In the bustling halls of an edifice known for housing the intellectual minds of our age, the University of Maryland Baltimore, an event unlike any other, unfolded. Bathed in the soft glow of academic accomplishment, a special breed of scholars assembled, bound not by the pursuit of knowledge alone but by the undying camaraderie with their four-legged companions. Among this remarkable group is a video that captures one remarkable figure who has eclipsed the norm, a radiant, tail-wagging Rottweiler named Loki.
The University extended an unprecedented honor to these noble service and therapy dogs in a ceremony that pulsated with pomp and splendor. Not your typical graduands, their parchment bore a unique inscription. “Dogrees” is the accolade bestowed on canines whose service is exemplary and life-changing. The star among them was the resolute Loki, a five-year-old Rottweiler. Now addressed as a “Dogtor,” she stood tall with a canine grin, a testament to her incredible journey.
Under the nurturing gaze of her handler, Dr. Caroline Benzel, Loki received her honorary ‘Dogtorate’ of Medicine. Dr. Benzel’s partnership with Loki began serendipitously during the same week she received her medical school acceptance. Their bond matured as Benzel prepared Loki not just for service-dog level training but to serve as a comfort in the labyrinthine halls of a hospital, offering solace to those battling ailments.
Loki’s nurturing instincts resonated with every patient she met, the soft patter of her paws against the cold hospital tiles often heralding a wave of much-needed tranquility. Her calm demeanor, an antidote to the tumult of the trauma centers, had a transformative effect on the hospital environment. The distinctive hum of medical machinery never phased her, establishing Loki as a calm presence amid the chaos of hospital life.
When the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic battered our shores, this dynamic duo intensified their efforts. The noble Loki accompanied Benzel as they delivered “Hero Healing Kits” to frontline warriors, carrying comfort and support in the guise of lotions, lip balms, and rejuvenating coffee and tea. Dr. Bruce Jarrell, the esteemed president of the University of Maryland Baltimore, hailed their extraordinary efforts, a testament that spurred the University to enhance its therapy dog program.
Other furry scholars of distinction were “Dogtor” Kylo Red and “Dogtor” Kiera. These exemplary service dogs aided their handlers in their respective quests at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and Maryland Carey Law, adding further laurels to this unique assembly.
As Loki steps into the next chapter of her life, she continues her soothing work alongside Benzel, who will be commencing her residency at West Virginia University. The radiant “Dogtor Loki” will also inspire a children’s book, spreading her uplifting tale far and wide.
Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring journey of “Dogtor Loki” by watching the video that brings her inspiring story to life. It’s a testament to our four-legged friends’ boundless affection and incredible resilience.
So share and pin this video because it reminds us of the healing power of compassion in these testing times. Loki’s story is a beacon of hope that helps us remember the strength in our unity and the heart-warming potential for companionship beyond the human realm.
Share this because you can make someone’s day.
