CREDIT RIVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. — There are things in the universe that in most cases, just should not go together.
Take oil and water... bleach and ammonia... snow and sunshine... or onions and eyes, to name a few.
Historically, dogs and delivery people are squarely in that category. Ask any mailperson what the bane of their existence is, and chances are the cockapoo at the end of the block who thinks he's Cujo is near the top of the list.
Three pups in Credit River Township - just outside of Lakeville - are the rare exception. They are totally down with the guy in brown, John the UPS guy, who regularly visits the home of owner Rindy Utz and is greeted like Santa on Christmas morning.
It's a time-honored routine - rescue dogs Daggett Lake, Gypsy and Oluch run out to John's truck, escort it up the driveway and then climb up to greet him. In turn, John pets them and doles out a dog treat or two, ensuring there will be no growling, barking or biting on his watch.
Funny thing is, Rindy knew nothing about this until Tuesday when she was outside her house, shooting video of the kids playing in the rain when John rolled up to drop off a package. The dogs ran over and scaled the stairs of his box truck, wagging their tails and jumping on their favorite UPS guy. She was appalled, telling them to get down until John calmly explained that this is a regular occurrence and that he really gets a kick out of it.
It's a good thing Rindy was rolling and was able to document the delivery routine, as it's the last time it will happen. John told Rindy it was his final day on the job as he is hanging up the brown uniform and retiring.
"Our entire neighborhood will miss him dearly... he was beloved!" Utz told KARE 11. "My three dogs will miss him the most though. I hope he knows how cherished he is, and how these 'little treats' truly bring so much JOY!!"