After propping the door open to their clinic on a nice day, the veterinary staff was surprised when a stray dog slowly edged inside alone. However, once they recognized the animal’s odd behavior, they knew he was trying to tell them something.
As loyal as they are, canines are also incredibly intelligent and empathic creatures that seem to connect with human beings on another level. Inexplicably, this bond often spans the language gap between species, allowing man’s best friend to rudimentarily communicate when there’s a problem.
When a stray dog crept into a veterinary clinic in Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil, the staff assumed that the animal had accidentally wandered inside because they had left their door open. What they soon realized, however, was that the pooch couldn’t have chosen a more perfect location to plead for help.
The surveillance camera captured the street dog approaching the open door and stopping just at the threshold to observe his surroundings. After summoning up the courage to enter, the pup cautiously edged into the lobby and silently sat down. He then rested his head against the wall, clearly exhausted and in distress.
Unsure of what to make of the situation, the staff froze, watching to see what the dog would do. Having noticed that the animal was limping upon arrival, the employees wanted to be careful not to spook the dog, which could make him hostile.
Concerned for the pup, owner and head veterinarian Dayse Ferreira approached the animal and bent down to assess his condition. The camera captured the dog’s docile response as he gently wagged his tail and laid back his ears. She then realized just why the animal had hobbled into her clinic — the dog was suffering from an injured paw and had somehow sensed that the clinic was his only hope.
“When he came in, he put the injured paw forward, as if to say hello and to show that he was hurting,” Ferreira told The Dodo. “We were surprised because he knew where to ask for help.”
Almost as if he knew where to go, the dog led the way to the back of the clinic so they could treat him. Ferreira quickly discovered a small tumor on his paw caused by an ingrown toenail, which she gently removed. She then bathed the pup, treated him for a flea and tick infestation, and administered some antibiotics.
“Happiness in the eyes of those who know they are being well taken care of,” Ferreira wrote. “He showed me a paw with an ingrown toenail in the cushion, causing a lot of pain which, after being cut and medicated, doesn’t feel pain anymore.”
Ferreira couldn’t believe how quickly the dog recovered and just how trusting he was of her and her staff members. Because of his sweet demeanor, she named the dog “Quindim” after the traditional Brazilian dessert.
“He doesn’t even look sick. He just is so excited to be around people who care about him,” Ferreira said. “The most admirable thing is that he came on his own. His intelligence is beautiful. I’m sure he will find a home that will welcome him and receive him with all the love he deserves.”
Ferreira was right. Immediately after sharing Quindim’s story, adoption offers began pouring in. The formerly homeless dog was soon living with a loving family, and he was happier than ever.
Luckily, Quindim came to just the right place to ask for help for his injury. Ferreira and her clinic have a genuine love for animals and wouldn’t turn one away, even if it means they have to foot the bill.
Thanks to Ferreira’s compassion, Quindim was quickly off the streets, healthy, and in a loving home where he belongs. Hopefully, his story inspires others to adopt unwanted animals that are patiently waiting to share their lives with anyone who will open their heart and their home to them.
