Third-year medical student Caroline Benzel noticed that her nurse friends were feeling the pressure of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. So she and her three-year-old Rottweiler named Loki thought of a way to support their friends who are working on the frontlines.
Benzel and Loki dress up in lab coats. With a nametag that says “Dogtor,” the pup delivers goodie bags to nurses at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. The bags or “hero healing kits” contain self-care items like moisturizers, lip balms, and even granola bars.
Benzel and Loki’s efforts went viral on social media. The duo is now using their fame to encourage others to create and distribute their version of healing kits. Amazingly, volunteers from several states including New Jersey, Minnesota, and California, raised almost $100,000 and used the money to deliver kits over the past months.
Benzel said that it is a positive experience during a difficult time. To date, she has raised $70,000 and given away 4,500 kits. The duo plans to continue delivering kits until the pandemic is over. Benzel said it is worth it even though sometimes she would go without sleep because she believes in the importance of showing support to healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, therapy dog Loki has also earned her fair share of the credit. She won the American Kennel Club’s Paw of Courage award and the Animal Medical Center of New York’s 2020 Top Dog Honoree. Benzel joked that the pup is taking her fame in stride. Loki enjoys taking long walks and nibbling on homemade treats when she is not working or visiting hospitals.
According to Benzel, many think that Rottweilers are scary. But Loki is proof that anyone can show kindness. Benzel added that people from all over the country have reached out to her about training their dogs to become therapy dogs. They, too, want to do what they can to help their communities.
Credit: Loki the Therapy Rottweiler via Facebook
