Mackey came to B.O.N.E.S. from a bad situation in central Massachusetts. He was underweight and limped painfully. X-rays revealed a displaced femur fracture in his right hind leg – it was amazing that Mackey could use the leg at all. The options didn't look hopeful, but with help from the B.O.N.E.S. Medical Director, a carefully-structured exercise program, and a lot of TLC, he can now lead a normal life.
As Mackey recovered from his injuries, long-time B.O.N.E.S. adopter John was mourning the loss of his long-time beagle companion, Hudson, whose "Chronicles" were documented here for many years. John was settling into a new job with lots of driving, and Mackey loved to ride... a great match. John and Mackey will both share their viewpoints with us on this page.
Happy spring to all of you! I am looking forward to warmer weather and plodding through posted roads and mud season here in Maine!
Mackey and I just finished a long and grueling week.
It started out Monday morning in Waterville, Maine, picking up the truck after routine maintenance at the shop. However, there were some complications, and the truck wasn't ready. The leasing company did provide a loaner truck to use in the interim. The truck was a "day cab," meaning it had no sleeper.
Having no sleeper meant no extra storage compartments under the bunk, as well as the obvious, no place to rest my weary head. This was inconvenient because the extra storage is needed for chains, binders, straps, and in this case, oversize load signs and flags.
It also had an automatic transmission, which is common now in trucks, but a slap in the face to this old school trucker. The FM radio didn't work, and the air ride seat had a leak, so I had to keep "pumping up." Since there was no sleeper, Mackey and I had to hop in the pickup and head home at the end of each day.
We were finally able to get back into the regular truck on Thursday and made a quick trip down to Baltimore. It sure was nice to be back "home" with all my gear and our bedroom!
With winter in the rear-view mirror, and me back behind the wheel of my regular truck, I'm looking forward to this week's adventures!
I sure am glad last week is over!
John put me up in this strange-looking truck Monday morning, hooked up to the trailer, and took off. The truck was a lot smaller, and all John's junk was inside the cab. It looked like we were homeless, living in the vehicle. Well, homeless, anyway. It took me a while to figure out that there was no sleeper for me, just that back window and wall!
Every time John cursed, it meant he had thought of something he forgot. Of all things, he forgot to bring my treats! (He did remember my food and water.) Toward the end of the week, I could feel myself growing weaker from hunger.
But the worst part of this whole ordeal was that the radio didn't work. After fiddling with the buttons, John gave up and soon he was singing to himself! After a while, I couldn't stand it and started howling in protest. John took this as encouragement on my part and started singing with enthusiasm! I quickly shut up and suffered in silence.
We got our truck back after a few LONG days and did a trip down to Baltimore, where I got to see Adele, and got my dose of meatballs and biscuits. That made up for some of my suffering, but NOT John's singing!
