Gerardo Ortiz’s restaurant Ajilalo in Péru has had a very special and unusual customer for the past five years. A dog without a home that was wandering the streets decided to stop at the restaurant’s door. He had a look on his face that said he was very hungry. Even though Gerardo could have been mean to the house dog, he didn’t. Instead, he gave the dog a free, delicious meal that was just right for him.
Since then, the man started a sweet tradition that is still going on today. The restaurant where Gerardo works is now giving the hungry dog a free meal. But it wasn’t long before the many stray dogs in the town heard about the man’s kindness and generosity.
As more dogs came, Gerardo of course made them a delicious meal to welcome them. Homeless dogs often come to Gerardo’s restaurant. Some of them are regulars, and others are just passing through. Of course, they all have the same thing in common: the kind man gives them delicious food that makes them all feel full.
Every time the man goes to work, he sees a new dog staring at him, waiting to see if the rumor that he can get a free meal is true. They are moved by what they do and sometimes bring food for the homeless dogs who hang out there. “Luckily, our students have done well when they’ve met dogs.” “They like them a lot.”
They don’t pay with money; they pay with happiness and wagging tails. They are very thankful, but we would rather give than receive. I’ve loved animals ever since I was a child. My mom was always willing to help other people and animals. “She is someone I look up to.”
