Winy, the shopkeeper Juan Antonio Enriquez manages a modest business in Nuevo León, Mexico. Enriquez has built up a consistent following of devoted clients among the residents of the surrounding area.
But there is one client in particular who sticks with the company more than any of the others.
Approximately one year ago, when Enriquez was getting ready to shut up shop for the evening, a solitary person approached at the door in an embarrassed manner. Enriquez was surprised to see a stray dog at his door, and the creature’s eyes were filled with begging.
According to what Enriquez told The Dodo, “He arrived by himself and was extremely malnourished.” Even though I offered him food, he was highly suspicious of me.
After tearing down that supper in record time, the dog retreated into the darkness after doing its business. However, it would not be the last time he would come.
In the days and weeks that followed, the famished stray dog would often show up at the front door of Enriquez’s business for no apparent reason. Enriquez always made sure to greet him with a food, which helped him gradually gain the dog’s confidence.
Enriquez recalled, “Slowly but surely, he became comfortable with me touching him.” It took me more than a month before he would let me touch him after I asked him to do so.
He decided to call the pet Carlos.
Over time, Carlos developed a pattern of making more regular trips to Enriquez’s business in order to purchase food. It’s become routine at this point.
“He comes every day,” Enriquez added. “Both in the morning, when I first open up shop, and also later on in the day.”
Enriquez knows that giving Carlos all of that food for free comes with a cost, but the satisfaction he gets from watching Carlos respond positively to his generosity more than makes up for it:
Enriquez isn’t completely sure where Carlos goes or what he does in between those trips; but, he is pleased to perform his part in keeping Carlos happy and full so that he may wag his tail. In addition to that, he want to locate a permanent residence for Carlos, but in the meantime, he is content to provide for all of his requirements.
Enriquez is quoted as saying, “[Dogs like Carlos] are living beings who are so frequently ignored.” “[However], when we show them kindness, they are so appreciative.”