Pedigree, a dog food company, and Mobil Delvac, an oil company, are teaming up in a new campaign dubbed Mutts4Trucks. As the name implies, the program is designed to bring truck drivers and shelter dogs together to further enrich the lives of everyon einvolved.
How Mutts4Trucks Started
Back in September of 2019, a special event promoting the likelihood of dog adoptions was held at the Travel Centers of America in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, truckers were encouraged to adopt a canine companion from the Nashville Humane Association.
Those that opted to gain a new best friend were also given Pedigree dog food, a leash, and a specially designed harness to keep dogs safe while in a moving vehicle.
Why Mutts4Trucks is Important
After the adoption event, both truckers and dogs were monitored as part of a study. This was done to keep track of the effects of the adoption on both parties. To record these physical and emotional changes, activity trackers as well as facial monitors were utilized. In addition, truckers took written surveys periodically.
After one week, both trucker and dog experienced an increase in positive, happy emotions. Being on the road can be lonely, especially for OTR drivers, and having a companion is the best cure.
During the next check-up two months later, truckers ended up exercising more and burning more calories. Probably due to increased dog walks and runs. As for the dogs, they too burned more calories at the two month mark and spent more time being active.
Needless to say, the first Mutts4Trucks program event was a success.
Bringing Dogs Along for the Long Haul
People who have a furry companion tend to gain a great deal of beneficial effects, such as lower cholesterol,blood pressure, and ongoing stress levels. On the other side of this relationship,shelter dogs given a home tend to be very grateful for the opportunity to be someone’s friend, thus improving their mentality and overall well-being.
Since this powerful partnership between truckers and dogs is so beneficial to all involved, we wanted to highlight a few of the trucking companies out there that allow pets:
- Covenant Transport
- J.B. Hunt
- Melton Truck Lines
- LTI Trucking Services
- Trans Am Trucking
- Interstate Distributor
- Roehl Transport
- Knight Transportation
- Werner Enterprises
- Prime Inc
- Celadon
- Crete Carrier
- Quest Global
- United Global Carrier
- Expediter Services
- Elite Express
- West Side Transport
That said, some trucking companies do enforce different pet-related regulations, such as a deposit fee.. So make sure to inquire with the trucking company you have in mind prior to hire to ensure you are able to bring your canine companion along.
And if you do not have a furry best friend yet, please visit your local shelter soon to make some lovable dog’s dream of adoption come true.