As you know in this blog you can find news and issues that we think are important for animal lovers.

This time we thought we’d do a story that I found interesting about why we love our pets so much.

For me, my dogs are a continual manifestation of affection. Unconditional love and eternal complicity are present when I spend time with them, sharing with me in happy, sad or morose times, always happy to be beside me no matter what.

The following story is a tribute to all dogs and their loyalty for their masters.

It’s very touching, very similar to the story of Hachiko, this dog epitomises the concept to the extreme loyalty.

"Canelo" was the dog of a man who lived in Cadiz. A pet that followed his owner everywhere all the time. This man lived alone, so the good dog was his most loyal friend and only companion. The company and the mutual affection even made them look alike, even sharing similar gestures.

Every morning you could see them walking together through the quiet streets of the city, the good man walking with his dog. Once a week, one of these trips was to Puerta del Mar Hospital, as the man was undergoing kidney dialysis treatments.

Obviously, as an animal cannot enter a hospital, he always left Canelo waiting at the door of the hospital. The man had his dialysis, and together they headed home. This was a routine that had gone on for a long time.

One day the man suffered a complication in the middle of his treatment, the doctors could not overcome it and he died in hospital. Meanwhile "Canelo" as always, was waiting for his master lying near the door of the health center. But his owner never came.

The dog sat there, waiting. Neither hunger nor thirst drove him away from the door. Day after day, cold, rain, wind or heat, he was lying in front of the hospital waiting to accompany his friend home.

The locals became aware of the situation and felt the need to care for the animal. They took it in turns to bring food and water, even managed to save Canelo a couple of times when the dog pound tried to take him away.

Believe it or not, this went on for twelve years. That was the time that the noble animal waited outside the hospital for his master. Never got bored, never went in search of food, nor sought a new family. He knew his only friend had entered through that door, and that he should wait so they could return home together.

The wait lasted until December 9, 2002, when Canelo was killed by a car outside the hospital. A tragic ending, but an inspiring story for those who love animals, for whom perhaps naively believe that there is still something that awaits us in the afterlife.

Canelo's story was well known throughout the city of Cadiz. The town of Cadiz, in recognition of the love, devotion and loyalty of Canelo, named an alley after him and mounted a plaque in his honor.

To Canelo, who waited outside the hospital for twelve years… From the people of Cadiz as a tribute to his loyalty. May 2002.