Lauri da Costa, a homeless man from the city of Passo Fundo, Brazil may not have much in the way of material possessions, but he is rich in other ways -- especially when it comes to the loyal companionship of his best friend, his dog.

On March 31, Lauri fell victim to a random assault during which a rock was thrown that struck him in the face. Injured, he then made his way to the local hospital to get treated, while his pet, a 4-year-old mutt named Seco, sat patiently out front.

But what was suppose to be a brief visit to the emergency room became an extended stay. Once there, physicians discovered that Lauri had melanoma on his face, and would need to be hospitalized as he awaited surgery to have it removed. Meanwhile, Seco kept vigil outside the hospital doors for his master to return.

As the days dragged on, staff took notice of the dog and made sure he had plenty of water and food as he waited. After the eighth day, even though Lauri was still recovering, doctors made an exception allowing the man and his loyal dog to be reunited early -- a touching scene captured on video.