Fargo, N.D. – After 30 years behind the wheel of a semi‑truck, Kim Schrader and her wife Brenda have swapped freight routes for furry passengers. Every morning this summer the retired couple drives a converted school bus, dubbed the “Pup Bus,” to pick up dogs from homes throughout Fargo and West Fargo and deliver them to the city’s dog park.
The venture, called K9 Outdoor Adventure, was created in memory of the Schrader’s own dogs, River and Abner. “We were thinking of getting another dog, and then we sat down and thought, ‘Well, let’s do something for all dogs,’” Kim said in an interview with WDAY‑TV. “So we put the bus together.”
How the service works
Clients schedule a morning pickup. The dogs run onto the bus, are secured in individual seats, and can lounge on the bench or stick their heads out the windows as the vehicle cruises the city. “You know, their first day they get a little bit shy,” Brenda noted, adding that the dogs quickly settle into the routine.
Kim, who spent decades driving long‑haul routes, finds the new job “way more fun.” Brenda, a former cleaning‑service owner, says the work is a labor of love. “You have jobs that you go to for all kinds of reasons,” she explained. “And this one, we just do it because we love it. That’s it.”
Community response
Since launching, the Pup Bus has served more than 50 dogs each week. Photographs of the canine passengers line the interior of the bus, showcasing the variety of breeds and personalities that benefit from the outings. “Dogs are one of the only things on this earth that give you unconditional love,” Kim said, emphasizing the emotional reward of the service.
The Schrader’s describe the business as a retirement gig that allows them to stay active, contribute to the community, and provide a safe, supervised environment for pets to socialize, explore nature, and stay fit. Their website states the service offers “carefully planned adventures that allow your dog to explore nature, socialize, and stay active under professional supervision.”
Local impact
Pet owners in the Fargo area have welcomed the service as a convenient option for busy families and seniors who may not have the time or ability to transport their dogs to the park. By handling transportation and supervision, the Pup Bus helps keep the dog park less crowded and ensures that each dog receives individual attention.
As the summer heat continues, the Schrader’s plan to keep the bus running daily, providing a reliable, family‑friendly resource for pet lovers throughout the region.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
