At a junior high school in Nuevo León, Mexico, something special has been happening that goes far beyond the typical classroom lessons. While students at Cecyte Nuevo León have been busy with their academic routines, an unexpected companion has brought extra joy and laughter to their school days—a clever, ball-obsessed dog who’s made the campus his second home.
Every school day, like clockwork, this furry visitor arrives when the recess bell chimes. With his tail wagging and eyes sparkling, he rushes onto the grounds, eagerly joining students for their breaktime activities. Soccer is clearly his game of choice, and the kids are more than happy to indulge him.
“When the recess bell rings, he comes running to play with the students,” Principal Lydia Sanchez wrote on a post, who has grown just as fond of the four-legged guest as her students have.
The dog, who likely lives nearby with a family of his own, has become something of a mascot. His enthusiasm for chasing soccer balls is unmatched—though his excitement does come with a bit of a drawback. His teeth, it seems, are no match for the balls. Almost every time he joins the game, one ends up punctured in the frenzy of fun.
“We can’t even count the number of balls he’s popped,” Principal Sanchez admitted to The Dodo, laughing.
Normally, the loss of a ball or two is no big deal. But recently, things reached a point where students found themselves with just one functioning soccer ball left. Wanting to preserve it, they reluctantly made a decision—they closed the playground gate to keep their playful canine friend out.
When the dog arrived to find the gate shut, he turned away, disheartened. But this smart pup wasn’t done yet. Later, he returned, this time carrying something in his mouth—a toy of his own. It was a deflated ball, clearly used, but brought forward as an offering. Whether he meant it as a trade, an apology, or simply a show of goodwill, it moved everyone.
“Seeing him come back with his ball to play filled me with emotion,” Sanchez said. “He is extremely intelligent.”*
Thankfully, the ball shortage was soon resolved. The school replenished its supply, fully recognizing that the joy this dog brings is worth the occasional popped ball.
As for the pup? His welcome has been reinstated permanently. “He’ll always be welcome here,” Sanchez declared.
Now, with new soccer balls and their beloved furry friend back by their side, the students of Cecyte Nuevo León can once again enjoy the perfect recess—filled with laughter, play, and one remarkably thoughtful dog.