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.
Greetings from Georgia!
We are on our way to Atlanta to load some equipment heading back to Baltimore. This job is finishing up and we've had lots of loads of equipment to return to Baltimore.
The job has been at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, adjacent to the mall and all the monuments. Traffic is unbearable at times and the route is about the most truck unfriendly I've seen.
On another level, it's an inspiring trip, passing right in front of the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial! I have to admit that it's hard to concentrate on being a truck driver and not being a tourist, making sure I don't run any stop lights, or run over any tourists — they're everywhere! If possible, I try to leave the yard around 4 AM and beat the traffic in, but that doesn't always work out.
To further add to the stress are the loads: modular barge sections that have to be brought onsite. These are 10' 6'' wide and require permits. The job is located within the National Park System, and over-dimensional permits are not issued within the National Park, so we had to get "creative."
The job consists of replacing the sea wall and updating the drainage system. It is obviously a high-profile job, so we all hope that it goes smoothly.
It's a nice break to have this trip to Georgia, letting me and Mackey stretch our legs.
Stay cool!
Greetings,
John and I are here in Georgia, waiting to load tomorrow.
I've been watching John a lot lately. He seems to be nervous and has been talking to himself a lot! I think it has something to do with the driving he's been doing lately. We don't seem to be going very fast and John seems to be talking to, or maybe at, the other drivers, sometimes quite loudly!
When we get off the highway and into the city, he gets really quiet. and he's constantly looking everywhere! I don't know what he's so nervous about. Why doesn't he do what I do — get up in the window, watch all the people, and bark at all the dogs on the sidewalks?!
Sometimes I feel sorry for him and his ignorance. He seems to be more relaxed today, probably because of this longer trip and no city traffic.
It's now time to remind John that it's time for dinner!
Until next time!
