is appreciated and honored. Please join us on Facebook too! (Musical Truckin Dogs or Susanne Spirit)

Thank you, Susanne Spirit

As Valentines Day approached I thought about what I could do to help animals who have ended up in a shelter, scared, lying on cold cement, not knowing what happened to their previous life which may have been a good life but all are frightened. Every day the shelters work so hard to make it comfortable for these little ones, but they need our help, and the one thing that all of us can do is buy some animal beds. What a treat these softness would mean to these helpless dogs and cats.

Several local retail stores sell them relatively inexpensively, and of course all the pet stores do as well. You can also order many on line and many offer free shipping.

As we bought flowers, and candy, and all the frills of saying "I Love You," I hope you have a little left over and think about getting a few beds and taking it to your local shelter. It will give these poor little broken-hearted souls some comfort as they try to rest their bodies in this strange environment. This gift will keep giving, and giving, and even if that dog maybe will not get adopted, his days here will be a bit more comfortable. When you lay your head on your pillow, you will know that you have given the same feeling to an animal in crisis, and both of you will sleep embraced with love.

Be sure to check with your local shelter first as some do not have the ability to clean the beds and prefer disposable blankets or towel.

Thank you all for what you do for every animal. Let your heart know you helped a soul sleep at rest. Any kind of bed will be appreciated, but thought I would show you some of the wonderful made for all our loved pets. I wish that every dog or cat in our shelters will be saved, and get to be princes and princesses all day long in a home with lots of love.

Thank you all for what you do for every animal. Let your heart know you helped a soul sleep at rest. Any kind of bed will be appreciated, but thought I would show you some of the wonderful made for all our loved pets. I wish that every dog or cat in our shelters will be saved, and get to be princes and princesses all day long in a home with lots of love. Visit our www.musicaltruckindogs.com or www.susannespirit.com.

Maybe you missed it but after the Super Bowl came the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet. This gave me a great idea so now there will be the "OLD DOG BOWL" presented by MUSICAL TRUCKIN DOGS ADOPTION PROGRAM.

At our weekly concert and musical dog adoption program at the TravelCenters of America- East, in Ontario, I cannot tell you how many times trucker after trucker comes up to Marsha and Denise, volunteers from Ramona Humane Society who bring all the dogs from the shelter and ask these beautiful gals, "Do you have any older dogs today?"

Many of these drivers want an older dog because they don't have to worry about the dog chewing; they don't have to worry about hosue training and, they don't have to worry about all the high energy a puppy can have. The older dog will have a more mature attitude, like himself, and just have a great buddy for the road.

I have seen so many of these truckers get so emotional when they see that older dog there. One guy said, as he held his new twelve year old dog said with tears rolling down his face, "hey I got aches too, don't worry, we'll be real good together, we'll eat what we want, we'll stop often, as I always have to go to the bathroom, a lot, and well, we'll do all the things us older folks do together."

The senior dogs are always the first to go in our shows and I am so proud of that fact, as our society tends to stay away from anything "old!" That is sad because everything young will get old at some point. It is a fact! puppies and babies are cute, in fact absolutely, adorable, but God gives babies to us when we are young because we can handle them. Many grandparent's favorite saying is, "I love being a grandparent because I can send the baby home after we play for awhile."

An older dog seems to embrace the same love all of us get the older we get, they appreciate their new home enormously and being safe, they know the difference, and most of all they love lying in their bed near their new owner, that is fun to them. There is a place for all.

So, here is our Old Dog Super Bowl Party! These are a few of the senior dogs that Ramona has available for adoption and we hope you will consider bringing them into your castle and give them the good life that they so deserve. They are so appreciative.
Enjoy and please think about going to your local shelter today and ask about their senior dogs. You never know what beautiful animal you may find.

Here are a few that we have found for you at various shelters, but every shelter has senior dogs and cats, that need homes so badly. It is much harder on older pets in shelters - they're not used to being caged and the are very afraid. We hope you will go help one or two of these older pets out, and save their life: Also please share with us on FACEBOOK your stories on the grace of your experience with your old dog." And, if you adopt one of these precious little ones, please let us know.

And we hope this year with our Musical Truckin' Dog Adoption Program to save lots of "Old Dogs." young dogs and all dogs, and kitties too, Thank all of you for loving the animals of our planet.

Our musical shows and Musical Truckin Dog Adoptions have taught me lessons in life about people and what true beauty is versus that what our society defines as beauty. The Hollywood models, the leading man with that perfectly carved body in a love story, the cover girl on a Victoria's Secret catalog without an ounce of fat and has the perfect face does not compare to some of the beauty I've seen in the people and pets that come to our shows.

People and animals come in many faces and bodies; sometimes imperfect but it seems to me the more imperfect the outer being, the more perfect and beautiful inner being.

This causes me to ask what is beauty?

Ramona Shelter brings lots of doggies to our weekly show in Ontario where we pray that a hard working drivers that travel back and forth across our country. Many of them will take on the responsibility of adopting one of these animals that need a home urgently.

Many times these dogs have been abused. They depended on someone to take care of them and instead were just left to suffer. When they arrive at our show their lives are turned upside down. When one person approaches them to say hello, they just begin to glow. They immediately lick this human who is talking to them and their eyes are begging to be helped, to be loved, to be healed, and no matter how what their condition the beauty of their heart remains intact.

The driver now petting this frail animal or taking it for a walk, or just holding the animal in his arms because the dog is so fragile comes in a variety of outer dressings; many of these drivers have been on the road, working a shift of five hours driving and five hours resting. This enduring schedule that I doubt any Hollywood starlet could handle becomes routine and is how these men and women earn their living. (Don't get me wrong, I know the Hollywood types work hard but there is no way they could endure one day of this lifestyle)

There's nothing cuter than a puppy for Christmas and people think it makes a great gift on many levels not the least being the puppy growing up to become their best buddy. They visualize going for hikes and family outing with the dog but unfortunately, giving a puppy for Christmas is like giving a gym membership. You can get a lot of benefits only if you are willing to do the training and conditioning required for success.

Now we find ourselves in mid-January wondering if this fuzzy bundle of puppy breath is a blessing or a curse. In order to help you and your puppy in every chance possible for success, I'm going to give you some information and tips that hopefully will result in a long life and a permanent home for your dog.

This means planning ahead understanding puppy stages of development. One of the most important pieces of information to remember is how a puppy develops over the fist 12 months. A dog will develop on a one-month to one-year ratio equaling 12 to 15 years of age in this stage of life, depending on breed and size.

From year one on this timeline no longer applies. Developmental stages will decrease in ratios and eventually the overall life of a dog is their seven to our one year of age. Keep this timeline in mind.

First you should understand how momma dog started their training for you. When a puppy is born, it only has the sense of smell. There is no sight or sound. The puppy must use its nose to find the food source for survival. The sight comes next. Puppy eyes will open between 12 to 15 days and sound will come at about day 21.

Because of these developmental stages the mother must keep the puppies hidden from predators and understands the problem of feces. A dirty den will only increase the chances of disease and insects so potty training has begun. From the beginning of life the puppy learns that they don't poop or pee where they eat or sleep. After the eyes, ears and scent are activated mobility and coordination are underway and soon the puppies will be able to leave the den.

The puppies will soon learn to relieve themselves outside the den before returning to their sleeping and feeding quarters. Mom continues training while allowing the puppies to experience life outdoors under her watchful eye. This is why crate training is recommended when taking over the job of mom. You are merely continuing the training and habits that mom has already started and we refer to as "potty training". A small crate will represent the den and it will be your job to continue the training. The puppy must leave the den "indoors" and go outdoors to relieve itself. We're merely increasing the size of the den until the size of the den becomes the size of our house.

As many of you know, I like thousands of other people have been battling cancer. It has put me completely out of commission for several months but I will come back the first week of February to resume my weekly country music concerts with my Greenland Holler Band and my Musical Truckin' Dog Adoptions.

Thanks to the efforts of volunteers at the Ramona Animal Shelter we saved over 600 dogs last year. Show days are every Tuesday at the Travel Center of America Truck Stop in Ontario and the dogs arrive around 10 A.M. with music starting later in the day.

Please join us! Bring your doggies, bring your family, children are always welcome and join us for a rewarding day as you watch these animals get adopted. Please stay for the concert and do some dancing, enjoy some great "Trucker" food, and thank the men and women of the road, for all they do for all of us. We will be adding the Thursday show back in a month or so when I am stronger.

I'm also returning to blogging about these great dogs and I'm starting with how my two dogs have helped me heal. My fiancée and I own two dogs, Jackson and Brownie, both from shelters.

Often the month of December is a time of reflection, I know there are many people like me who during the month while searching for the right gifts, and planning our holiday family and friends gatherings, are on a journey of another sort, one of inner reflection.

New Years resolutions for myself have included many aspects of self-improvement over the years, lose ten pounds or work harder at more serious self-improvement goals.

This year while I was looking back on all the photos taken during the Musical Truckin Dogs Adoption Events, in which we work with local shelters to re-home dogs across the nation. It is very rewarding to just be a part of the program. An old quote came to my mind recently:

"My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am."

When I looked carefully at the photos we take of each new adoption as the adopting pet parents receive a precious new dependant to add to their family I see a degree of new love and bonding which is powerful in its simplicity.

This reminds me of another quote:

"Properly trained a man can be a dogs best friend"

This saying has been around the animal lovers community for a long time and like many of the quotes we all use, we all find them to be cute, uplifting and humorous. All of the humorous little catch phrases we hear and say really do have deep life messages within them I am beginning to realize.

It's become obvious to me that love has healed many of the dogs we see through our program; dogs that have been abused, neglected and damaged by the humans who were supposed to care for them. Some left on chains, never brushed with sores throughout their bodies from mites, from fleas, from just neglect, or whose little legs have been broken, and healed wrong, or who have been starved, not given water, or hit because the animal chewed a shoe. A dog does not know the difference between your slipper and a chew toy. He is a dog! Keep your slippers put away, duh?

Unfortunately the horror stories of animals abuse are endless but what tickles me and puts hope in my soul is that other people care so much and will do everything in their power to help these animals.

Many of our shelters are the first ones to see these dogs that are so scared and just lost. The hands of these shelter workers may be the first contact by a human that has not harmed the dog, but instead have given the animal love. I believe, as do volunteers Denise Glass and Marsha Hovivian who are volunteers from Ramona Humane Society in San Jacinto, that shelters are like a village where everyone working there, from the person cleaning the cages, feeding and giving water to each animal, to the people who wash the many dirty towels and blankets daily, to vet techs and management, to the volunteers, to the animal control officers - they all come together to give some comfort to these little helpless creatures. The Ramona Humane Society as well as many others really try to save each dog they find. The costs are more expensive than most folks realize. Sometimes the dogs need surgery or other vet care with the hopes of giving the dog a great life one day with a good home.

What I wonder is how these animals got there in the first place and why? We are incensed by cruelty to children and elderly folks; animals are just as helpless. It should be considered a violent crime, punishable by law, with more severe punishments, to harm to an animal. It is unacceptable behavior by any one.

The two volunteers, Denise and Marsha, who work so hard each week with "the entire village" at the Ramona Humane Society, are good examples of the many volunteers nationwide who are crucial to the saving lives of thousands of dogs who end up at shelters. Funding for animal organizations is at an all time low and the volunteers are essential to each shelter because these people provide the extra attention needed to help cure with love each dog and cat there. They often just put a dog in their arms and let that animal know that he is truly safe. Denise and Marsha, even though their homes were already full of pets took in three animals that arrived nearly dead.

Marsha took home Cheri and Angie and Denise took home Noah, These dogs now, of course, are kings and princesses, but only because of the care and lots and lots of love. They know now it is ok to play and just be a darn a dog!

It's another day at our dog adoption program, which is now, I say proudly, the community outreach program for the UCLA Inland Empire's Bruins Alumni Club. The dog adoption program has saved hundreds of dogs within a few months, and we hope that number reaches thousands. I still get chills as I pull up at the Travel Center and see trucks from nearly every state in the nation and Canada, all polished, and bright with proud men and women driving thousands of miles delivering goods for all of us. We'll soon be seeing snow left from treacherous snowstorms but the fearless truckers will keep their trucks rolling.

In the early morning, with dew still on the ground, we unload our own truck, set up our music equipment for our concert and prepare our hospitality booths where truckers get to meet us, maybe purchase a T-shirt with our dog logo on it or other keepsake item. We set up on our grassy area that has big oak trees for shade ready for all the dogs being brought by one of our local shelters, in hopes that these "death row" dogs will be saved today by one of these men and women highway heroes.

There can be as many as 2500 truckers at any moment on this private lot and we are so privileged to be here. We may have as many as 30 dogs available and we are very blessed.

With our banner up letting folks know what's going some get excited and start calling home to tell the kids maybe they will be getting a dog today. They're asking us what time the animals will be arriving and do we know what kinds of dogs are coming.

By the time the two vans loaded up with dogs, both large and small, arrive there are usually about fifty people waiting and they don't just stand around. Ramona Animal Shelter has two beautiful lady volunteers that bring out the dogs and every man present starts carrying a cage or leading a dog out of the ladies trucks.

A woman standing there will ask if she can start walking some of the animals and two or three others will join her. They all instantly become friends. Another person will go back to his truck and bring up his little dog to meet these new dogs and new friendships are made. As we watch these worn out drivers, many who have just come in from a trip from the east coast, have now stopped in California and what do they find? Thirty dogs who need a home and a concert happening that night! Many say, "Only in California! Are we in Hollywood or what?"

Musical Trucking Dogs Adoption Program salutes the heroes of the highways aka the truckers of our nation. They saved our very special dog, Delilah, and nine other dogs this week. These people are amazing as we watch them adopt the dogs week after week.

Delilah, our little one-year-old beautiful pure white pit with a beige spot on one eye that was in her last phase of her adventure. She arrived on an army military armed guarded truck and has found her home for life with a trucker. What a journey!

Please see the earlier story of her journey and her photo gallery on this site.

The miraculous situations that happened to bring this dog to the person who would be her lifetime protector took my breathe away and seemed beyond a miracle. Charles, a trucker from Florida, had dreamed of owning a dog just like Delilah. Little did he know his dream was about to come true. He was delayed in a miraculouos and strange way at the TravelCenters Of America-East this past week in Ontario where we were meeting this precious animal coming from Ft, Lewis, WA.

I was standing inside the store waiting for her arrival and holding her picture in my hand. It was raining heavy outside. I was just hoping to find her a good home even though it was not one of our regular show days because fostering her here in California was going to be a challenge. Charles walked up to me and seeing the photo of this gorgeous dog he asked me if that was my dog. I told him no and then he said, "That is the dog I dream of owning someday."

Some dogs just really have challenges to face and this precious not-so-little 100 pound-plus female pit, just slightly over a year old, has certainly so far had a life that deserved better.

This baby girl dog was found on the streets of Beaumont, Texas and her gentle heart warmed everyone at the Beaumont shelter. The staff kept hoping so much that someone would come and adopt this truly loving animal.

You may remember the story of Jackson a few months ago. He was the dog who got left behind in Beaumont and the shelter manager, Matthew Fortenberry, worked so hard with us to get him home. He's now very happy at our home, with his new girlfriend, Brownie. She's another dog who showed up at our adoption program. She was returned to the shelter four times by various people adopting her so her time was up and Jackson had started thinking that the lizards in our back yard were his friends, so we knew this boy needed a real "dog" buddy and there she was. Now these two dogs are inseparable. They love each other so very much. Jackson is the mascot for our Musical Trucking Dog Adoption program and Brownie is his assistant.

See Delilah's photo gallery

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.

Be sure to check the photo gallery of happy dogs!

Almost a year ago, I decided to have dog adoptions at every country music concert I do. These are held at least two days a week at one of the largest truck stops in the nation, TravelCenters Of America in Ontario, where over 2,500 drivers visit on a regular basis.

I know that truckers need pets and as a service to these folks I enjoy bringing healthy dogs complete with food, bowls, and even a toy or two so a driver does not have to stop for at least a week with his new pet. A dog is a built-in security system which allows a trucker to idle his truck and a dog provides a friend for those endless hours of driving our highways to provide the needs of all of us, A privilege was granted by the truck stop owners and one that can change the world by saving at least a few dogs from the thousands that have to be put to sleep every day in just our Southern California alone. Yet it is a struggle for us to get shelters or rescue groups to be able to come and bring some dogs for a day to help the dogs get new lives. What happened to the purpose of saving dogs?

Recently the Ramona Animal Shelter found abandoned two of these highly intelligent dogs, the hybrid wolf. Both of these dogs fascinated everyone with their high intellect and gentle loving ways. The volunteers, Denise and Marsha, who bring the special selected dogs out to the Musical Trucking Dog Adoption Program at the Susanne Spirit Love My Truck Drivin Man concert show at the truck stop in Ontario, California, decided immediately to bring the first one that was found recently because these gals know that Malamutes, Huskies and German Shepherds are among favorite dogs of truckers.

When any of these dogs come to the show there the drivers scramble over which one gets to adopt them. Of course this dog became the showstopper and got adopted by a wonderful young man. One of the other drivers, who just happened to be at this truck stop, could not believe that the shelter had brought this exceptional dog there. He told everyone that he had a best friend who had just lost his hybrid dog to old age and he would have to tell him about finding this precious animal.

One week later that man's friend called the shelter and asked if there were any more of this breed at their location. At that time there was not but a few days passed and here came Lady, a female hybrid. She was very thin and had just given birth to puppies, although no one could find the little ones. We immediately called the man and he asked if Lady could be brought to the adoption show the following Tuesday. He would rearrange his entire schedule to be at the truck stop on that day to pick her up, as he wanted her sight unseen. He missed his other dog so badly and this seemed a miracle to him.

Brought by the volunteers on Tuesday Lady walked proudly, with the gait of a wolf, from the truck to her post at the big tree people gasped at her beauty. Even though fragile and frail from poor treatment sometime in her past she was a beautiful animal. Then a few minutes later, up walked her new papa. Although I had not met the man, I knew right away it was the guy who had called about the dog. Tears were falling down this man's face as he was seeking to find his Lady.

He saw her, and embraced her thin body and would not let go of his new friend. She, too, seemed to hug and cling to him. Lady knew she was now going to be just fine and she was safe. She curled up to him and laid down at his side as he told all of us about his other dog and of how much he appreciated everyone getting this dog to him. He now had a new baby, as did his wife who although miles away, was connected with every move going on via the telephone. She was just so happy that they had found Lady. Shortly he and Lady walked away together off on a new adventure.

The Ramona Humane Society recently brought a female pit bull named Sadie to one of Susanne Spirit Musical Trucking Dog Adoptions. The volunteers from the shelter were concerned about this particular dog because this darling little animal was just skin and bones, but her heart was gold, and probably one of the most loving animals we have ever had at the show.

Although so thin and fragile, she wanted to say hello to every trucker. We have a grassy shaded area where the dogs are placed so the drivers can see them. It was decided immediately that Sadie would be placed so she would have grass to roll about in, some dirt to make herself a bed and freedom from being in a cage. Our hope was she would eat as well. She was our featured dog. With the look of her frail body and sad eyes, it seemed she had lost all hope to live. No one knew what had happened to her, but it must have been something very bad to make her that sad.

One of the playpens near her had three little dogs in it and Sadie licked each dog through the wires and talked to them. We think she was telling them that she would protect them. Sadie loved everyone. But what began to happen next was just heart wrenching.

I watch the faces of the animals that are brought each week by the Ramona Humane Society and my heart just breaks. The dogs look so helpless sometimes, lying in a cage, instead of running in a yard playing ball, or rolling in the grass with a child, or eating a luscious chewy treat, there they are with no hope left in their world, and challenged to meet each moment of what must seem to them to be a very sad.

Ramona Humane Society staff and volunteers are caring and loving people so the dogs are treated with dignity and love, but there is only so much each person from that shelter can do. The dogs lie alone in a cage just waiting for its walk time, or even its visit to the vet, but then put back in the cage. Some dogs adjust and some absolutely are petrified of their new situation. I give such credit to the people working in these shelters for their devotion as dogs are often dropped off in deplorable condition.

As we watch the dogs get adopted and are now in the arms of someone who loves them the magic happens. Every time we realize that each dog will never be harmed again and will be able to play without someone harming it. The dogs will be able to just enjoy being a dog! Love absolutely makes the world go around in a magical sphere of happiness.

Musical Truckin' Dog Adoptions continue to grow as our goal is getting every dog from Ramona Humane Society Shelter adopted to beautiful truckers and their families. Tuesday's adoptions were so heartwarming. Volunteer Denise Glass has been going back to the shelter empty because every dog she brings gets adopted. Getting a home for a dog is saving a dog.

Shelters do not have room for all the animals abandoned, abused and left to die. We should look at ourselves and how we treat our pets; that's where the problem lies. However working together we can really help save these helpless dogs by just caring and treating dogs like we would treat our children. I see trucker after trucker take care of their pets so affectionately. I am so proud of the people who volunteer to bring the animals to our show and to the men and women of our highways who are giving dogs a new safe and loving home.

Drivers from coast to coast come to this truck stop after being on the highways for many hours to rest and enjy the Susanne Spirit USA Road Show. The folks are also greeted by beautiful animals in need of a home, many of which may face death if not adopted. A few weeks ago the Ramona shelter brought out 15 dogs and 12 of those dogs were adopted through the Musical Truckin' Dog Adoption Program that is held at the concerts.

Tails are wagging and slobbery kisses abound for every driver from these loving creatures. Most of the animals are from shelters but some are from individuals. Many times a driver has just lost a pet or has been looking for a companion for himself; sometimes even for his family at home and have no way to get to a shelter because they spend so many times on the road. Frequently the tears flow when they see the dogs. And, like this one family, the minute they realize that these animals may not live, the emotions run high and the trucker figures out a way to save at least one dog. Most drivers have a pet in their truck so immediately the driver will bring out his dog to meet the animal he is considering. Amazingly many times the two animals instantly bond and you would think the dogs were raised together.

When Carrie and Jeremy, aka Chipmunk and Chowhound, came into the truck stop they had two other dogs, which they considered their family, in the truck. This loving young couple, truly enjoying the world of trucking, proud of their work and madly in love saw this one animal, and they were immediately concerned, knowing they had to adopt the little boy dog. As for the animal getting along with their other two, there was just not a question in their minds that all the dogs would love each other. This dog, unnamed at this time, had been abandoned, abused, and caged in a shelter was now held in the arms of this loving couple. The dog's eyes just sparkled!

Is Your Dog Missing Today? The heartbreak is crippling!

This past week I got a call from a man who had heard about our Musical Truckin Dog Adoption Program, and had seen a dog that looked like his being held by a trucker on my Facebook gallery. This man was panicked because they had lost their much-loved dog, Liebe, that they had since she was born. Mr. James Richardson, from the Fontana area wrote me later that day about his loss:

Hello Susanne,

Jim

His story got me wondering about the value of micro chipping especially since we like to have all adoptive dogs to have this implant. When this man asked me if vets scan dogs, that became a concern to me, so I started calling the vets that I know first. After all, our Jackson, the dog that got out of the truck with his new parents, in Beaumont, Texas was saved only because he had a micro chip which told the Animal Services people down there how to contact us. So I am a firm believer in this idea and now after hearing from this man in regard to finding his lost dog, I now know that this little device is a lifesaver. My focus had been on the shelters finding a person's dog, but here is the story on the fact that vets are the other extremely important aspect to finding your lost pet.

My first call was to the Ontario Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Adam Wright, located at 121 East E St in Ontario. The doctor's assistant there explained in great detail how this process saves dogs. Every vet across the country at this point now has a scanner, which is a simple device that simply is held over the dog and it determines if the dog has a microchip, and the maker of the chip, and the ID number are instantly displayed on this device's screen. So, if a vet does not know the party bringing in the new animal to his office or perhaps he has seen a similar dog on the microchip companies missing dog list that each vet is sent regularly, the vet will do a scan

A Good Samaritan played a major role in helping rescue a wayward deer in the drink on a very hot Sunday in the Coachella area.

A Riverside County Animal Services officer and a state Fish & Game warden wielded ropes to try and lasso a mule deer stuck in a dicey predicament in the All American Canal.

The deer had somehow ended up in the canal, probably after falling in after taking a few sips of water on a day when temperatures reached the triple-digit mark. It had been in and out of the canal's steady stream of 12-foot waters for about an hour before its assisted escape. (The deer had found refuge on a concrete embankment near a bridge along the canal, near the area of Dillon Road and Avenue 44.)

Just before noon, the deer was successfully roped by a good Samaritan.

"This is a very popular fishing area and it was area fisherman who first spotted the deer," Animal Services Officer Hector Palafox said. "They were likely enjoying a day of fishing when they first spotted the big ears and probably thought, 'What the heck?' "

Officer Palafox said it was one of those fishermen, Robert Nieto (note to media: spelling is believe to be correct), who fished out the female mule deer as several other would-be rescuers readied their own lassos.

Fish & Game Warden Matthew Shanley was on hand to assist with his own lasso and also to advise in the rescue attempts. Everyone on hand helped pull the deer to safety.

Concerned that the deer may be suffering from exhaustion or dehydration, Warden Shanley and Officer Palafox placed the deer in Palafox's air-conditioned animal control truck for observation. Fifteen minutes later, Shanley was satisfied that the deer was in good condition. He and Officer Palafox released the deer into the wild off of Berdoo Canyon Road.

Last December Leonard Franklin and his wife, Cindy, who own and operate the Redlands Blvd Car Wash rescued a lovely pit mix female puppy. She was about a year old and badly abused. They found her along side the road back with terrible mange, in very poor health and a broken rope around her neck. Without any hesitation they gathered her up and got her the medical attention she would need. It took six full months of daily love and care to bring her completely back to good health.

The photos of her before and after are amazing. The puppy was able to overcome all her medical issues. Leonard and Cindy re-named her Kona, which is a Hawaiian word which means "Lady" which is exactly what Kona is. Having four dogs of their own already they knew they would have to find her a good home when it was time so about mid-May Cindy Franklin reached out to my Susanne Spirit's Musical Trucking Dogs Adoption Program.

While most of the dogs the program adopts come from shelters the Franklins learned about the program and contacted us.

Kona was brought out to the TA-East in Ontario California, with all her "toy's" bedding, food, bowls, etc. that she would need to feel at home should she be adopted. The Franklins soon met long-haul truckers Jerry and Janice Porschakin of McAllen, Texas. They saw the Franklins and Kona walking the parking lot for some exercise and Jerry commented to his wife how much Kona looked like a dog they once had in their family before she passed away.

The Porschakins knew instantly that they wanted to adopt Kona. From the first moment Jerry and Kona were together all the folks around the area knew they were meant to be together.

Without all the effort the Franklins had invested in protecting Kona and returning her to good health this adoption would not have been possible. It has been said many times that a village is needed to raise a child and all animal lovers know our pets are in our hearts just like the love we have for our children. Therefore it should be equally stated that it takes a village and in the case of the Musical Trucking Dogs Adoption Program a nation to raise our doggies and to love and protect should be added to the old saying.

Without caring folks like Leonard and Cindy Franklin and Jerry and Janice Porschakin being vigilant for the safety and protection of our pets, puppies like Kona might be dead.

With all our local animal shelters being overloaded with lost and abandoned pets each and everyday Kona's story should be a real reminder to all of us here in the Inland Empire to support these facilities when and how we can and surely when we see an animal in harms way we should consider taking upon ourselves the task of helping the animal get returned to a safe, loving and protected environment.

Be sure and see the video regarding this adoption story here under our Truckin Dog blog, titled Kona. And to learn more about the Musical Trucking Dogs Adoption Program and how you can become a part of this saving dogs' live . . . Please Visit www.susannespirit.com.

I never intended to be in the doggie adoption business, even though I have always had lots of dogs and love all little creatures. While putting on my music shows every week for over 2500 truckers from all across the nation and seeing all their dogs, I started holding Trucking Dog Talent contests. What a delight watching trucker after trucker bring his pet down our red carpet.

I realized that most of the dogs owned by these folks were either from shelters or had simply been picked up roadside by these hard working truckers. Emotions always run deep as a driver tells me how he got his dog then drivers without a pet started asking if I might be able to get them a dog, and I thought, it is perfect. I would simply get the shelters to bring their animals to my show.

It has not been easy and it has been costly. Thanks to the work of two women volunteers, who are angels, from Ramona Animal Shelter we now have some happy drivers and happy doggies. These women work so hard and do a wonderful job. We are honored to have them a part of our program, and of course, hope we get some more shelters to take a little extra effort and come forward. If they would bring the animals, we can save dogs lives. We can save some dogs from being put to sleep.

We've also had some private party dogs whose owners cannot keep them any longer but we never take dogs that are sick and we have no facility for fostering dogs. But we try everything we can to give a hopeless animal a new life.

Musical Truckin Dog Adoption Program gets to save four dogs from the Redlands Shelter because of the work of three young ladies who volunteer for this animal services organization. Angelic O'Dowling phoned me saying there were four animals that she had grown to love that were to be put down this week and she wondered if we could take these dogs in our program and save the dogs' lives. The young lady went on to say that she and her two friends, Lisa and Amber, also volunteers, were even willing to pay the costs to get the dogs spayed and so the process began.

But if the dogs were brought to our show and not adopted we could not foster these dogs. The officer in charge of Redlands Shelter made a quick decision and told the girls that they could, under these circumstances, bring the dogs back to the shelter should the dogs not be adopted by a trucker at the event. We want to thank this man for this generous consideration which allowed us to at least see if we can get the dogs a home so dogs are getting hope.

I want to share that these four dogs that are now being saved because of the love surrounding them. Ramona Animal Shelter brings dogs every Tuesday to our show and we watch these truckers take into their arms these helpless dogs giving the dogs a whole new world. Every time a man or woman adopt one of the dogs at our program and they walk off to go to their truck it seems the dogs bounce instead of walking. I get chills when I think how lucky we are to be able to bring the dogs to my show and find new homes. I thank every person involved in this process for it takes many to make it happen.

I am getting many calls from individuals also who need a home for their animal and we are also helping them. Many of these dogs have been found abused and in bad shape but the people have absolutely no way to keep the dog. So, it feels good to help these folks.

Anyway, we will let you know who adopts these fine critters coming to our show this Sunday, and well we thank these young ladies for their efforts, including they have personally bought pretty collars, and scarves for the dogs, and have made a welcome kit for the trucker who will adopt each dog. The world is good.

This past week there are several dogs and their owners in my audience that is normal during our performances. There is a huge Mastiff on one side of the patio and a gorgeous Rottweiler on the other. My dog, Jackson, is in the middle. I am thinking, "Oh my gosh! We are going to have a dogfight." All the dogs' tails are wagging a hundred miles a minute and all these dogs want to do is sniff each other to get some quality playtime.

It has to be the love and 24/7 companionship that gives these dogs such non-territorial attitudes. I just have never seen dogs all love each other so quickly and easily. I love it! Also the Mastiff is NOT on a leash. The guy earlier told me, "This dog will NOT move unless I tell it to," and he was right.

A note is handed to me from the Rott's owner it says, " Hello my name is Chico, I was rescued from this wonderful man at the TravelCenters of America TA trucks top five years ago now, where my owners had dropped me off, homeless. But I came here today to hear you and the band. On the road we heard you all are real good. Oh, yeah, can you play, just for me, that song by CW McCall, Convoy? Hey, thanks, love your show," Chico.

Of course we played the song and on break I was able to meet Chico and his Daddy. Jackson and Chico started kissing each other. The owner of this gentle dog now rescues these animals and has found homes for hundreds of these dogs with other truckers. If any of you have or know of one of these animals that needs a good home, please contact Tim Davies at 217-316-1515 and he will get your dog a good life.

He does not care if the dog is registered or not, or male or female, he will help your dog. Here is another trucker who travels the country saving one dog at a time with his own adoption program. Thanks to all of you, and hope to see you at one of my shows soon. My website is: http://www.susannespirit.com