Saving abandoned animals, one ride at a time

[joeybee12]

For former trucker Sue Wiese, obstacles don’t get in the way of her drive to save pets’ lives.

The 69-year-old Texas grandmother is the founder of Operation Roger, a group of volunteer truck drivers who transport animals from kill shelters and rescue groups to families willing to adopt them.

“We’re a ragtag group of pet lovers who want to help pets who already have a home to go to, give them some T.L.C., and a hitchhike to get there,” she said.

Now retired, Wiese started the nonprofit, named after her late Manchester Terrier, Roger, after listening to grim stories coming out of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in August 2005. As she drove one night, Wiese said she prayed for guidance on how to help the pets stranded by the storm.

She says she remembered saying, “Lord, I am just a truck driver, is there anything I can do to help?”

Then it came to her: transportation.

http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/23/17879769-saving-abandoned-animals-one-ride-at-a-time?lite

[GoCubsGo]

1. That's a great idea!

Thousands of truckers criss-cross the country every day. Not only could they provide transportation for these animals, those animals could provide the truckers some nice company.

[joeybee12]

3. It is...and by helping the shelters and/or new owners don't have to shell out

for the transporation...more money for the other animals that rescue groups desperately need.

[Auntie Bush]

4. So true!

What good thoughtful people. Thank you. It makes me smile thinking about all the animals saved and get to their forever homes.

[Blue Owl]

2. Keep on truckin' Operation Roger!

[joeybee12]

6. Absolutely...nt

[xchrom]

5. ...

[bettyellen]

7. I got two of my rescues up from Memphis courtesy of a wonderful DUer Cindy, who was involved in

Katrina dog rescues. She happened to work as a steward on the Memphis / NYC route and we met up at La Guardia airpot two weekends in a row. Lovely woman. Haven't seen her here in a few years. Very grateful for her help!

[OneGrassRoot]

8. LOVE THIS!!!

Thank you for posting!

[joeybee12]

12. You're welcome

I love this story also!

[myrna minx]

9. Awwww. What a great idea.

[hamsterjill]

10. Way to go truckers!!!

I've heard of this before, but so happy to know that it's getting some press. By spreading the word, hopefully even more truckers will participate!

[Blue Owl]

11. Make way for the convoy of compassion!

Honk honk!