Bored Panda reached out to Antunes, who shared his journey into becoming an animal-friendly mailman.
“Since I was a child, I admired the mail carriers who delivered letters to my home. My mother always gave them gifts, like wine or champagne, at the end of the year. When I grew up, I didn't think twice about pursuing a career as a mailman. Being an animal lover, I decided to make my work even more enjoyable by connecting with the dogs on my route. Dogs often bark at mail carriers because their job is to protect their territory. But as I love animals, I made it my mission to win them over. By approaching them gently, petting them, or snapping a photo or video, I build a bond. This makes the workday happier not only for me but also for the animals—many of whom now eagerly wait for me to arrive for some affection and attention.”
We were wondering how Antunes manages to get the dogs to trust him.
He responded: “Dogs are just doing their job by protecting their homes. I approach them with respect and affection. I have my own special way of connecting with them, although it can take some time with certain dogs. With patience and care, I always manage to earn their trust.”
Antunes also shared his favorite moment he had with a dog he met.
“One story that stands out is about ‘Cabrita.’ Six years ago, Cabrita was a street dog who seemed to be the leader of a group of dogs that often chased me. Realizing she was the alpha, I started trying to win her over. Slowly, she began to respond to my affection, and we became friends. Once Cabrita trusted me, the other three dogs did too! Today, Cabrita lives in a loving home, which makes me so happy,” Antunes shared a heartwarming story.
People online love Antunes’ photos with animals. We asked how that makes Antunes feel.
He wrote: “It feels amazing to see people appreciating these moments. It hasn't really changed the way I work, but it has motivated me to keep spreading kindness toward animals and showing how a little love and respect can make a big difference.”
As for tips for other mail carriers who want to befriend animals on their routes, Antunes advised: “Always respect the animals. Show them you want to be friends, and never mistreat them. Over time, they'll trust you and understand you're just there to do your job.”
Lastly, Antunes added: “I’d love for people to show more respect for animals, especially those on the streets. Street animals suffer so much, and they need our compassion. Support shelters by donating medicine or supplies, give attention to abandoned pets and help share adoption cases. Together, we can make a difference!”
