A pup from the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina is known as the country’s version of the late Hachiko, who faithfully and patiently waited for his Japanese owner for eight months, hoping he could see him again.
The agonizing tale started when Negão’s owner, a homeless man, was rushed to Ruth Cardoso Hospital last November due to an infection, which led to his untimely demise. The dog reportedly chased the ambulance where his master was stretchered, and never sensed that he had passed away in the hospital, G1 Santa Catarina reported.
Whenever an ambulance rolls in the hospital, the pooch desperately peeps whether the casualty is his beloved owner or not.
Brazilian news site Zero Hora reported that two families tried to adopt the stray canine, but Negão escaped and returned to his spot in front of the hospital.
In the end, the hospital’s employees decided to nurture, vaccinate and shelter the dog. Hospital employee Giselle Bianchi said she treated Negão as “part of their family” and that her fellow employees take turns every week to bathe and feed the canine.
“He will stay here with us until he decides if he wants to leave or not. As long as he remains here, we will give all the care, warmth and love he needs,” she told the local news site. Gianna Francesca Catolico