“Puppies are people too” Amey’s driver says

Amey’s Taxi driver George Kelliher went well out of his normal neighbourhood to pick up yellow Lab Biscuit and this reporter in Kingston on May 19th.

“Normally I work in the east end,” Kelliher explained after a pick-up at Kingston Toyota, where the shuttle driver on duty that day was severely allergic to dogs. “But this request came in, and I understand that some drivers do not want to pick up dogs – they are afraid of them, dogs as pets are not a part of their culture. I’m happy to come to the west end to do a call with a dog.

“Puppies are people, too,” he laughs.

Kelliher has been driving Taxi for 38 years and thinks he will probably make it to his 40th anniversary.

“I tried to retire a couple years ago, but it was boring. All of my friends were still working….so here I am, back on the road.”

Kelliher is a dog owner himself: his beloved dog Brandy is a giant part of his life.

“Pets are so important, to families and to customers. I try to help wherever I can.

“I’ve given up picking up gorillas, though,” he laughs again.