Special Delivery

During the coronavirus pandemic, people around the world have been told to stay home as much as possible. Many have been depending on deliveries of groceries and other important supplies. And in one city in Colombia, a country in South America, buyers get a special surprise with their order: a wagging tail and slobbery kisses. That’s because the courier is a chocolate Labrador named Eros.

Eros’s owners run a small food market. They’ve trained the pup to transport groceries to their customers. Eros trots up and down the hilly streets, clutching a straw basket full of fruits and veggies in his mouth.

But the dog doesn’t convey the food for free. He expects to be paid in ear scratches and tasty treats.

Eros isn’t the only dog that has been helping humans during the pandemic. From delivering supplies to giving us a reason to get exercise during quarantine, dogs have been keeping us safe and healthy. Scientists have even been training dogs to sniff out the coronavirus in humans so that they can help stop it from spreading. But their most important role has been as friends to us. Dogs have been brought into hospitals to comfort health care workers treating Covid-19 patients. Therapy dogs have been cheering people up over video chat. And animal shelters across the U.S. have reported a rise in dog adoptions, as more and more people look for companions during quarantine.

What makes man’s best friend so good at supporting us during this challenging time? According to scientists, humans and dogs share a special bond. Studies show that just petting a dog can calm us down and ease our stress.

And perhaps that’s why Eros has been so popular as a food bearer. He brings his customers something they need even more than groceries: a little much-needed love during a lonely time.