If you're a trucker, you may have seen Russ Sheldon and his companion Hoouch on the highways.

Sheldon, of Battle Creek, Mich., crosses the country on a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. What's so unusual about this is that Hoouch, an 11-year-old golden retriever/yellow Labrador, perches perfectly balanced on the motorcycle's fuel tank, peering over the windshield. The pair rack up between 15,000 and 20,000 miles a year.

I caught up with Sheldon and Hoouch at the Porter TA in Porter, Ind. Sheldon told me about the first time Hoouch rode his bike: "Whenever I went somewhere in my pickup Hoouch would wait until I gave him the go-ahead and he would jump into the truck's bed. But when I'd take the bike, he'd sit sad and forlorn when I rode away. One day, he decided to do something about that. On his own, he jumped up onto the fuel tank and sat there waiting for me to go. I got a piece of sheepskin from the house so he would have some traction and wouldn't burn his paws, belly or butt on the hot tank. I drove a few times up and down the driveway to see how Hoouch would stay on. He has perfect balance and rides like he was born to it," Sheldon said.

When Sheldon drove around the truckstop and out in traffic so I could take pictures, I saw for myself how well Hoouch had mastered motorcycle riding. Now, Sheldon can take Hoouch anywhere, anytime. Rain or shine, Hoouch can wrap himself around the fuel tank or sit up peeking over or around the Honda's windshield.

If you see Sheldon and Hoouch on the road, give them a wave or a thumbs-up. Hoouch is very friendly, as long as you don't touch Sheldon's bike. Maybe he's afraid you'll take his seat.