Sweet dog refuses to leave the hospital where his owner died

This dog was truly one man's best friend.

Since his owner passed away eight months ago at Ruth Cardoso Hospital in Santa Catarina, Brazil, sweet pup, Negão, has faithfully remained outside the building, waiting for him to return.

As the G1 Santa Catarina reported, late last year, Negão's owner -- a homeless man -- was taken to the hospital after developing an infection, which later proved to be fatal. It was reported that Negão raced alongside the ambulance, watched his owner get taken in to the hospital and remained outside waiting for his return.

According to G1 Santa Catarina, one of the hospital's rescuers, Renaldo Marquato, explained, "We have seen patients who were very ill, living alone, even in death and the dog around. But this coming behind the ambulance, stayed here and stay here, never seen anything like it, except in the movies."

Unfortunately, Negão had no way of understanding that his owner passed away, so as the months passed he continued to sit outside waiting.

The hospital is well aware of Negão's presence, and as Zero Hora reported, two families even attempted to adopt him. However, in both instances Negão escaped and returned to the hospital.

G1 Santa Catarina shared that the hospital workers all pitch in to care for Negão, and since his arrival, he has been vaccinated, neutered, and continues to receive care from employees who regularly bathe and feed him.

As for the future, hospital official Giselle Bianchi says that the hospital employees have accepted Negão as part of their family.

"He will stay here with us until he decides if he wants to leave or not," she said. "As long as he remains here, we will give all the care, warmth and love he needs."