MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING

            It all started when John Ashworth was 10 years old he said. Now in his early 20’s he has spent much of his early years rescuing abandoned and stray dogs—sometimes leaving him with bite marks. But for him that matters little. To him every dog is important and deserves a home. They are more than animals; they are his friends. He has crawled under houses trying to coax a frightened pooch to safety, chased frightened dogs across fields and gone into areas where he was exposed to physical danger. Confronting a scared pup can result in more than a bite or two.


            After years of rescue work Ashworth now devotes his time in another facet of saving these homeless strays. Once captured and cleaned up and checked for diseases he now travels across several states delivering these fortunate pups to new forever homes.

 

Kathleen Macmillan holding her new pup Jake. At left is John Ashworth.

            In California where Ashworth lives he estimates that most of the canines captured are destroyed within days. The exact number is a mystery. But this is what motivated him to dedicate his time and energy in an effort to save and place as many of these mongrels as possible. As a consequence he now works for several rescue centers transporting all sizes and breeds of dogs to new homes where loving pet parents open their hearts and homes.

            Sitting at a roadside restaurant where he had just dropped off a pup to a new grateful owner, he reflected on how he got started in the delivery end of the business. “I first started delivering dogs with my mom’s pickup. Then I met Kevan Boston who operates a delivery service and went to work for her.” For the first two years Ashcroft was busy delivering dogs across the lower part of California. But now he covers all Of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Nevada. Once he traveled all the way to Texas. As far as transporting being considered a business, “…it is and it isn’t. Kevan will deliver dogs to new homes for free if need be,” he clarified with a nod of satisfaction.

            But there are stipulations Ashworth jealously follows. “I only transfer dogs from proven, ethical sources and before the animal is delivered it has to be inspected by a vet for any problems,” he explained. And it’s a good thing. On one trip his van was stopped by the Douglas Sheriff’s Office at Roseburg, Oregon, and he had to unload some crates for inspection. Fortunately all the paperwork was in order and the dogs were deemed in good health and he was allowed to continue on his trip.

            “We have to comply with state laws regarding the dogs’ health. Before we deliver them they are checked for heart worm or other illnesses by a vet before we ever leave on a trip.” When the pup is delivered the pet owner is furnished with paperwork documenting all the shots given including certification for rabies for transporting across the United States into Canada, and signed by a licensed veterinarian who did the work. In addition, he said, all dogs are neutered.

            And there are dogs and there are dogs! Ashworth has seen them all. It is rare that a pure bred is caught running loose he said. Most of his “clients” are pure bred “mutts.”

            Thousands of dollars are spent by people interested in the dog show sport. Here breeds are guardly protected and champions can demand high fees. But on the other end are the “mutts.” These are the ones that capture Ashworth’s heart.

“I don’t know why people are willing on spending $1,000, $2,000 or more for a pure bred when they have no interest in showing them. You can get a non-pedigreed dog for anywhere from $100 up. What is the difference between the two? Dogs bred for a particular breed and trained for competition is one thing,” he stressed. But for the average person who isn’t in the dog show sport there is nothing to offer other than the ability to brag that they own a ‘pure bred whereas a “pure bred mutt” offers a special relationship of love, loyalty and companionship. It may only be his opinion but it makes a lot of common sense.

            Now and then Ashworth will take part in a dog rescue but now his primary time is spent driving all across the western half of the United States. His van now has over 320,000 miles and weekly trips add to the mileage at an exhausting rate. With this type of driving his 1995 Ford van has proven a problem with more frequent breakdowns. And these expenses can take a large “bite” out of operation costs he noted. “We charge by the crate and transport as many as 30 dogs or more at a time. If I have any problems the money comes out of the fees. Awhile back I had a water pump go out and after getting it fixed I was really running short.” And that is where cutting back on travel expenses comes in. Staying in motels or eating at restaurants is usually a non-existent luxury.

            Starting out at San Diego, California, Ashworth heads north. His route stops at many smaller communities where the new pet owners anxiously await their new family member. Time is a factor and the further north he travels the more care and concern he has for his charges. “We try to deliver the dogs as clean as possible,” he explained so frequent stops are necessary. There is the need for the animals to be able to relieve themselves and not mess up their cages. Exercise for the animals is difficult since the trip from San Diego to the Canadian border can take up to four days. Weather can also be a factor. In the summer time the trip is usually pleasant he related. But winter time can be something else.

            “When I’m on the road I sleep in the van with the dogs. When the cold weather hits its usually not too bad since the dogs generate a lot of body heat,” he said with a chuckle. But one thing for sure—the accommodations are not the Hilton. Another factor in transporting is the need for rest and eating. Rest consists of brief breaks sleeping in the van and the food isn’t found included on a gourmet menu. “I eat a lot of fast food stuff but now and then after I deliver a pup the new owner will buy me breakfast or lunch.” When this happens it is greatly appreciated. But the real joy for Ashworth is to see the expression of the new owners’ face when they first see their new pup.

            As far as the actual delivery is concerned all arrangements are made in advance. Now and then there is a missed communication and that is where his cell phone comes into play. He said everyone his number and he also has theirs. Fortunately, he said, it’s very rare that the connection is missed.

            But if anyone thinks delivering dogs as a career they should first be motivated by love. Tabulating time, which can run to 80 hours a week, it may not seem worth it. Ashworth figures he is making anywhere from $2 to $4 an hour! Once the trip is over and he is back in San Diego, his first goal is a hot shower, a good meal and a soft bed. He can be satisfied that he has endeared himself to several happy pet parents and his pups have a new forever home.

            Sometimes money isn’t everything.