While some pups might resort to begging for treats, this proud dog insists on paying for his own meals.

Although, it does help that his form of currency literally grows on trees.

Negro the dog is the furry campus resident of the Diversified Technical Education Institute of Monterrey Casanare in Colombia. For the last five years, he has been a watchful companion to all of the students throughout their studies. In exchange for his presence, the faculty provides him with food, love, and a safe place to sleep.

During Negro's time on campus, however, he noticed that some of the students were giving green pieces of paper to the campus shopkeeper in exchange for cookies. Intrigued by the economic exchange unfolding before him, the clever canine decided to try something similar.

"He would go to the store and watch the children give money and receive something in exchange," teacher Angela Garcia Bernal told The Dodo. "Then one day, spontaneous, he appeared with a leaf in his mouth, wagging his tail and letting it be known that he wanted a cookie."

The shopkeeper then took the leaf and gave him a cookie in return as a reward for his impressive ingenuity.

Since discovering the magic of commerce, Negro has returned to the shop every day to "buy" a dog-safe treat; although the shopkeepers are careful not to feed him too much.

"When you first see it, you almost want to cry," says the store attendant. "He's found a way to make himself understood. He's very intelligent."

Click To Share The Pawesome Story With Your Friends – Photos by Angela Garcia Bernal