“This sweet, furry boy delivers hope and joy!”
When the country was in quarantine, Karen Eveleth worried how her neighbor with health challenges would get her groceries…until she realized she had a four-legged helper who could save the day!
Gazing out the window of her home in Manitou Springs, Colorado, 63-year-old Karen Eveleth let out a deep sigh. With the country being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she and Renee Hellman, the neighbor she’d looked after for more than 10 years, agreed that Renee should self-quarantine for her own safety since she was in her 70s with heart problems and was also a diabetic on oxygen.
“I’ll just have my groceries and medications delivered,” Renee said with a sigh.
Karen knew that could work, but with more people likely using delivery services, there would probably be a lag time. Karen wanted Renee to have what she needed when she needed it.
Karen was more than happy to shop for her friend, but realized that with Renee’s medical conditions, she should avoid contact with people, including Karen. So how do I get necessities to her? Karen pondered.
Just then, her eyes fell on her 6-year-old golden retriever, Sunny. He loved to go fetch items and knew more than 30 commands. Even as a pup, he had a “helper” attitude, taking pride in carrying things in his mouth. If she dropped her shoes, he’d pick them up and bring them to her. If it was her purse she was reaching for, he’d retrieve that too. Bursting into a smile, Karen had a light-bulb moment.
“I’m sending Sunny to get your grocery list, so have it ready,” Karen explained when she called Renee.
“Sunny…your dog?” Renee answered, a bit perplexed. “Yes!” Karen replied Crossing her fingers, Karen led Sunny outside and pointed to her friend’s house, where Renee stood waiting. “Go,” she instructed and, as both women watched in amazement, Sunny bounded right to Renee, taking her grocery list in his mouth, then carrying it to Karen.
Beaming that he succeeded on the first try, Karen went to the store and came back with everything on Renee’s list— six bags of groceries that Sunny proudly delivered one by one to Renee, his tail wagging.
“That’s my boy,” Karen beamed once he got back, stroking his soft ears.
From that day on, Sunny continued to be Renee’s delivery pup two to three times a week, where he lapped up thank-you pets and enjoyed doggie treats from Renee as his reward. He even went on to help other neighbors in the area as well.
“I’m so proud of him,” Karen beams. “He is always so excited to serve others and does so with a wagging tail. I believe he knows he’s making a difference.”
Renee knows she has made a forever friend who has touched her heart in ways she will never forget. “Sunny’s deliveries are the bright spot of my day,” she smiles. “He delivers more than groceries. He gives me a feeling of well-being, joy and hope.”