This dog was available for adoption, but when he realized he was on the kill list at the shelter, he set out on a 2,800-mile journey to save him. They hit it off immediately away, and it was a beautiful moment!
Mario Rodriguez has played for the Bulls his entire career. Rodriguez is a huge fan of the strain, as well as every hole bull he’s ever had has been a dream.
In 2018, Rodriguez lost his beloved Bull King. Rodriguez loved King above all others, and his death had crushed his heart.
“It felt like a part of my soul left with him,” he tells The Dodo. “I was unable to save him, but I will set aside a few for him.”
In August 2018, Rodriguez was making a delivery in California when he received a textbook from his spouse. She forwarded him a link to an abandoned bull in New York.
Rodriguez fell in love with Hickory, the hole bull, the first time he saw him. Rodriguez made a hurried decision to borrow this cute dog. His sentiments grew even stronger when he discovered Hickory was on the sanctum’s kill list.
Rodriguez told his boss, who was gracious enough to record a delivery route for him that included a stop in New York. Rodriguez has already been driving the country’s mile-long off-road course. He informed the sanctum of his planned arrival, but he feared Hickory might be euthanized before he arrived.
“I was running through work and contacting the sanctum every day,” Rodriguez recounted, “and by the third day, they had my phone number.” They yelled, ‘He’s still there, Mario, he’s still there!’
After six days of constant driving, Rodriguez landed to ACC Sanctum in Brooklyn. Hickory was still kept in his kennel.
Rodriguez explained, “I parked my pickup and ran outdoors.” ” As soon as Hickory spotted me, he practically leapt through the kennel door. ‘Chum, that’s it!’ I said. ‘We’re coming back!’
Rodriguez was quite astonished by how quickly Hickory clicked with him. It’s almost as though the dog has been expecting him!
“It just appeared like he was waiting for me,” Rodriguez explained. ” It was unusual. We clicked right away. I’ve never had a dog who has become as close to me as rapidly as this one.”
After completing the relinquishment form, Rodriguez and Hickory went to Rodriguez’s house in Georgia. As they traveled along the east coast, the click of the brackets became louder. Rodriguez was so ecstatic that he drove across the nation to save Hickory, indicating that they were destined to be together.
When Rodriguez returned to Georgia, he introduced Hickory to his other two bulls, Cooper and Angel. The three sisters became friends instantly and began to play together.
Rodriguez had to get back on the road as soon as possible. Because Hickory and Rodriguez got along so well, the family decided that he should be Hisco-pilot. Hickory loved the idea!
Hickory has been on the road with Rodriguez for approximately six months and is having a great time. Hickory likes to drive into the countryside with his newspaper, barking at all the cows and nags he sees.
Rodriguez plans to retire in the next five to six years and hopes to establish a hole bull delivery service. He and Rodriguez are truly enjoying life on the road for the time being. More images of Hickory traveling around the United States can be found on his Facebook page. Please bring your musketeer and family to join in the excitement.
