“Hi, my Negra. I’ll open up the shop for you right away.”
It’s 7:30 a.m. in Wilde, Argentina, and Naty, the owner of El Arca Veterinaria, is en route to her clinic. As she prepares her to-do list for the day, her plans come to an abrupt halt when she spots a familiar figure waiting on the sidewalk.
A black senior dog, affectionately named Negra by Naty, has learned her daily routine. She stops by every morning and insists on receiving her favorite treat before Naty can start her workday.
“Who’s here waiting for me at 7:30?” Naty asks Negra in an Instagram video. “Hi, my Negra! I’ll open the shop for you right away.”
After a few loving head scratches, Negra patiently awaits outside while Naty unlocks the clinic. As soon as the garage door begins to rise, Negra eagerly pushes her head and front paws through the opening, determined to squeeze inside.
As the first customer of the day, Negra enjoys full access to the store, sniffing around until she finds her beloved chew sticks. Despite her eager entrance, she demonstrates impeccable manners when it comes to asking for treats. She gestures toward her favorite selection, looks at Naty, and waits for the green light.
“Are you trying to steal treats? Or are you asking for permission?” Naty teases in an Instagram video. “Of course, you’re asking! Which one do you want? The stick? Go ahead, grab it!”
Negra skillfully retrieves her chosen chew stick and devours it within seconds, only to return for more, creating a delightful routine.
“Another stick? Does that seem like too much? I think I’ve already given you four…” Naty laughs. “Alright, just one more.”
Negra adores spending her mornings at Naty’s shop, especially when the owner’s treat-loving dog, Salvador, is around.
“They really demand their treats,” Naty shares in a video featuring both pups. “If we don’t comply, they’ll make it impossible for us to open the store.”
Though Negra shows up each day eager for snacks, she’s not in need; she lives with a loving family just a few doors down, who can’t keep her from visiting the clinic.
“I’m her owner,” Griselda Tiziano commented on Instagram. “We give her lots of love at home, but she loves to come to the vet. Her name is Luna.”
After enjoying four or five treats, Luna—also known as Negra—receives a final round of head scratches from Naty before heading back home for a well-deserved nap. It truly takes a village to care for Luna, and everyone is happy to be a part of her life.
“It’s clear that she’s well-loved and incredibly affectionate,” Naty replied to Tiziano’s comment. “Negra Luna is such a sweetheart. Thank you for taking such good care of her!”