Max, an eight-year-old Blue Catahoula Leopard mix, and his co-pilot, Alan, command a 40-ton Freightliner truck and trailer. To date their adventures have included 47 states.
“Max is a wonderful companion; smart and eager to please and he introduces us to new friends everywhere we go,” said Alan. “As a ‘watch’ dog he navigates from his favorite spot, the platform in the passenger seat, and surveys the
scenery. We always have fun places to go and explore.”
Alan’s passions are old phones, ships, and trains, so once he learns of something interesting happening, he requests a load to that state and off they go. His profession melds work, play, scenery, hobbies and adventure.
“When a special train ride or phone show is advertised, I request a freight load going to that city,” Alan revealed.
“It’s a great plan, mapping out different hobby experiences,
especially since the trucking company pays for me to drive there,” said Alan. “Our trips usually last two weeks at a time. We have visited dozens of telephone shows and train museums and recently a battleship in Mobile, Alabama."
The adventurous duo has ridden Denver’s Winter Park ski train, the Nevada Northern Railroad, Western Maryland Scenic train, and visited the Union Pacific steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming and the Ellis Railroad and Doll museum in Kansas, with their
miniature Aerotrain to ride! They visited an antique telephone show in Florida, and next is Denver’s model train show.
“With long weeks away from my family, I started posting what we were doing on Facebook from Max's point of view, so friends and family could follow our adventures,” said Alan. “Max’s fan base is now 1100 followers. An Australian fan’s friends arranged for her to visit a museum where we were waiting to surprise her, and she squealed with joy when she saw
Max!”
A testament to Alan’s wonderful paw-parenting skills is when Max was tragically struck by a car. They almost lost him, and he was paralyzed. The veterinarian suggested putting him down (Max not Alan), because he didn't know if the dog would ever walk again.
The impact left Max with no control of his right legs. But Max’s faithful Facebook followers helped pay his medical bills. Several days passed before the dog could stand at all. Alan lovingly
carried him outside for his bathroom breaks and then he’d hold him up to complete the task.
“I modified a wheelchair by extending the seat and removing the back so I could push him around and we could still enjoy walks and scenery,” Alan explained.
He continued, “It was two months before he could walk without help. He can’t jump in and out of the truck anymore or swim in a straight line -both minor hiccups in a life well lived. We understand those in need, so we have
visited a Kansas Care and Rehab Center to share good cheer. Max loves the attention and extra pats, and the residents enjoy giving him love.”
Max grew up with cats, and for the first three years, he shared the truck with a feline.
Alan also noted, “I must confess, traveling long hauls with a dog is healthier for me than a cat because I have to stop driving and walk with him every few hours. The cat passed away after 19 years on the road, and since then it
has just been me and Max.
A few days ago, Max stood in the open window of our truck and angrily barked at a driver who passed us on the left, then dangerously cut all the way over to the right turn lane. Max put his head out the window and gave her a well-deserved dressing down!"
