The Hog and Dog Whisperer and a Pro Rodeo

October 10, 2013 by gin 5 Comments

My time in South Carolina this summer included a stint as a food service worker in my brother and sister-in-law’s new project: a food truck called The Hog and Dog Whisperer.  The featured fare in this wagon is Southern-style BBQ and dressed-up hot dogs, all of which have cute dog names:  The Swamp Dog, The Jack Russell and The Pit Bull.  This is the signboard I lettered for use at the rodeo, where we were (drum roll, please) a BIG hit!  No surprise to me, as my brother is a smokin’ cook.  The rest of us (his wife, my sister and I) just took orders, dished up food and delivered it with a smile as fast as we could!  Rodeo thirstiness was quenched by many gallons of lemonade and sweet tea, which was my main task in the truck each evening.

Preparations throughout the week included cleaning the truck and trailer and getting new decals affixed.  My brother drove the truck and trailer about thirty miles to get the decals put on and by a strange twist, my sister and I had to drive the rig back home.  It was a pretty hairy ride (my sis drove as I co-piloted) and as we pulled into the driveway (which was a one-shot-at-it-or-get-the-truck-stuck deal), my sister turned to me and said, with wide eyes, “I guess now would be the time to tell you that I’ve never pulled a trailer before, huh?”  Better she than me, was all I could think!

Laurie washing the weenie wagon

Laurie driving the truck!

Safely home with new decals!

Sandy and Wesley Quarles, owners of the ranch and rodeo sponsors, warmly welcomed us to the Eighth Annual Sandy Oaks Pro Rodeo.  Many of the top names in rodeo were present for the weekend, where world-famous cowboys competed for prize money and points.  Sandy provided such wonderful support throughout the event and was so encouraging, sending folks our way to eat.  Here is an article from a local paper advertising the event, and here is the Hog and Dog Whisperer–along with its proud owners–all set up and ready to rock the rodeo!