Paige Knudtson adopted Brutus, a 2-year-old boxer, from a local rescue shortly after learning she was pregnant with Finn. Knudtson had grown up with boxers and knew how gentle they could be. But she could never have predicted how important the dog would become in her baby’s life.

Knudtson told The Dodo, “Brutus is just a big teddy bear.” “He craves attention and enjoys cuddling with others.”

An anatomy scan revealed a serious heart defect when Knudtson was 20 weeks pregnant with Finn. Finn underwent several procedures shortly after birth until he was ready for open-heart surgery. “We were extremely fortunate to have discovered this prior to his birth, or he would not be with us today.” Knudtson said.

Finn was finally able to return home after seven weeks and a few complications. And when Brutus met his baby brother, he felt an instant connection. “It was as if Brutus just knew Finn needed some extra close monitoring once we got home, and he has been by his side ever since.” Knudtson said.

They adore each other and spend every moment together, whether they are watching TV, playing outside, eating, or napping.

“Brutus frequently curls up wherever Finn is sitting in our house and follows him from room to room.” Knudtson explained. “If Finn is sick, Brutus notices and simply stays by Finn’s side or rests his head on Finn’s chest.”

Brutus despises being separated from Finn for even a second, and will scratch at the door to Finn’s room or pace outside it until he is let in.

Even at night, the brothers dislike being alone.

When Finn was a baby, the protective dog slept on the rug in front of the crib, and now that Finn has graduated to a toddler bed, the two can snuggle up much more easily.

“Finn only started sleeping in his ‘big boy bed’ about a month ago, and that’s when Brutus started crawling up and sleeping in Finn’s bed every night.” Knudtson explained. “It was almost as if he was lying next to him to keep him from rolling out of bed.”

Brutus follows Finn wherever he goes, even if it means being a little less comfortable. “Finn then began climbing out of his bed and sleeping on his floor.” Knudtson explained. “Naturally, Brutus began sleeping next to him there as well.”

Finn will frequently choose to snuggle up with Brutus in his dog bed rather than stay in his own now that Knudtson has moved Brutus’ dog bed into Finn’s room.

Knudtson recently used a nanny cam to record their adorable nighttime routine. Finn will grab his blanket and climb out of bed to snuggle up next to Brutus if he is sleeping on the floor. As long as his brother is comfortable, the gentle dog doesn’t mind being used as a pillow.