Tale of Kottayam's Hachiko; guards a petrol pump, loves chicken & porotta

If your vehicle’s fuel tank runs low and you pull into the HP fuel station on MC Road at Kodimatha in Kottayam, don’t be surprised if a four-legged guardian greets you before the staff does. For the past four years, an orange-haired crossbreed, now around 12 years old, has been the station’s silent protector and companion. Once abandoned during Kerala’s second COVID-19 lockdown, he found refuge here and was slowly embraced by the station’s employees as one of their own. His food, medications, and vaccinations are taken care of from the station’s daily earnings. His favourites are porotta and chicken from the nearby late-night eateries.

He was first spotted near a roadside dog shelter, frail and visibly unwell, suffering from digestive issues and skin infections. “It was obvious he came from a home. He was no stray,” recalls Jiju V J, a staff member. Initially, he would sleep under the shelter during the day and make his way to the fuel station after closing hours.

“At night, we often faced trouble from trespassers—drunkards and packs of stray dogs,” says Jiju. “But once he started sleeping near here, he didn’t allow anyone, whether people or animals, to enter the premises. He began guarding the place on his own.” Night shift workers, who used to stay at the station overnight, first noticed his protective instincts when he barked at intruders. His presence alone was enough to keep trouble away.

Gradually, the staff began feeding him, first from their own lunch boxes. But he rejected rice, prompting them to try porotta, chapati, and eventually chicken—his clear favourite. With time, he began staying near the station during the day as well. Manager John Kurien instructed the staff to care for him and permitted the use of the station’s collection for his food and medical needs. “He’s one of us now,” says Jiju.

The dog typically rests near the front portion of the petrol station, with a full view of the road and the station. If it gets too hot, he shifts to the nearby air-filling area. Obedient and calm, he responds instantly when called and never wanders off. He doesn’t allow other dogs into the compound and stays close to the staff, refusing to mingle with strays. 

His diet is a mix of food from local stalls and home-cooked meals like biriyani and chicken. Biscuits and snacks are kept handy, and he always has fresh water in his bowl. With regular feeding and care, he remains energetic and shows no signs of ageing.

Interestingly, he’s especially affectionate toward female customers. “He seems to have been raised by women,” says Jiju. “He bonds easily with women who visit regularly, and many of them bring biscuits or snacks for him.” He’s equally friendly with regulars—autorickshaw drivers, truckers, and children—greeting them with gentle tail wags and always respectful and never disruptive.

The staff use medicated powders and vet-prescribed products to keep him clean and free from infections. His vaccinations were initially handled by a nearby clinic and, more recently, by officials from Kottayam Municipality, who also sterilised him under the animal birth control program.

“He was heartbroken when they took him away,” Jiju recalls. “They kept him in a cage for a week. Our manager visited him at the municipal centre and insisted he be brought back to the station.” As per policy, the officials returned him to his familiar space. “When he saw our manager again, he ran straight to him. It was a joyful moment for all of us.”

The bond between the dog and the staff runs deep. He recognises familiar faces and lights up when someone returns after a few days off. “One Christmas, our colleague Joby Abraham climbed a ladder for decorations, and the dog started barking nonstop—clearly anxious until Joby descended,” Jiju remembers.

Once, a vehicle ran over his paw by accident. He limped for a few days, but with timely care, he recovered fully.