‘The greatest dog:’ Owner trying to get 1,000 cuddles for dying dog

They say dogs are a man’s best friend, and Brutus the Rottweiler is no exception.

Recently, Brutus developed terminal lymphoma, which is a form of cancer.

His owner, Kelly Yahnke, wants to focus on the joy Brutus brought into his life rather than the heartbreak of his diagnosis.

“I’ve had him since he was a puppy. He’s only five years old and has been the greatest dog to me and my family, so the best way to give back was to share him with the world,” Yahnke said.

“It’s the best I can do to give him a final farewell of 1,000 pets.”

At the time of the interview, Yahnke said they were about halfway to that goal. But Brutus is gaining popularity online and Yahnke wants him to meet as many people as possible.

“The more popular we get, the more places we’re going to go, I guess,” he said. “Pet Valu opened their doors to me here. It was really nice. I really appreciate it.”

People have been coming in from all over the city to visit Brutus. One Purolator driver even took time on his lunch break to visit him.

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Yahnke said Brutus loves people and kids. Yahnke has young grandchildren and Brutus is great with them, so Yahnke says the dog is truly a gentle giant.

He said Brutus would sit by the window at home and watch children play at a nearby school. He was always excited to see them, with the wiggle in his small tail proving it.

Yahnke is collecting donations for Brutus’ burial, but said giving Brutus some love is really all he’s asking for.

“I’m not expecting anything. I do have a GoFundMe page up and stuff like that but I’m not doing it to play on people’s sympathy or anything,” he said. “I’m just doing it to give him a good farewell. (I’m) trying to do my best to not make it a burden on my family either.”

Yahnke explained he has been going through some hard times. He got emotional explaining a 30-year-long battle with an addiction. But this year, he got clean.

He gives some of that credit to Brutus, who is like family to him.

“They’re the best, greatest companion you could ever have,” Yahnke said of dogs. “They’re always there during good times and bad times. Brutus was always there to comfort and give everything you ever need. He was a best friend.”

He hopes that Brutus and his story will also help break the stigma about Rottweilers being aggressive dogs.

“People have in their mindset about how ‘Rotties’ are and it’s not the dog, it’s the owner,” Yahnke said. “(Brutus) was brought up with my yellow Lab, he’s 15. I never expected him to outlive Brutus, but he’s going to. He’s been a wonderful treat to have in my life.”

Anyone who wants to contribute to Brutus’ cuddle count or donate cash for his burial can visit Brutus and Yahnke at the Southland Pet Valu this weekend.

“Come and say hi. He loves company,” said Yahnke.