A trucker from Tennessee is in the news after he parked his truck and drove a bus to the Carolinas last week to rescue cats and dogs from animal shelters that needed to be evacuated because of Hurricane Florence.
Tony Alsup, a driver from Greenback, Tennessee, has responded to natural disasters before. In just the past year, he’s helped rescue animals displaced by storms in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. When he heard about Florence heading for the Carolinas, he wanted to lend a hand there as well.
Realizing that his own truck wouldn’t cut it, Alsup bought an old school bus. He pulled out all of the seats and turned it in to an emergency animal rescue vehicle. He drove the bus to various shelters and then transported them to a different shelter in Alabama. From there, the animals will hopefully find their forever homes.
Since then, Alsup has been helping with rescue and relief operations for humans and animals, even helping to rescue two horses earlier this week. The most recent post from Tony’s Emergency Animal Rescue & Shelter group on Facebook says that Alsup is in Burgaw, North Carolina where he’s still helping with pet evacuations.
Way to go, driver!
Source: washingtonpost, wral, 985fm, greevilleonline
Image source: facebook
Bill says
Way to go, a trucker actually looking out for someone or something, other than himself. I appreciate that, it seems today that trucking has become a joke, especially with the implication of electronic logs, all you have anymore is a free for all, nobody cares about anyone else or anything else, cause its hurting their log time. This guy deserves a great more gratitude then ever.
anthony j means says
let me edit this for you.— “Way to go,This guy deserves a great more gratitude then ever.”—there ya go. you’re welcome.
Dwayne says
Awesome! God Bless
Charli says
So nice try see a mature male do something so selfless and thoughtful.
We don’t deserve pets.
Ronald Aguillard says
This driver is a great caring and loving human being doing God’s work. Dogs and other animals bring out the love in humanity… the animals give much more than they receive… in spades…what else in the world does that … ? thank you Mr Alsup God Bless you and your mission.
JEREMY HERRING says
I have so been wanting to repurpose some old school buses and this was one of the ideas. Too many people abandon their pets to fend for themselves in these types of disasters and here also the animal shelters are a forgotten vulnerability unless someone shows up to help.
School buses are cheap, durable, agile, and very flexible for a number of applications. I don’t know why FEMA or Red Cross or any number of response organizations don’t tap their potential as mobile command centers, temporary bunks, etc. All it takes is drivers to get them there and they wouldn’t even require a CDL.
Jim says
Two thumbs up driver
jakes cab solutions says
that guy must have a heart as large as the Moon because he is shining his light where ever he goes.
jerry says
Great job Tony, the animals thank you, & hopefully they’ll find new homes!
Thanks for posting the article too.
Sara says
God sent driver I am a trucker who does animal rescue as well but I praise you for this Thank-you
Will samson says
Great job driver, you’re one of the few good hearted souls in this industry, I’m sure there are quite a few left but it dwindling, I’m an animal lover and I wish you could get some kind of reward, I wish anyone that’s goes above and beyond would get medals, god bless
Idelma Deciga says
What a kind soul, may the Lord pour blessings for this driver!!!
Glenn says
This guy figured out a long time ago that animals rule and people suck. Kudos to him. The world needs more people like him in it.
S-a-l-u-t-e
mary says
Way to go may you be blessed and watched over. Did you ever think maybe this is your calling instead of truck driver? You already have the most important a huge heart & soul & a plus a bus Thank you we need more humans like you