The American Trucker Dream!

Hello everyone!

My name is Viktor, and my dog’s name is Zoe.

For twelve and a half years we have been inseparable – through good times and bad! In 2013, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and I wanted to ease her suffering a little. That was the time when Zoe came into our lives! Sadly, my mother passed away in 2016, and Zoe stayed with me.

From 2023 to 2024, we traveled all over Europe together – in a 3.5-ton van, as I was working for a Slovak international transport company. We saw so many amazing places across Europe. It was the most beautiful time of my life! Unfortunately, I lost my job, and Zoe became sick. She had to undergo two surgeries – first on her eye, and later on her ear. I spent all my savings on her treatment, and I also lost my apartment. But at least I was there for Zoe.

For four months, we slept on the floor of an abandoned shop in Hungary, on a mattress I had found on the street. There was even a time when I didn’t eat for a whole week – but Zoe always had the best food, even back then.

With the help of others, I was finally able to move to Klagenfurt with Zoe in March 2025.

The apartment is only 12 m², and bathroom and toilet are shared, but it is better than nothing.

In April 2025, I started working for a solar panel installation company. I was happy about it, because I don’t speak German but I speak English well and all my colleagues there were Hungarian. I was hoping for long-term employment, but in August I was laid off, as there was no more work. By July, I had already managed to fully repay the person who had helped me back then.

But then came Zoe’s next illness – another ear surgery, right at the worst possible time. Still, I am grateful that I was at least able to pay for this operation.

All of these events have been extremely hard on me mentally. Without Zoe, I don’t know where I would be today.

Since I don’t speak German, it is not easy for me to find a job. But I will not give up! At the moment, I still have enough money for about one month. Because I have to stay at home with Zoe until her stitches are removed, I am once again trying to ask for help.

My biggest dream is to become a truck driver one day. Driving relaxes me a lot, and of course, I could take Zoe with me.

My ultimate goal is to work as a trucker in the USA – but I would also be happy to drive in Europe.

For that, I would need to save up €20,000. That would allow me to get my truck driver’s license in Hungary within 9 to 10 months. The license itself costs €5,000, plus rent and living expenses for those 9–10 months. Unfortunately, I cannot manage this while also working and taking care of Zoe.

My original plan was to work one year as a solar installer, then take out a loan and do the training for the license – but sadly, that didn’t work out.

Before you ask: No, we don’t have any relatives. And no, I don’t take drugs, I don’t drink, and I don’t smoke!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story!

A warm hug from Viktor and Zoe!