When Ron Ackley learned that his best friend could not live with him in his new apartment in Dickinson, he made a choice many people probably wouldn't make.
But then, many may not understand the bond Ackley shares with his best friend, a chihuahua named Droopy that has been at his side for the past 14 years.
"He's really all I have out here," said Ackley, a Wisconsin native who's been working as a truck driver in western North Dakota for Power Fuels for the past two years. "I'm 650 miles from home and don't get a lot of visitors out here. I wasn't going to give Droopy up. It never crossed my mind."
Ackley was all set to move into a new housing complex in Dickinson for Power Fuels employees this fall, but his new housing arrangement was short-lived. It came to the property manager's attention that Ackley had a dog -- pets are not allowed in the apartments -- and a decision needed to be made.
"I'm not a good liar, so that wasn't going to work," Ackley said. "Rules are rules and I understand that. But I wasn't going to stay there without Droopy."
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That was a couple months ago. Ever since, Ackley has been staying in his pickup truck when not hauling oil or freshwater for Power Fuels. Ackley said he can't afford the rent for an apartment in Dickinson that would allow pets.
"From what I've found, I would have to pay about $1,800 per month and that would just be for a one bedroom," Ackley said. "There aren't many pet-friendly apartments available and the ones that are seem to be really pricey. It's not easy to find housing here."
Ackley said he showers at friends' apartments and has been managing just fine living out of his pickup. When he's at work, Ackley usually leaves Droopy in his truck, often with the engine running. He said other Power Fuels employees help him out by checking on his small companion periodically.
"I hope to find a place eventually," Ackley said. "I love working for Power Fuels. This is the best job I've ever had and I know there isn't anything back in Wisconsin. I work with some great people, we're busy right now and I'm making some decent money."
As Droopy woke up from a nap in Ackley's arms on Thursday, it was more than clear that neither had any interest in parting ways -- even if it meant Ackley had to give up the comforts of an affordable new apartment in exchange for a pickup.
"We've been together a long time," Ackley said. "The funny thing is, I'm allergic to dogs, but Droopy's never bothered me a bit. We make a good pair."
