In Bogotá, Colombia, Dagoberto Rojas Buitrago drives a taxi and frequently ferries residents throughout the city.
When a passenger with a black bag hailed him for a ride to a nearby mall, it seemed like a regular fare for Buitrago.
Image source: DAGOBERTO ROJAS BUITRAGO
Their journey was uneventful. They chatted briefly and soon arrived at the mall. But as the passenger prepared to leave, he made an unexpected announcement: he needed to withdraw money from an ATM.
Then, he left the bag behind, which suddenly began to wriggle.
Image source: DAGOBERTO ROJAS BUITRAGO
Curious and a bit alarmed, Buitrago inspected the bag. He was greeted by a small dog and a detailed note.
The note outlined the dog’s walking and feeding schedules, along with other care instructions.
Image source: DAGOBERTO ROJAS BUITRAGO
An hour of waiting for the passenger to return made it clear to Buitrago: the dog had been abandoned.
Initially uneasy, the dog, whom Buitrago later named Toby Taxista, started to search for his former owner.
Buitrago, moved by the situation, took Toby with him for the remainder of his shift.
Image source: DAGOBERTO ROJAS BUITRAGO
The bond between them grew quickly. By the end of the day, Buitrago decided to adopt Toby. “We had no pets, so I figured, ‘Why not bring him home?’” he recalled.
Under the guidance of the note left with Toby, Buitrago’s family seamlessly integrated the pup into their lives.
Image source: DAGOBERTO ROJAS BUITRAGO
Now, a year later, Toby and Buitrago share an unbreakable bond. Sometimes, Toby joins Buitrago in the cab, delighting passengers with his charm.
And on days he stays home, he eagerly anticipates Buitrago’s return.
Image source: DAGOBERTO ROJAS BUITRAGO
Reflecting on their time together, Buitrago remarked, “He’s spoiled, and we cherish him deeply. He’s woven into the fabric of our family, and letting him go is unimaginable.”
