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.
Good morning from Emporia, Virginia.
Mackey and I have finished our first week in the new truck! There are a few little things that need to be addressed when we get back home, but otherwise, it is a nice upgrade. The cab and sleeper are wider and taller, and it offers much more storage. Other items include a swing-out table and a passenger seat that pivots 180 degrees so you can use the table to eat, or as a desk, as I'm doing now.
I wouldn't be a true trucker without complaining about some of the built-in safety and technology features which are an insult to this veteran of the highways! I just have to learn to accept progress as best as I can.
Mackey and I had more than three weeks at home while the new truck was getting set up. The first project was cleaning out the old truck of seven years of accumulated personal items inside and then all the rigging, gear, chains, straps, etc. in the storage boxes and cabinets. Then, the truck went into the shop to have various equipment removed that was going to be installed on the new truck. In the next bay sat the new truck. There was a new enclosed tool cabinet to be installed, fenders, rear frame cover and trailer hitch, and all sorts of wiring for strobe lights, work lights.
In the middle of all this I came down with COVID, so I was down for a week! I'm glad that this happened at home! I can't imagine quarantining in the truck for a week!
There are still a few items that need to be installed when we get back, but for now, Mackey and I are making it into our new home.
On another note, it was fun to be able to make it to the Beagle Bash this year. Great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Mackey and I were pretty tired at the end of the day, but it was worth it!
Greetings, we seem to be in a new truck! I don't know what happened to the old one. I miss the old one because it smelled like me, not that new truck smell! Come to think of it, I had the same problem with the mobile home a few years back.
Another thing I noticed right away is that the cab is wider! How do I know this, you ask? The first time I jumped from one seat to the other I missed and landed on the floor! That's how I noticed.
I've got it figured out now, and I have to admit, there is more room to move about, and it's nice to be back on the road. The time home was nice, and there was one week where John laid around the house doing even less than I do!
I think our new home on the road will work out well for us. I've even heard John tell people that after 42 years of trucking, this is his first new truck! It only took me 10 years, so what does that say. . .
That's all for now.
