it had been a long week on the road.
I had been travelling for days now, striving to meet a tight deadline, and fatigue was setting in.
My truck and I had travelled endless kilometres on the highway, and all I wanted to do was stop at a petrol station, fill up the car and have a cup of coffee before finding a place to rest.
I pulled into a small, almost empty petrol station in the middle of nowhere.
As I got out, I heard a faint whimpering sound.
At first I thought I was imagining it, but then I saw him – a skinny, shaggy dog curled up by the dumpster, shivering from the cold.
His eyes met mine, and I swear he looked desperate, like he was asking for help.
I grabbed a sandwich from the booth and sat down, offering it to him.
He approached warily, but was hungry enough to come closer.
When he finally took the food, his tail swished a little, and that was enough – I couldn’t leave him there.
The operator at the petrol station said the dog had been wandering around the neighbourhood for a few days, probably abandoned.
My heart squeezed.
How could someone do this to such a loyal creature?
I opened the truck door and patted the seat.
‘So, mate?’ – I said.
To my surprise, he jumped right into the cab, as if he was waiting for someone to give him a chance.
I named him Diesel, a name perfect for a trucker’s dog.
He’s been travelling with me ever since, keeping me company on long and lonely roads.
He curls up in the passenger seat and watches the world go by, and every time he looks at me he seems to say ‘thank you’.
I hadn’t planned on meeting a dog that day, but Diesel found me – and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.
That connection is so beautiful – it’s amazing how unexpected moments can bring the best companions into our lives.
Do you have a memorable story about how you met your pet?
