Life on the Road with Canine Companions
Illinois-based truck drivers Larry and Angie Baum are living their dream. With nearly 3 million miles of driving experience under their belts for Landstar, they’ve chosen to embrace a life on the road accompanied by their three dogs: Gizmo, Bandit, and Nova. The couple now travels full-time in their upgraded Volvo 180 super sleeper, complete with all the comforts allowing them to sell their house and fully adopt life on the highway.
“We used to be out for two or three months, then return home for a week,” Larry shared. “Now we have everything we need right in our truck.” Angie views this lifestyle as an exciting adventure, cherishing the chance to wake up in a new city each day and explore various landscapes.
A Journey of Transformation
The backstory of how Larry and Angie became a couple reveals a surprising twist of fate. After enduring a difficult period following the loss of his first wife, Larry found himself at a crossroads. “I was on unemployment and went to a class that asked what I liked to do. Driving was one of my answers,” he recalled. A suggestion led him to earn his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and kickstart a new career.
On the other hand, Angie was immersed in her office job and raising two daughters when she met Larry. Despite her initial reluctance to date a truck driver, their connection blossomed, resulting in marriage about a year later. Recognizing the challenges of long distance, she decided to also get her CDL, learning from Larry himself.
Adding to the Family
Initially, the couple welcomed Gizmo, a Shih Tzu-Pomeranian mix, into their lives three and a half years ago. Angie’s longing for a pet led to this decision, and they quickly grew attached. Following Gizmo, they adopted Bandit, another Shih-Pom, solidifying their companionship on the road.
Recently, Larry seized the opportunity to fulfill his dream of owning a Siberian Husky, leading to the addition of Nova to their family. Upon meeting her, they knew she was a perfect fit. “She melted into my arms when I first held her. It was an instant connection,” Larry said, expressing joy over their new furry family member.
Stress Relief on the Road
Despite the challenges of life as truck drivers, the presence of their three dogs has proven beneficial. Larry noted that the companionship helps alleviate the stresses that come with driving. “When I settle down to rest, the dogs cuddle with me, which is incredibly calming.” Angie echoed his sentiments, mentioning how Gizmo can sense her anxiety during challenging drives and actively comforts her, reinforcing the idea that pets can be significant stress relievers.
In summary, the Baums have embraced a unique and fulfilling lifestyle on the road, enriched by their canine companions. Through shared experiences and continuous love for driving, they navigate life both as a couple and a driving team, finding joy and solace in each other and their pets.
