The COVID-19 pandemic has spread all around the world, and as the weeks have gone by, we’ve all begun to see just how serious this outbreak really is.
Governments across the globe have been forced to take action, enforcing quarantines and recommending that people, especially those who are in the ‘high risk’ categories and most vulnerable to the virus, stay indoors as much as possible.
71-year-old Renee Hellman of Manitou Springs, Colorado is one of those people.
Due to her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Renee relies on oxygen to breathe and needs to stay inside for her own protection, but, like so many vulnerable people out there, she also needs to get food and other supplies into her home somehow.
That’s when one friendly neighborhood dog stepped up to offer his assistance!
The dog in question is named Sundance, also known as Sunny to her friends and family. Sunny is a Golden Retriever, owned by Renee’s next door neighbor, Karen Eveleth.
Karen and Renee have lived side by side for 10 years and Karen knew she had to do something to help her old friend out during this difficult moment.
However, she also knew that simply walking up and knocking on Renee’s door to deliver groceries was out of the question, as she would be putting the old lady at risk if she got too close.
That’s where Sunny comes in, running his very own doggy delivery service to give Renee everything she needs without putting her at risk.
Karen taught Sunny to actually run over to Renee’s door, collect her grocery list, and bring it back to Karen. Then, Karen can go and do the shopping for her neighbor, and Sunny delivers it all right to her door, without any need for direct physical contact between the two women.
It’s such a clever way to help a neighbor, and Renee says that seeing Sunny each week brings some light into her days as well.
What a wonderful thing… It’s been fun, it’s been a real treat… Little things like Sunny coming over to visit is nice and it makes you feel good, and it’s a way of communicating.
Sunny has been making these trips back and forth between the two homes since the COVID-19 outbreak began and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
He’s even able to hand-deliver the mail by collecting it right from the mailbox and taking it to the front door too. And, when Karen sometimes makes meals for Renee, Sunny brings back the empty bowls. What a dog!
Karen is hoping that this story might inspire others to take action and help those in need in their local areas or neighborhoods.
Anybody can do something so small that could be so helpful.
She’s absolutely right about that! We’re all at risk from COVID-19, but it’s clear to see that some people, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, need a little extra care and protection during this difficult time and don’t always have family members to help out. Check out the video below to learn more and think about what you can do for your neighbors in need.
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