The dog who was rescued from the streets now works at a gas station. Puppy Canine Matute has had a rocky past. He had a tendency of sleeping in the middle of the road and eating food from the street. The dog was found one day by a young person in Campinas, So Paulo, Brazil.
He had been hit by a car.
The incidences occurred in March 2022, and ever since then, the community has stood behind them, especially the gas station staff. Since then, he has kept his job as a gas station employee.
Matute’s recuperation has advanced quite well. His first outfit, the uniform from the service station, was given to him as part of an advertising campaign. Note that the dog appears to be happy on social media. The rescued dog has social media profiles. It makes natural that Matute would receive all of the information from the gas station staff.
Matute received the second chance that everyone of us deserves.
The employees there are grateful to and congratulate the young man who brought the puppy to them. Hooch most likely would have died on the sidewalk if he hadn’t been lifted by him.
With his second chance, Matute has become more than just a fixture at the gas station—he’s become a symbol of hope and kindness for the entire community.
Every day, customers come by not just to fill up their tanks, but also to greet Matute. Some bring him treats, others stop to pet him or take photos. Children especially love visiting him, and he’s known to wag his tail enthusiastically when they arrive. Matute has learned to recognize regulars and will often walk up to familiar faces, gently leaning against their legs as a silent thank you for their affection.
His daily routine is one of warmth and routine. Each morning, a staff member arrives early to prepare Matute’s breakfast—usually a mix of kibble and bits of meat. He eats happily by the entrance of the station, sometimes pausing to look around, as if appreciating his new life. After breakfast, he follows the staff around during their opening tasks, occasionally lying near the pumps where he can keep an eye on everything.
Though he was once a dog who slept on dangerous streets and scrounged for scraps, Matute now sleeps on a soft, cozy bed behind the counter, surrounded by the hum of voices and friendly banter. His bed has become a popular sight—decorated with a blanket in the gas station’s colors and often featuring a small pillow embroidered with his name.
What makes Matute’s presence even more heartwarming is his uniform. The custom-made vest he wears bears the gas station logo, and he proudly dons it every morning. It doesn’t just keep him warm during chilly days—it also makes him look like an official team member. Many customers have even said he’s their favorite employee.
The gas station has fully embraced his role. They’ve set up a small donation jar at the counter labeled “Matute’s Treat Fund,” and customers frequently drop coins or bills into it. The money goes toward his food, vet visits, and occasional grooming sessions. Once a month, a local groomer volunteers to give Matute a bath and trim, ensuring he remains healthy and comfortable.
On social media, Matute has become something of a local celebrity. His Instagram account, managed by the gas station staff, is filled with snapshots of his daily adventures. Whether he’s lounging in the sun, dressed up for holidays, or cuddling with employees, each photo tells a story of transformation and love. Followers often comment with heartfelt messages like “You’re a hero, Matute!” and “This dog has more love than most people!”
People from nearby towns have started stopping by just to meet him. There have even been visitors from other parts of Brazil who discovered him through viral posts and made a detour to say hello. His story has been shared on local news outlets and animal welfare pages, inspiring others to help stray animals in their own communities.
But perhaps the most touching part of Matute’s journey is the bond he has formed with the young man who rescued him. The boy, whose name remains private, visits regularly and is always greeted by an excited Matute, tail wagging and eyes full of recognition. Their connection is undeniable—a quiet reminder that one act of kindness can change a life forever.
Despite the visible scars he carries, Matute has become a beacon of resilience. He no longer cowers when people approach, no longer flinches at loud noises. He trusts. He plays. He loves. And in return, he is loved deeply by those around him.
Holidays at the gas station have taken on new meaning since Matute joined the team. During Christmas, he wears a red Santa cape and sits beside a small tree decorated with ornaments shaped like bones and paw prints. On his “work anniversary” in March, the employees throw a little celebration complete with dog-friendly cake and balloons. They even give him a certificate each year, proudly displayed on a wall behind the counter.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Matute has transformed the atmosphere at the gas station. What was once just a place for fuel has become a destination for joy. Regulars have said that visiting the station is now the best part of their day, not just because of the service, but because of the dog who overcame so much and still greets the world with a smile.
Matute’s journey is a powerful reminder that compassion can change the trajectory of a life. It teaches us that no creature is too broken to heal, that even the most forgotten souls deserve love, dignity, and a place to call home.
The team at the station continues to advocate for stray animals. They’ve begun collaborating with local shelters, using Matute’s story to raise awareness and support for adoption events. They’ve even hosted weekend campaigns where customers receive a discount if they donate pet food or supplies.
Through it all, Matute remains humble. He doesn’t know he’s a hero. He only knows that he is safe, warm, and loved—and that is more than enough.
As the sun sets each day, you can often find him lying comfortably in front of the station, watching cars pass by. Occasionally, someone will stop, roll down their window, and call his name. His ears perk up, and he walks over, tail wagging, happy to be acknowledged—not for his past, but for who he is now.
And that’s perhaps the greatest gift of all. Matute is no longer just a stray. He is no longer just a survivor. He is a beloved member of a community. He is living proof that even in a world that often seems indifferent, kindness still exists—and it can come from the most unexpected places.
In a small corner of Campinas, a once-forgotten dog has found his purpose, and in doing so, has touched more hearts than he’ll ever know.
