Moving People & Making a Difference in DFW

Each and every day, driver-partners hit the road and help the DFW community move around the metroplex like magic. Today, we’re celebrating a local driver-partner for what she does both on and off the road.

Michelle T. is a nurturer at heart, always caring for those around her, especially when it comes to pets. Not only does she make furry friends part of her family, she also has played an active role with The Humane Society and various efforts to help bring the reality of animal cruelty to light. Making sure animals are being cared for day-in and day-out is a true passion of hers, even if the animals aren’t her own. 

Last week, Michelle displayed enormous compassion and generosity when she rescued a dog that had wandered into traffic. After an early morning trip to DFW airport, Michelle spotted a dog attempting to cross the Stemmons Freeway Access Road. Despite her valiant effort, Michelle wasn’t able to reach the courageous canine before it was caught in the middle of oncoming traffic, too injured to move.

Michelle watched as many drivers chose to pass and swerve around the wounded “pup” (how she fondly refers to every dog). After scooping up the dog, she used her social network to share the story of this misplaced and now injured pup. Sharing the story allowed her to connect with a local friend, a pet detective, who recommended taking the dog to a vet at the nearby Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption. By the end of that evening, and through a series of fortunate events, the dog was able to receive medical attention at no cost, and Michelle saw her adventurous day reach a happy ending.

Michelle started driving with Uber when her previous employer wasn’t able to provide the flexibility she needed to care for her dog with cancer. She says that Uber allowed her to spend quality time with her ailing pup, especially during the last days before the pup’s passing – that meant the world to Michelle. In the days that followed, Michelle turned to driving as a way to get her mind off things and found that having the opportunity to engage with riders helped to brighten her spirits. Michelle admits that not every day was easy, but driving with Uber gave her the flexibility to stay home if she needed a day all to herself.

Michelle continues to drive with Uber because she really enjoys meeting new people and exchanging stories. Her favorite part is that she can give back to the community by simply listening and sharing her own experiences with riders, who often ask for her advice. She jokes that she feels like a “therapist on wheels,” but she is grateful to have the opportunity to connect with so many people and to drive in a city where everyone is so friendly. Thank you for helping riders get around DFW safely, Michelle!