The ambulance slammed on its brakes in front of the Ruth Cardoso Hospital, in Santa Catarina, Brazil. A stray pup chased it down the street and watched as the paramedics carried a homeless man on a stretcher to the building.
The dog’s name is Negão. Unbeknownst to him, the man was suffering from a fatal illness and died soon after in the hospital.
Negão stood vigil all day, awaiting a reunion that would never happen. He was there the next day, and the next, until days turned into weeks and weeks became months. He has waited for eight months by the place where he had last seen his friend.
The ‘man’s best friend’ relationship has been ongoing for the past 10,000 years as proven through ancient artifacts, texts, and painting. Evidence proves that dog companionship fulfills human needs for friendship, affection, and unconditional love. Many dog owners report that their attachment to their pet is as deep as their relationship with family and friends.
For Negão, the feeling is mutual. He refuses to give up on his friend returning to him. Every time an ambulance arrives with a new patient, he perks up, thinking it is carrying the man it had once before.
The hospital staff has noticed the actions of the faithful pup. They provide Negão with food, water, and shelter from bad weather. Twice they found a kind family to adopt him, but both times he escaped. They found him by his perch, keeping watch on the hospital doors.
Knowing they cannot stop his vigil, they arranged veterinary check-ups for the dog and ensured he has regular walks to preserve his health.
“He will stay here with us until he decides if he wants to leave or not,” said a Ruth Cardoso Hospital staff member. “As long as he remains here, we will give all the care, warmth and love he needs.”
Negão may never learn that the homeless man is gone forever. Yet he still waits, his faith undiminished, even after being alone for eight months. His friend may be gone, but his loyalty lives on.
For more stories about the love between dogs and their owners, watch this short video: