If you saw the dark blue Hummer rolling down the highway, with its stars and stripes blazing alongside and its U.S. Marine stickers adorning the windows, your first guess probably wouldn’t be that the driver had his pockets stuffed with puppy snacks and kitten treats. "You know, for the rest stops," Tom Fuller explains. You see, on long drives, Tom likes to make friends with all the dogs and cats he encounters along the way. And if you couldn’t have guessed the contents of his pockets, it’s a safe bet you wouldn’t have a clue as to what he’s carting around in that vehicle of his: animal stuff!
Once a year, Tom rolls into the sanctuary like an off-season Santa Claus traveling in high style. His sleigh may not soar over the rooftops, but it’s always packed every bit as full as the reindeer-pulled variety. And all of it is for the animals at Best Friends. We’re talking blankets, carriers, toys, medicines, goodies, towels, anything and everything he can gather together for the annual outing. Each year he brings thousands of dollars worth of gifts, all donated by the people around him.
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It’s funny how the whole process began. About six years ago, Tom mentioned to some people he knew that he was coming out to visit Best Friends. "You are? Here, can you take this with you?!" Tom doesn’t remember what exactly he brought that first time around, but he says the tidal wave has never stopped since. Once word got out he was coming to Best Friends, people came from all over the community to help. They wanted to provide anything they could for the animals. And, year after year, they still do.
Encouraged by all the support from friends and neighbors, Tom began visiting vet clinics and other hospitals. Sometimes he’d bring the Best Friends wish list along and let people take a look to see if they could match any of the items. Time and again, he couldn’t believe how many people pitched in, which is how that Hummer of his gets packed to the gills every time. Whether it’s puppy vaccination kits from vets, or a dog igloo from the community (signed with the names of pets from the folks who helped out), Tom hauls it all clear across the country.
Tom’s biggest advice to anybody looking to visit the sanctuary, or any other rescue, is to do the same thing. "Talk to your friends," Tom urges. "Talk to your vets. It’s so easy." You’ll be surprised, he insists, how many are willing to help if you just mention what you’re doing.
The drop-offs at the sanctuary turn out to be only the beginning, really. Most of the people he contacts end up doing a little research about Best Friends afterward. One clinic, the Dundee Animal Hospital, was so impressed that they want to provide regular donations throughout the year. What a great group! And it’s all because Tom stopped in to chat.
There’s one odd little aftermath Tom didn’t plan on, however. Once word got out about all he does for the animals, he started getting, um, marriage proposals. … Hey, a former marine, a guy who loves animals, he’s the real deal! But in an effort to help stem the tide of solicitations and give the poor guy a break, here’s a tiny detail to put things in perspective. It’s not all puppy treats and Hummers, you know. No, in fact, his second vehicle at home is much smaller. It’s a vehicle Tom picked especially for his dogs to use on trips to the grooming parlor. He wanted them to be able to jump up into the seats more easily — which makes it "the dog car." It’s a BMW convertible. … (You know, Tom, on second thought, maybe it’s better if you never do get an e-mail address. Otherwise we might just be forced to sell it off at auction!)
Thanks again, Tom, and thanks as well to all who have helped make these trips such a success.
Story by David Dickson
Photos by Molly Wald
Want to play Santa Claus yourself for the sanctuary animals? Check out the Best Friends wish lists to see how you can help.
