Abandoned Dog Finds New Home After Family Moves Out in Araraquara, SP

A mixed-breed dog, left behind in front of a house in Araraquara, São Paulo, after its former residents moved out, has found a new home. The dog, which remained on the property for four days in the Iguatemi neighborhood, was adopted by the new resident, Samile Gabriele da Silva Alves, an auxiliary cleaner. Ms. Alves, who moved into the house with her three children on Saturday, May 27th, officially adopted the dog on Tuesday, May 30th, renaming him Negão. Neighbors informed Ms. Alves that the dog had lived with the previous tenants. The former resident, who wished to remain anonymous and works as a manicurist, stated the dog belonged to a friend who was arrested approximately 25 days prior. She explained she had been providing the dog with water and food, and allowed it to sleep in her yard during inclement weather, but considered it a street dog. She claimed she could not keep the animal due to moving into an apartment and having two children, and was unable to find anyone else to take him. The Araraquara City Hall, through its Sub-Secretariat for Animal Welfare, emphasized that animal abandonment is a crime under Brazilian law. The case will be forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office for investigation. The animal welfare department confirmed the dog was healthy and, after contacting the new owner, scheduled its neutering for Thursday, June 2nd. Despite initial fear, Negão is reportedly adapting well to his new family.