A small restaurant in Peru has crafted the most delicious food menus for its patrons. Everyday the doors open, the enticing aromas permeate the air, and customers arrive to savor and enjoy the daily special menus of choice.
And as customers come and go each day, there’s another group of loyal visitors who show up at the same time everyday. They know – they are are stray dogs; yes the young and old. Some of the dogs are strong and healthy, while others show the physical proof of the rough lives they’ve survived while on the streets.
Yet every dog is welcome, and every day they assemble in the front of Restaurant Ajilalo.
Meet the restaurant owner, Gerardo Ortiz, who has been helping and working to change the lives of stray dogs for the last five years. His reputation for his simple acts of kindness have captured the hearts of animal lovers here and abroad.
You see, Ortiz has always loved dogs, and from early on has had a soft spot for homeless animals. Whenever he encountered a stray and hungry dog, he would offer them food. Just seeing the dogs so hungry, so undernourished and so in need, broke his heart.
Through the years, helping and feeding the stray dogs had become an important part of his life.
When he eventually opened Ajilalo, he never imagined that his passion for helping animals would become one of the restaurant’s defining features.
Five years ago, the story about Ortiz’ generosity began with one hungry dog that had wandered near the restaurant scavenging for food. The dog appeared exhausted, skinny and clearly appeared to be trying her best just to survive and stave off the hunger pains in her empty belly.
No doubt, most people would have ignored the dog and shooed her away, but not Gerardo. In the kitchen, he prepared a special meal for her and placed it in front of her. The stray ate with gusto, and just watching the dog feeling better made a deep impression on Otiz – even after the dog left.
And that’s how Geraldo’s life changed. Somehow the local stray dogs began arriving at the restaurant’s door. Some of the dogs came every day, while others stopped by once in awhile. None of that mattered, because Geraldo made sure the dogs always had food and fresh water.
Eventually, he installed food and water dispensers outside of the restaurant which helped the hungry doors have access to food while the restaurant was open to humans.
Geraldo learned that each dog had their own unique story. Some of the dogs were regulars, while others timidly approached for their first meal. Still no one was turned away. Soon he had named all the dogs, and making sure even the oldest and weakest dogs have food to eat, became part of the daily routine.
Many of the dogs had been abandoned. Some were neglected and some had never known the comfort of a soft blanket and a kind heart.
And even in the worst of times, Geraldo didn’t give up. The Covid pandemic brought more hardships, but the dogs were still hungry and therefore Geraldo didn’t give up helping the stray dogs. He expanded his options and began supporting adoption initiatives, advocated for animal welfare throughout his community and encouraged responsible pet ownership with sterilization programs to reduce the stray animals.
Geraldo’s efforts have expanded and continued through the community. Residents donated supplies, some worked with the community to encourage adoption initiatives and some people shared the heartwarming story of how far kindness can affect even the most unwanted.
Today, the Restaurant Ajilalo has become a symbol of compassion. The restaurant is internationally celebrated for Ortiz’s beautiful daily tradition of preparing and serving complimentary meals to dozens of hungry, local stray dogs that visit every day.
The heartwarming endeavor has inspiredd human customers. Diners frequently bring food and treats to give to the dogs alongside the meals prepared by the kitchen.
The owner believes the dogs’ wagging tails and happiness are payment enough, stating that compassion is permanently onn the menu.
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