A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS
THE SILENT HEALER At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats. Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort.
Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.”
Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
“Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and
The Open Road Loses Its Allure TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE
enough to replace those who are aging out. Fewer Americans of working age today are willing to spend most of their time away from loved ones, working irregular hours and sleeping in their trucks or at roadside motels. Also, shared-ride platforms and third-party delivery companies offering shorter trips and less stress are attracting many wannabe drivers who might in the past have become long‑haul truckers. While all states allow drivers to qualify for certain commercial driver's licenses at age 18, drivers must be 21 to haul freight across state lines. Some advocates are pressing for Washington to reduce that minimum age to 18. Other proposed solutions will require concessions by carriers. Raising per-mile wages and offering comprehensive benefits and bonuses for weekend driving and good performance could help. Adjusting schedules and load requirements would make it easier for drivers to be home at night. Offering job candidates specialized pay for training, and perhaps helping to pay for it, would also entice more younger adults to give trucking a try.
Help Wanted: Job requires days or weeks away from home at a time, fluctuating work hours, physical strain, tight government oversight, and paychecks that don’t stretch as far as they used to.
Job demands like these are discouraging more workers from applying for truck driving jobs, and the resulting shortage is putting a crimp in the supply chain and driving prices higher. A 2023 study in the American Journal of Transportation says the nation is short 80,000 commercial truck drivers and predicts the number will double by 2030. Some drivers’ organizations say the problem isn’t a shortage of people willing to do the job but low pay and long hours. Turnover among drivers at some carriers hits 100% a year as drivers leave in search of better pay, working conditions, and benefits, according to a National Public Radio report. Also, many older drivers are nearing retirement, and the truck driver lifestyle is less appealing to the younger generation. The International Road Transport Union reports that 30% of U.S. drivers are over age 55, and the newest generation of drivers is not large
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