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Living March 30, 2020

Dog delivers groceries to neighbor in need during coronavirus quarantine

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At a time of national crisis, heroes come in all shapes and sizes—furry friends included.

Sundance, Karen Evelth’s dog, is helping neighbor Renee Hellman stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic by dropping off groceries at the door of her home in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Hellmen is over 65 and suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which puts her at particularly high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So Evelth thought of a clever way to help her friend stay safe at home.

“I told her, ‘I don't want you going anywhere,'” said Evelth. “When I get groceries, I'll get yours too.”

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PHOTO: Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.
KRDO
Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Each day, Evelth sends her 7-year-old golden retriever, nicknamed Sunny, to pick up Hellmen’s grocery list. Sunny returns a few hours later with bags full of flour, chickens and eggs -- all secured by Sunny’s mouth as he trots across the yard.

PHOTO: Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.
KRDO
Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.

“She is so happy and grateful to see him every day at her porch,” said Evelth. “Smiling ear to ear every time.”

Evelth explained it took just one day to train Sunny to execute the routine, although he’s been learning to pick things up around her home for years.

PHOTO: Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.
KRDO
Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.
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“I have some back and feet issues so he’s learned to pick up my purse and shoes and bring them to me,” said Evelth. “He’s a humble hero, I’m so proud of him.”

PHOTO: Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.
Courtesy Karen Evelth
Karen Evelth's dog Sundance delivers groceries to neighbor Renee Hellman nearly everyday during the coronavirus pandemic.

Evelth added her dog has been doing the grocery runs for weeks and will continue to do so until Hellmen feels it’s safe again to venture out herself.