Meet Kaliman: Mexico’s street dog hero - Video
Kaliman, a rescued street dog, has made history in Mérida, Mexico, by being appointed head of the Emotional Support Directorate at the city council.
Once a stray, he now wears a uniform shirt and official ID badge, patrolling municipal corridors and bringing comfort to staff.
“He became our emotional support director because everyone asks about him,” said Juan Sosa, Kaliman’s guardian and a council employee. “If I walk ahead, Kaliman follows me, and staff know I’m coming to work.” He is the first dog employed by the municipality and leads the ‘Huellitas Municipales’ programme, which now includes other rescued dogs and cats cared for by city offices.
Kaliman’s story has drawn attention as a symbol of compassion in urban animal welfare. Once timid and wary of humans, he gradually bonded with municipal staff, choosing Sosa as his companion.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
