Dog Brings His Favorite Toy to Comfort His Crying Brother
Even though it’s his most cherished possession, he’s willing to share it if it helps his brother feel better.
Brutus, a Bullmastiff from Northern California, lives with his family and has a habit of destroying his toys. However, there is one exception: his beloved “fluffball,” a toy he refuses to tear apart.
According to Bonnie Michalek, Brutus’ owner, the fluffball is the only toy he hasn’t destroyed within minutes. Despite his love for shredding toys, Brutus is an incredibly gentle and loyal dog.
In 2016, after Bonnie and her husband moved into a home spacious enough for a large dog, they welcomed Brutus into their family. “I call him my first baby,” Bonnie says.
Now, Bonnie Michalek has to differentiate between her “first” and “second” baby, as she recently welcomed their first child, a son named Kayden, 11 weeks ago.
The Michaleks had no concerns about how Brutus would adapt to Kayden, even though it was a new experience for everyone.
“He’s always loved children,” Michalek shared. “He gets excited whenever he hears kids laughing outside.”
In fact, Brutus sensed the pregnancy before the Michaleks even knew.
“Brutus definitely picked up on it before I realized I was pregnant,” Michalek said. “He refused to stay in his crate on the nights my husband worked.”
Brutus insisted on staying close to Michalek, even after she adjusted his crate to give him more room. “At the time, I thought he was just being difficult, but in reality, he was trying to protect me,” she recalled.
Being a devoted “mama’s boy,” Bonnie made sure Brutus felt involved in the family’s changes as they prepared for the arrival of baby Kayden.
When Kayden was born, Brutus stayed with Bonnie’s parents. Knowing how attached Brutus was, she anticipated he would want some special time with her before meeting the baby when they came to pick him up.
“I made sure to give him some attention,” Michalek said. She then invited Brutus inside to meet Kayden. “Brutus completely ignored my husband and went straight to Kayden. He wanted to kiss and cuddle him immediately.”
Since that first meeting, Brutus hasn’t let Kayden out of his sight.
Whenever Brutus hears Kayden crying, he feels the need to help. That’s when he starts bringing Kayden his most treasured toy—the sacred fluffball.
“He takes his favorite stuffed animal and offers it to Kayden to comfort him,” Michalek shared.
Brutus believes that since the fluffball always makes him feel better, it will do the same for his little brother. (There is no need to inform him that milk functions a bit better.)
The whole family is excited about the future with Kayden.
“We go hiking at our cabin every summer, and Brutus has loved it since he was a puppy. I grew up going there as a child,” Michalek shared. “I’m so happy that Kayden will be joining us.”
As Kayden grows, everyone is learning and adjusting. Brutus has even realized there are new toys in the house—ones that aren’t meant for dogs. Perhaps one day, Kayden will return the favor and share with him.
