Tips for Rookies
#11
09-12-2006, 01:11 PM
Originally Posted by CharismaticEvil
GMAN,
Ok, I can definately see your point, but since you're sticking to that point specifically, how do you personally tend your desire to have a companion? I have also heard that having a pet tends to keep drivers more alert and in better shape, given the required stops for pooch's business. These stops could easily be taken every 3 hours or 150 miles to do your safety checks I would think. Now I completely agree that a puppy should not be taken OTR, as they lack good training, and the ability to "hold it"., but a dog could be used in a variety of positive ways: * Companion. * Legal Protection. * Ensuring we stop often enough and avoid the notorious "trucker profile". * Avoiding renting a car/cab if pooch is big enough and sulky/cart trained on scenic stops. This gives Rover a great cardiovascular workout. But every point you brought up is also valid, each side of the argument has its up's and downs. I for one, being a female trucker, am supportive of the idea of having a good sized dog to keep the unsavory types at bay. Though I'm not saying have a Saint Bernard by any means, maybe a rottweiler. Consistant grooming would be a must to keep Rover smelling clean and not smelling up your truck. No long haired breeds of any pet type for me, too much shedding and dander. I probably started on the pet part first because it was more on my mind. I recently had a driver who had an unauthorized dog in one of my trucks and he trashed it. I would not have allowed it had I known about it in advance. From an owner's standpoint, I won't hire another driver who has a pet. And the other points I made are also a consideration. If your dog bites someone, it is the owner of the truck that they will come after. This is not a job for everyone. I think some people leave this profession because they don't like the isolation. Some people like the isolation that driving and the road provide. I do some of my best thinking while behind the wheel driving the open road. If you cannot be without a constant companion, this may not be the profession for you. I have been around this business for more than 30 years and until recently, you rarely saw any driver who had a pet with them. If I want or need companionship, I go home or visit with fellow drivers. I have had some stimulating conversations with some drivers. And there is always the CB, if you can get past the garbage. It is a very diverse group of people. My wife has been traveling with me some the last couple of years. I don't need to take her for a walk, she doesn't shed all over the truck and I don't have to worry about her biting someone and getting in a lawsuit. :P This is a profession. We are expected to handle ourselves in a professional manner. Even the best trained pets may not be able to hold themselves and could use the truck for their convenience. It isn't uncommon for an 18 wheeler to have to suddenly lock down their brakes. If you have a pet in the truck they could easily get injured. And as far as sightseeing is concerned, you will have little time to do that if you are doing your job properly, unless you happened to get laid over for a day or two. It seems to me that when that has happened to me, I have not been in a very good area for sightseeing. In this profession, you get to see a lot of this great country and often see some interesting sights, but you rarely have the opportunity to be a tourist and see the sights. Most restaurants and other businesses will not allow pets unless you are blind or need assistence, because of a handicap. Parking a truck and trailer is often a problem, as well. If you have safety concerns, there are precautions you can take, such as always parking in a well lit area. You can also run team. That way you would always have someone in the truck. There are some drivers who would not want to run any other way. I don't mean to seem down on dogs or pets. If it were not for my profession, I might still have a dog myself. But, when you are in a truck you are at work. You don't take a pet to work. You would not take your pet to an office. You would not take a pet to your factory job. I don't see why anyone would expect to be able to take a pet to work, just because they drive a truck. :?
#15
09-12-2006, 01:55 PM
I don't know about anyone else but I have to sit down to eat a subway sandwich. Otherwise they just get messy. :P :lol:
__________________
 Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. -------------------------------------------- The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say. -- J R R Tolkien
#18
09-12-2006, 02:53 PM
Originally Posted by yoopr
Subway is about the best fast food your going to get at a truck stop
Wrong-There are some truck stop restaurants that will rival some pretty high class restaurants. If anyone reading this was there, I was there around 12 noon, CA time. I had the black t-shirt and nice tan linen khakis on. I'm 6' 2" and about 220 lbs. Well kept salt and pepper hair. I was also the goofiest looking mofo in the place, except for the drivers in the freightliners, petes, volvos, macks and internationals. :lol:
#20
09-12-2006, 04:31 PM
Originally Posted by GMAN
Originally Posted by Jbroad572
Newbie here.... What is a lot lizard?
Prostitute. |
