Truck drivers give 14-year-old shelter dog happiness with rides and treats during her final days
Dozens of people were brought together last weekend to help give a 14-year-old shelter dog named Honey one final ride and a final goodbye.
Honey, a yellow lab 鈥� who shelter volunteers call a "trucker dog" 鈥� embarked on her last big adventure after her owner passed away, according to .
Three months ago, she was brought into the care of SOAR, a nonprofit organization that assists humans and animals in crisis.
"She came just hours after she had lost her owner 鈥� she was definitely traumatized," Angela Hopson, the executive director of SOAR, said. "It took us a few days for us to get her to come around and show who she is as a dog."
Despite her age and mobility issues, Honey quickly made an impact on those around her. However, her mobility issues have become too severe.
"She had some mobility issues when she arrived, and unfortunately, they're not getting any better 鈥� even with care, and so it's time for her to pass, and we want to help that," Hopson said.
In a heartfelt gesture, Hopson reached out on Facebook, asking truck drivers to give Honey one last ride and to stop for her favorite snack 鈥� chicken nuggets from Wendy鈥檚.
The response was overwhelming, with several truckers reaching out.
鈥淚 think we could have probably done a ride every 30 minutes with the way the people responded to it," David Bishop, a volunteer with SOAR, said.
The response overwhelmed SOAR staff and the truckers alike.
"It's always surprising to see what it is that brings people together in whatever way that is," truck driver Robert Axum shared.
He's glad to be one of the folks helping a four-legged friend in her final days.
鈥淎nything that can make an animal happy, I鈥檓 all the way in on that," Axum said.
Honey enjoyed her rides, lying between the seats and keeping a watchful eye on the road.
"It's affirming that you 鈥� I know some people think it's silly to do all this for a pet and before they're going pass, but it has been transformative for her happiness," Hopson explained.
Honey had two more rides on Monday, including a final trip with her owner鈥檚 family, who were able to connect with SOAR through social media.
They were planning to be with her at the vet for her final moments.
And don't worry, Honey got to eat her favorite treat 鈥� a 10-piece nugget.