My name is Sir Alex!

Notes: 08-23-05 Sir Alex has just arrived in our rescue. He is an owner surrender, another casualty of a senior citizen needing to move where pets are not allowed. Tears were shed as Thelma kissed him for the last time and then placed him in our arms.
Sir Alex is 15 yrs. of age, altered, vaccinated including Rabies & housebroken.
Sir Alex is said to get along fine with other dogs, cats, is fine with children 6 yrs. of age and up, loves to ride in a vehicle, never learned to walk on a leash as he stayed right beside his guardian. He also prefers to sleep under the covers with his guardian.
Sir Alex comes with a very comprehensive medical history, including maintenance Rxs for allergies. We want one of our rescue vets to review those records and examine Sir Alex so that we may determine what long term care is needed. His profile will be updated once that exam has been done.
Note 08-24-05 -- Thelma was 100% right. He loves sleeping under the covers with a human. He was quiet all night long, cuddled up. He is doing fine with the small and large dogs, also the cats.

Update 08-26-05 Sir Alex visited Doc Johnson today for a complete check-up with a review of his previous medical records.
Sir Alex received an injection for his long term allergies. This will need repeated every 6 - 8 weeks. He also drained the cyst, cleaned his teeth, removing two of them, and has prescribed a special skin formula food and special shampoo to help his skin coat.

Note: 08-27-05 Sir Alex has been placed in foster care with Buck and Mary. They previously adopted Tipi Girl. Buck drives an 18 wheeler & wanted companionship while Mary stays home with Tipi. We hope Sir Alex updates us on his adventures.
Note: Mary has already advised us that Sir Alex appears deaf. Fine by Buck as truck stop noise won't bother him one bit.
Mary wants to make sure that we thank Thelma for giving up Sir Alex. She feels that had it not been for this action, Buck would not have the companionship of such a great lil dog.
Having adopted Tipi, they want to focus on fostering special needs dogs. Gosh, we LUV this couple!! Buck plans to use Sir Alex on the road to promote adoption of shelter and rescue dogs! Yeah! An ambassador on 18 wheels. Go, Sir Alex!

Update 08-29-05 We received a phone update from Mary. She said that Sir Alex has made himself at home, slept under the covers with them, LOVED the new shampoo and is even playing ball with Tipi.
Buck & Sir Alex are headed out for Maine tomorrow. We will certainly look forward to a report from Sir Alex on his adventures traveling as an ambassador for shelter and rescue adoptions, especially of senior pets.

Update 09-05-05 from Sir Alex himself--Hi Grandma Judy! We got to make a stop at home for the Labor Day holiday, and thought I would write to tell you about my new life as a trucking dog. As you can see from the pictures I am sending, My new foster "buddy" has really made me feel at home on the truck. I have a real neat bed on the front seat and can look out the window as much as I like. When my "buddy" gets out to get fuel or something to eat, he puts my bed over so that I can get on the seat and wait for him to come back. The first couple of days I have to admit, I really did not know what was going on. I thought that at any time I was going to be dropped off somewhere. But my "buddy" just petted me and let me know that I was not going anywhere !! He is a really neat guy and I have him trained pretty good. He knows that when I raise up and look at the floor, I want a drink of water. And when I look up and then tap my foot, I want to be covered up. But the most important, when I look up and just stare at him, he knows I need to stop to take care of my business. I am really good at smelling out the area restraunts and donut shop, but he told me that we couldn't stop at ALL of them. When we stopped in Maine to load, I was on my leash walking, when a lady came up to pet me. Buck told her my story and about Tipi Girl and Charlie Brown. She decided she wanted to help and went to take money to the area shelter. I hope I can let a lot of people know about the wonderful work you do for us "not so perfect dogs." That all we want is for someone to love us for what we are and for as long as we have left. While we were in CT, we had a nice picnic, and I got to chase a big ol black bug. Who says I don't have any energy left ! I really like my life now, and love to be petted ! And now I don't feel like I need to hide under the cover when I sleep. I know my "buddy" and like to follow him into every room he goes ! We will be leaving again tonight and plan to go to KS. Who knows where I'll end up next !!! I was real happy to see Mary and Tipi Girl when I got home and I hate to leave them again, but I know this is MY home, and they will be there when I get back.
Sir Alex
Note from Mary: Alex has made a complete turn around socially. He wags his tail when petted and actually jumps off the floor when we return from a short trip. They really like to go with us, but with it as hot as it is, we hate to leave them in the car. He has also made a difference in Buck, too. He has lost weight on the Alex diet (not snacking when Alex can see him.) And he has someone to talk to.

Note 09-15-05 Buck surprised us with a phone call last night. He has already tightened his belt 3 notches being on the Sir Alex diet! He no longer reaches for a snack while driving. He reaches over and pets his little buddy instead!
They were in Texas when he called. He had been walking Sir Alex. He got back in the truck, a CB call came across to meet him and the dog he was walking. He took Sir Alex back out, met a trucking couple, with them were 4 dachshunds. What a chat they all had as he told them about Sir Alex, Lil Hans and Charlie Brown.
Buck was full of laughter and praise when he called. He also stated that the first 3 days he was not sure if Sir Alex would bond. He walked with his tail down, his head down, yet by Day 5, Sir Alex was strutting proud. He feels loved and secure and Buck is extremely happy with the progress.

Update 09-18-05 Buck called from White Pine, TN today. He is scheduled for his yearly check-up and is looking forward to telling his doctor how he lost so much weight on the Sir Alex diet.

Update 09-24-05 We visited Sir Alex & Tipi Girl taking along Cisco & Poncho, Lil Hans and Lolita Hunnie. Sir Alex was a changed dog! He runs, plays, children over the age of 5 took turns taking him on a leash for walks.
He is such a little scamp! He got under the serving table and just stood there waiting for some of the food to drop on the floor.
It is obvious he is doing well on the road with Buck. As we watched him running, it was hard to believe he is 15 yrs. old. TLC makes a difference!
Buck told us that Sir Alex often gets him up in the middle of the night to go outside. He is more than willing to do that for the little man. Buck spent quite a bit of time telling us of the little ways that Sir Alex has trained him. He squirms on his back for belly rubs in his little basket between the seats of the 18 wheeler. He has a certain look at Buck that tells him he is needing a rest stop. Buck has a little blanket that Sir Alex loves to curl up under.
We are thrilled that Buck is fostering Sir Alex and giving him the adventure of a lifetime during the end of his life. With this TLC Sir Alex may live a very happy and long life!

09-28-05 Just got an update from Mary. Buck saw his doctor for the yearly physical yesterday. He has lost 15 lbs. on the Sir Alex diet. His B/P is 112/68, blood sugar is perfect and the doctor has given him a Rx to have a dog in the truck at all times.
Buck is helping Sir Alex. Sir Alex is helping Buck. May they both live a very long and happy life!

Update 10-02-05 Buck has called us a couple of times with progress reports on Sir Alex. When they are home from the road, Sir Alex sleeps under the covers at the foot of the bed.
On the road, Sir Alex is very energetic at rest stops. He spent 22 minutes trying to find a mouse that went under a concrete pad. Buck says he is just not the same dog that he first met. His tail is always wagging, he has such energy, yet is very good in the truck curled up in his basket between the seats.
His coat has improved as he shares Buck's ham and eggs from the truck stops in the AM. What a life!!
Buck has advised us that Sir Alex does not care for the truck wash. While he is safe inside, there is just a lot of vibration from the pressure washer.

Update 10-06-05 - Buck called as he is headed back to Springfield MO to get his truck serviced.
Sir Alex and Buck have been having a minor disagreement. Sir Alex no longer feels like he has to eat his dog food. He went on a hunger strike. Buck had an eye to eye chat with him, then Buck gave in, got him some ham & eggs, and got fish for himself. Sir Alex ate the ham & eggs, then stared at Buck as he ate the fish. Buck gave in again, said it was a big piece of fish anyway, so he shared it with Sir Alex.
Buck knows that Sir Alex should eat at least one balanced dry dog food meal a day, yet he is finding Sir Alex a bit of a challenge to convince. At Sir Alex's age, we told Buck to just let him have whatever his little heart and tummy desires. We trust Buck's judgement.

Update 10-09-05 Buck called us this AM with another update on Sir Alex. He has traveled to 24 states thus far and around the District of Columbia. He has gone places some dogs only dream of going!! Heck, he has gone some places not even we two footed folks get to travel! Thanks, Buck, for giving him the ride of a lifetime!

Update 10-23-05 Buck called from the east coast where he and Sir Alex had been in rain for 3 days. Sir Alex is not fond of the rain, pokes his head up to look out the window, then puts his head back under the blanket in his little basket.
We may not recognize Buck in a few weeks. He has been doing so well notching his belt on the Sir Alex diet that he has had to buy a new belt. The Sir Alex diet is working. It just may be that Sir Alex has saved Buck's life with the weight loss. Yeah!

Note 10-29-05 Sir Alex & Tipi Girl surprised us with a visit to the Good Samaritan Care Center Halloween Pets on Parade. Sir Alex was dressed as a hot dog. Tipi Girl was dressed as a clown.

Note 11-01-05 Buck called to tell us that he & Sir Alex were headed into New York City. Trucking is rather challenging when in such a city as so few shippers allow the dogs to be outside of the truck. Thus, they were stopping 2 hours out, Sir Alex would be able to do his duty, then it would be another 5 hours approximately before he would be able to stretch his legs.
Truckers provide our groceries, furniture, clothes, building supplies,almost everything we have is delivered by a truck driver. Most folks don't even realize how much space is needed to park or turn around that rig. In areas such as New York City, space is at a premium, so it is challenging for both a trucker and trucking dog to find a spot to park to take care of the duties most car drivers find very routine.
Tell the next trucker you see "Thanks for making our lives better by delivering everything we need to survive." They will certainly appreciate it.
Sir Alex is seeing parts of the country that some of us will never get a chance to see. What a life he is leading thanks to foster care by Buck.
We would welcome more trucking buddies for our fur-kids.

Update 11-09-05 Buck called this AM to tell us that Sir Alex now sits up and looks out the window when they are at a shipper/receiver. In the past he would just stay curled up in his little basket.
Sir Alex tends to his business outside, then rushes back to the warmth of the truck. He now shares Buck's pillow when he wants extra warmth.
Buck continues to lose weight on the Sir Alex diet and exercise. His new belt has already been taken up a notch.

Update 11-15-05 Buck is now on the last notch of his new belt! What a diet Sir Alex has him on! Sir Alex is NOT fond of the rain and cold weather. He does his duty reluctantly under the semi rather than stand in the rain.
Sir Alex does have a couple more tumors that are near his rump. Our rescue vet does not recommend surgery due to his age. Buck is just keeping him happy and they are having the ride of their life.
Buck said that Sir Alex seems to light up when he sees Buck pack up to head "On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again." Sir Alex seems to be enjoying life in the big rig and we are thrilled that Buck continues to care for Sir Alex. God luv him!

Update 11-22-05 Sir Alex has turned into a Trucking Guard Dog! In Tuscaloosa Alabama he showed Buck how protective he could be. He loved playing with another dog. Yet, once Sir Alex and Buck returned to the truck, he barked, growled, hackles up, ears cocked when another dog walked anywhere near the truck. Buck has found him to be totally changed from when he first went out on the road. He seems to feel at home on the road, thus protective of all 18 wheels. Yeah Sir Alex! Thanks Buck!

Update 12-01-05 Buck called today as he and Sir Alex were headed out of the snow and going to Texas.
Sir Alex has found that rooting around in the snow can yield treasures. Not pleasant for Buck if he hops out, no coat, thinking Sir Alex will tend to his duty, then dash back for the truck.
Sir Alex is also now going up to strangers, wagging the tail, yet staying close to Buck.
Buck often finds Sir Alex just staring at him. He doesn't seem to want anything, just looking for reassurance that Buck is still driving and Sir Alex is with him, on the adventure of a lifetime. Once Buck reaches over to pet him, then he snuggles back down in his little basket between the seats.
7 Bells Note - We still have to give "Thanks" to Thelma for giving up this dog rather than having him taken to the shelter where he surely would have died due to his age and medical needs. Not many dogs get the chance Sir Alex has at a life on the road promoting adoption from a shelter or rescue.
Buck admits that life can be a bit rough on the road for Sir Alex. They can't just pull over quickly and take a stroll. Sir Alex has learned that when that truck stops, they hop out, he better tend to business as they must hop back in, deliver that load on time.
When Buck packs up his bag to leave home, go back on the road, Sir Alex jumps around like a puppy when he sees Buck get his harness. He is a traveling dog! Life on the road suits him just fine. Buck is always laughing when he calls to give us updates.

Note 12-04-05 Last night we called Thelma to again thank her for Sir Alex. While on one hand it concerns us when folks give up their pet, on the other hand we are thankful that they have found us and that we have found such a great foster home for Sir Alex.
Buck totally trusts Sir Alex in one more way. Sir Alex, as much as he loves food, can sniff out bad food. Buck offered Sir Alex a piece of the meat from his salad. Sir Alex sniffed, refused to eat it. Buck went ahead and ate. Later, he was so sorry he did as for the next 48 hours he was extremely sick. He now knows that if Sir Alex won't touch the food, he should just toss it away.

Update 12-06-05 Buck called to tell us that as of tomorrow, Sir Alex will have been in 26 states.
Sir Alex now uses Buck's arm as a pillow when sleeping. He won't stay there all night, yet he starts out there.
In Oklahoma they stopped at the Buffalo Ranch Truck Stop. Sir Alex met his first buffalo. He barked, growled, then when a buffalo began to approach the fence, Sir Alex hid behind Buck, stuck his head between his legs and continued the barking and growling.
Buck will be headed home again, stopping by Petco to get Sir Alex's nails trimmed and get a new harness for him. He also needs to get Sir Alex back to the vet to drain the cyst under the eye. It is a maintenance issue and we are grateful that Thelma has sent the funds for that care. Thanks, Thelma!!

Update 12-17-05 Buck called this AM.
As of today, Sir Alex has been in 30 states. He has seen the Smoky Mtns., Appalachian Mts., Rocky Mtns., Gulf of Mexico, Great Salt Lake, Statue of Liberty and been to Wash. DC. He has seen elk in Wyoming, they have made friends along the way, met a lot of neat trucking dogs and their guardians.
At the time Buck called, they were in Kingdom City, heading to Dallas, from there to Joplin, then home for the Christmas holidays.
Buck has noticed that Sir Alex favors his right paw when it is extremely cold out. The vet has been unable to find anything wrong, other than he may have some arthritis. He is fine when they are in warm areas.
Buck reminded us that he had wanted to give Sir Alex 3 months or 3 yrs. of the best time of his life. He has definitely given him that for the past 3 months.
Sir Alex seems to be thriving under Buck's care. Life on the road seems to agree with both of them. We are still so overwhelmed by the wonderful foster homes we find for these dogs.
We told Buck we currently have 2 other dogs that would be wonderful as trucking buddies. Tippy, the beagle, and Chip, the dachshund mix. He will keep his ears open for a trucker needing a trucking buddy to foster. Buck has been screening folks before referring them to us. Yeah!! Thanks Buck! Keep those 18 wheels and 4 paws safe and headed home for the holidays!

Update 01-02-06 Just received a phone call from Buck.
He & Sir Alex took a week off, then Sir Alex was back to bouncing like a puppy when he saw Buck pick up his harness.

Upon arrival at the terminal, Buck noticed an oil leak. Thus, he & Sir Alex are holding up in a motel while repairs are being made.

Buck left Sir Alex in the motel, went to get something to eat. After leaving him twice, Sir Alex then would stand between Buck & the motel door. He prefers to be with Buck.

Buck also told me of the many wonderful folks on the road he meets. He orders a small special meal for Sir Alex, tells the waitress or cook what it is for. Some cooks have cut up the meat and eggs in small pieces for Sir Alex. Others have added a bit of extra gravy just for his trucking buddy. While not everyone can adopt a dog, there are many dog loving folks out there that Buck encounters. This is their small way of helping the cause. Sir Alex adores all the extra attention.

Update 01-03-06 Buck called this evening to tell us he had Sir Alex all confused today.
Sir Alex has a routine. When it is dark, he curls up to go to sleep. When it is daylight, he wakes up, goes outside to do his duty, then is ready for the day.

Today Buck drove into the limestone caves. For those unfamiliar with this, this consists of a huge underground city, built out of limestone.
When Sir Alex went into the darkness, he fell asleep. Buck then dropped the trailer, went back outside, hooked up to another trailer. Sir Alex awoke in the sunlight, yet had not put in a full night's sleep, thus tried to go out and do his duty, not successful.

After another drop and hook (dropping the trailer off in the dark of the cave, hooking up to another trailer on the sunlit lot, Sir Alex was totally confused. He had two very short nights, tried his best to do his duty, failed both times.
Buck was laughing so hard as he told this story. It was as if Sir Alex was shaking his head, wondering how come such short nights?

Update 01-07-06 from Buck, his first for the new year on Sir Alex:
Buck called to tell us that already Sir Alex has been in 8 states this year. Tomorrow they will be going through MD, PA, GA so 11 states.
Sir Alex has already dined on prime rib, courtesy of one of the truck stop cooks. Buck bragged about Sir Alex, told his story of rescue, and the cook sliced up some prime rib small and thin, gave it to Buck for his trucking buddy.
Again, wonderful dog loving folks that help Sir Alex even if they can't adopt.

Update 01-11-06 Buck called us early in the AM from Florida. Sir Alex has seen the Atlantic Ocean.
Buck runs north and south, primarily east coast. Sir Alex is having a bit of an adjustment to one day very cold in the north, next day they may be in short sleeve areas in the south.
When in cold regions Sir Alex wants to do his duty, get back to the warmth of the truck. When in the warm regions, Buck has to encourage him to take a stroll, no need for rushing back to the truck.

Update 01-14-06 Buck called to tell us that Sir Alex is now heading to Washington DC. He has already been in NC, SC, GA, FL, MD, PA, WV. He is quite the traveling dog and Buck is hoping he will get to see almost every state this year.

Not sure even Thelma would have dreamed Sir Alex would have done this much traveling at this time of his life. I know we never dreamed it possible.

Buck conveyed again how excited Sir Alex gets when he sees his harness come out and they get ready to hit the road after being home a few days with Mary and Tipi Girl. He jumps, bounces about, acts like a puppy.

Update 01-20-06 Buck & Sir Alex are home for the week-end. Buck bought Sir Alex a new, red harness, as Alex now weighs 15.8 lbs. Buck is still on the last notch of his new belt, and hopes to get more exercise in with Sir Alex.

Note 01-28-06 Buck called us tonight with an update that Sir Alex has now visited 19 states thus far this month. Mighty impressive! They had to do some long roads, short time to get there, and Sir Alex hung in there. Buck was so proud of him. It was not easy on either of them, yet time was critical.

Note 01-31-06 Buck called this evening. Sir Alex has finished the month with 22 states, marking every one of them as his very own. They have gone from Maine to Florida to Arizona, tonight sitting in AZ.

Buck said it is really nice to have someone to care for out on the road. Sir Alex has been such company for him.

Update 02-03-06 Buck called as he and Sir Alex arrived home early. Sir Alex is staying very close to Buck since Sir Gus is there with Tipi Girl.

Buck steps out of the shower, Sir Alex is right there and Gus and Tipi are in the doorway of the hall. Doesn't look like Sir Alex is ready to share his trucking buddy, yet there are no snarls or growls.

Buck is not sure that Sir Alex is going to permit another dog in the truck. While Buck thinks he will be able to handle both Alex & Gus, Alex may have different ideas. His laundry basket is not big enough for two dogs to share!

Update 02-10-06 We were able to meet up with Buck and Sir Alex today at Doc Johnson's. Sir Alex needed a fresh dental, thus Buck took the day off, brought along Sir Alex and Tipi Girl.

Sir Alex weighed in at 13 3/4 lbs. Doc gave him a fresh dental. We have found that retired breed dogs need a dental more frequently, every 6 months instead of every year. Doc also drained the cyst under the eye.

Tomorrow Buck and Sir Alex get back in the big rig and head out.

Note 02-18-06 Buck called this AM from Texas. He and Sir Alex are waiting out the ice storm in a truck stop. Their delivery is not scheduled until Mon., thus taking it easy. There are many accidents on the freeway.

Buck also shared this concern which may give those of you reading this something to ponder.

Should something happen to Buck (or to you reading this) his concern is for the welfare of Sir Alex. While Alex does have collar ID with our rescue info. and also carries paperwork with our rescue info., Buck's concern was for where would Alex be taken if he ended up in a hospital.

If you are traveling with your pet, can you share this concern? Do you have a back-up plan for your pet should you be in a similar situation? If you do not have ID on your pet, paperwork, back-up plan, PLEASE make up one now.

Sir Alex would either be taken to a local shelter or rescue, then we would be notified and try to get Alex home. However, neither option would please Sir Alex. He would be stressed.

Buck also told us that now Sir Alex just settles in for the night beside him, giving a deep sigh each time. He feels secure. Thus, the truck stop will be a safer place to wait out the storm.



Buck does find Sir Alex has a way to communicate. He did NOT want the dry dog food, thus just tipped his bowl over, spilling it. He wants ham and eggs for breakfast and will settle for nothing less now. He is one spoiled trucking dog!