There aren’t many things that can beat an impromptu meeting with a friendly, tail-wagging dog. The delivery drivers from UPS know this joy all too well. Since 2013, they’ve been sharing delightful encounters with dogs they meet on their routes through the Facebook group ‘UPS Dogs’. The page has grown to nearly 2 million followers, along with 640k followers on its Instagram counterpart.
Here at Bored Panda, we’ve featured this group many times, so we decided to round up the best posts. Check them out below and don’t forget to upvote your favorites!
The page was created by Sean ‘Dawgzilla’ McCarren, who’s been dedicatedly working at UPS for an impressive 24 years. “When you’re running into dogs all the time, it creates a bond when you see them every day,” he told HuffPost. “It’s cool to meet some of the same dogs on the route because they know who you are and they are excited to see you.”
At first, Sean posted by himself, but as the community expanded, more drivers began sharing their stories. Some dogs on the page even dress up in matching UPS uniforms.
Apart from dogs, the group occasionally features all sorts of animals: alpacas, sheep, deer, cats, geese, you name it! The company is aware of Sean’s initiative, and a spokesperson noted in conversation with Buzzfeed, “It’s a good example of the relationships our employees build with their customers, two- or four-legged!”
The adorable pups that show up on ‘UPS Dogs’ embody the heartwarming aspect of being a delivery person. As we scroll through their feed, it’s a gentle reminder for both drivers and pet owners to approach each other with care and kindness. However, not all interactions between dogs and drivers go smoothly.
With 65 million American households owning dogs, it’s no surprise that dangerous situations sometimes occur. According to the US Postal Service, there were nearly 6,000 cases of dog attacks on their employees last year. The overall number is likely higher if you take into account numerous delivery services like UPS, Amazon, and FedEx.
To spread awareness and educate dog owners on how they can help, USPS launched a ‘Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you’ initiative. This campaign encourages owners to take control of their pets to prevent any potential injuries.
Various sources offer useful tips for delivery drivers on staying safe around unfamiliar dogs, which can benefit everyone in their daily lives. First, when you’re near a dog, make sure to announce your presence so you don’t startle it. For instance, greet it with a friendly hello and gauge its reaction.
One of the other things you should do is keep a sufficient distance. Dogs are territorial, and maintaining space helps them feel secure. Avoid petting them without permission or the owner present, as this can trigger a negative reaction.
According to DW Dog Training, there are multiple reasons why dogs can act out. Most commonly, it’s because they’re trying to protect themselves or they’re afraid. Sometimes, they have trouble containing their excitement, so they redirect it in the form of aggression towards someone.
Watch out for signs that indicate whether a dog is being aggressive. DW Dog Training highlights that while growling, barking, biting, and lunging are well-known, there are also more subtle forms of communication. These include lip licking, yawning (if the dog is not tired), freezing in place, and avoiding eye contact.
However, once you’ve confirmed that the dog is friendly, this four-legged companion can make life much more fulfilling. For example, a recent Korean study found that playing with dogs promotes relaxation, emotional stability, concentration, and creativity.
So, approach dogs with care and enjoy their presence as much as you can. Just remember that they’re animals and need to be treated with caution and respect.
Sources: Bored Panda
