Tuesday I was doing a rescue dog transport. I do these pretty regularly - pickup a dog, drive it about 75 miles and hand it off to the next driver, It only costs a little gas and time and makes me feel good.
As I was headed down the interstate with a little beagle in my car, all the lights go on and the power goes off in the car. I coasted to the shoulder, and first called the transport to see if they could drive extra to pick up the dog, then called the first tow truck company that Google came up with. They told me they were going to call someone they thought would be closer, and that if I hadn’t heard from the other company in 10 minutes, to call them back. a few minutes later the wrecker driver called me and pinpointed my location and said he’d be there in a few minutes. Less than 10 minutes later, he showed up. The beagle and I got out of the car as he loaded it up, then he helped me in, holding onto the dog. We took off, chatting about rescue. He and his wife had been involved in rescue and transporting.He took me to a local mechanic, where he off-loaded the car. When I asked how much, he said, “No charge for a rescue driver!”. I tried to insist, but he wouldn’t hear of me paying. The driver who’d handed the dog off to me came and picked her up to move her along. I needed a new alternator and battery ($664) and 3 hours later I was on my way home. I left a glowing review online.
Today I was reviewing my auto policy to see if I had roadside assistance. In 30+ years I’ve had insurance, I’ve never needed it. Sure enough, there’s tow reimbursement. So I called the wrecker driver and asked if he’d bill me, and I could get reimbursed, and he still refused. He said, no, he appreciated what I do for dogs and wouldn’t take anything for it. And to keep his card in case I need something else. I hope I don’t have to use it, but what a sweet guy.
It’s hard to remember that there are still good people in this divided and divisive country. There are, you just have to give them a chance.
StG
