In the small town of Guarne, Colombia, a story unfolded that proves real connection can happen in the most unexpected places — even on a public tennis court. One day in 2014, a stray black dog wandered onto the courts at the local Institute of Sports and Recreation (INDER).
What began as a casual visit quickly blossomed into an 11‑year legacy of companionship, joy, and community spirit for everyone who played there.
No one knew where the dog came from at first. Coaches and players had never seen him before, yet from the moment he set foot on the court, something was clear: he loved tennis. He wasn’t merely curious — he was enthralled by tennis balls.
One of the instructors later explained that the dog “goes crazy over them,” chasing errant balls with a kind of enthusiasm that made everyone smile.
Initially, the dog — who would soon be named Roger — visited sporadically, wandering onto the court, chasing balls, and greeting players. It didn’t take long for the instructors to set out some food and water, welcoming him as a friendly presence rather than an unwanted intruder.
But as the days passed, Roger’s routine became routine in the heartwarming sense: he started showing up every single day.
Over time, Roger became more than a stray who liked tennis — he became part of the team. What truly solidified his place in the INDER community was when he learned to return balls to the players. At first, he’d chase balls off court like many playful dogs do. But with gentle encouragement and repetition, he began bringing them back, earning himself a special role on the courts as the resident ball retriever.
Roger didn’t have a home of his own, but the tennis court became his world. The instructors created a cozy area in their office where he could rest and sleep at night, then he’d be ready and waiting for the first lesson the next morning. They made sure he was cared for — food, water, medical attention, flea and tick prevention, and even neutering to help control the local stray population.
Players, coaches and students quickly fell in love with him. One regular player shared that Roger was always alert, active and eager to play, making everyone’s day a little brighter whenever he joined in. His presence wasn’t just amusing — it connected the community. Families and children visiting the court began looking forward to seeing him, and he gave countless players an extra reason to smile on the courts.
Word spread, and before long, hundreds of people from town came to know and adore Roger. He had become more than just a friendly dog — he was a symbol of Guarne’s spirit, a mascot of sorts for the local tennis scene. Roger’s story taught everyone that love and loyalty don’t depend on ownership or pedigree; they grow from presence, joy, and shared moments — like a sunlit morning chasing a tennis ball together.
In 2025, more than a decade after Roger first appeared, the INDER team decided to honor him with something truly special — a statue on the tennis court. Plans were underway to unveil it in December alongside a celebration of the sweet dog who had given so much happiness to so many.
But in a bittersweet twist, Roger’s health declined rapidly just weeks before the ceremony.
On November 21, surrounded by the instructors who had become his family, Roger passed away. The news struck the community with sadness, but also immense gratitude for the years he had spent with them. INDER shared that while Roger was gone, “his paw prints will forever be etched in our hearts.”
A few weeks later, the statue was unveiled amid cheers and tears, honoring not just a dog, but a friend, a constant companion, and an unforgettable part of Guarne’s history.
Roger’s journey — from a stray wandering onto a court to a beloved mascot with a giant extended family — is a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful bonds can begin with the simplest moment: a dog, a ball, and a place that embraced him.
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