The gas station in the Jardim Novo Campos ElΓseos neighborhood of Campinas is home to an unlikely star – Matuee, a former street dog. Adopted two years ago, Matuee has become a beloved fixture at the station, charming the waiters, neighbors, and customers alike. The gas station employees even got uniforms for him, showcasing their support for abandoned dogs and encouraging others to adopt from their location.
Matute, with his troubled past, used to scavenge for food on the streets and sleep recklessly in the middle of the road. His life took a turn when a compassionate individual in Campinas, SΓ£o Paulo, found him one day after being hit by a car. The incident occurred in March 2022, and the neighborhood has rallied around Matuee ever since, especially the gas station employees. In fact, he joined the gas station team and has been working there ever since, much to their delight. Manager Giovanni Fernandes, 24, recalls, “Matuee arrived at the gas station, and despite everyone feeling embarrassed and tired, the boys went to the convenience store and bought him a sausage. He didn’t leave and stayed with them all day.”
Matute has undergone remarkable rehabilitation since then and has even received a service station uniform, his first-ever outfit, as part of a promotional campaign. Not only does he have his own social media accounts, garnering significant attention, but the gas station employees have gone the extra mile to share all the heartwarming details of Matute’s journey. One employee shared, “Some people may feel a little scared when they see him because of the scars on his face. But don’t worry, despite not growing fur in those areas anymore, he feels no more pain.” These scars, remnants of his previous life on the streets, are visible on Matute’s Instagram page, where his story continues to touch hearts.
