Paige Knudtson adopted Brutus, a 2-year-old boxer, from a local shelter after learning she was expecting Finn. Knudtson grew up with boxers and knows how sweet they can be. But she had no idea how significant the dog would become in her child’s life. “Brutus is simply a huge teddy bear,” Knudtson told The Dodo. “He likes to be the center of attention and cuddle up to people.”
When Knudtson was 20 weeks pregnant with Finn, an anatomy scan revealed a major heart anomaly. Finn had to go through several procedures after his birth before being eligible to have open-heart surgery. “We were extremely fortunate to learn about this before he was born; otherwise, he would not be here today,” Knudtson said.
After seven weeks and a few complications, Finn was able to come home. And there was an instant bond between Brutus and his infant sibling. “It was as though Brutus sensed Finn needed extra attention once we got home, and he’s been by his side ever since,” Knudtson continued. They adore each other and spend every waking moment together, whether watching TV, playing outside, eating, or napping.
“Brutus often cuddles up wherever Finn is sitting and follows him throughout our house,” Knudtson explained. “Brutus is aware when Finn is ill and simply stays by his side or rests his head on Finn’s breast.” Brutus despises being separated from Finn, even for a few moments, and will scratch at the door or pace outside his room until he is allowed back in. The brothers dread being alone, even at night.
Finn’s protector dog used to lie on the mat in front of the crib when he was a baby, but now that he’s in a toddler bed, snuggling up with him is much easier. “Finn started sleeping in his ‘big boy bed’ a little over a month ago, and that’s when Brutus started crawling up and sleeping in Finn’s bed every night,” Knudtson added. “As though he were lying next to him, preventing him from rolling out of bed.”
Brutus follows Finn wherever he goes, even if it makes him uncomfortable. Knudtson recalled, “Finn then started crawling out of his bed and sleeping on his floor.” “Of course, Brutus began sleeping with him there as well.” Now that Knudtson has moved Brutus’ dog bed into Finn’s room, Finn will frequently choose to snuggle up with him in his dog bed rather than stay in his own.
Knudtson was able to videotape their endearing bedtime ritual using a nanny cam. If Brutus is sleeping on the floor, Finn will grab his blanket and leap out of bed to snuggle up next to him. The caring dog doesn’t mind being used as a cushion as long as his sibling is happy.