It’s a question many couples have thought about: how will our new baby get along with our dog? It’s a concern that unfortunately leads to some dogs being abandoned, but it’s reasonable to just want your fur baby and your actual baby to get along and be safe.

But most pets are good with babies, and in fact can become their first best friend. Even the biggest, toughest dogs can prove to be incredibly sensitive and loving towards children.

Like one dog, who offered a very sweet gift to his new human.

Bonnie Michalek, from California, and her husband love their pet bullmastiff Brutus like family—Bonnie said they even call the dog their “first baby.”

But when Bonnie became pregnant with her actual first baby, Brutus knew it before anybody: Bonnie recalls that the dog suddenly became more protective of her in the early days of her pregnancy.

“Brutus knew I was pregnant before I did — he definitely sensed it before I knew,” she told The Dodo.

It confirmed their suspicion Brutus would be more than okay with the new addition to the family: “He’s always loved kids,” Bonnie said. “Every time he’s heard kids outside laughing he gets excited.”

When she brought baby Kayden home to meet Brutus for the first time, the dog lovingly went up and licked the newborn’s face.

Brutus and Kayden have been close buddies ever since, and the dog has been willing to do anything for the baby… including sharing his favorite possession.

Like many dogs, Brutus has a particular favorite toy that he clings to: a yellow plush ball. “It’s the only toy that he won’t tear apart in five minutes,” Bonnie told The Dodo.

But he’s willing to part with it if it will make his favorite little human feel better.

“Every time Kayden cries, Brutus finds his fluff ball and tries to bring it to [him],” Bonnie wrote on Instagram. “So cute.”

Now that’s true love.

It’s clear that this dog is going to look over his new best friend for a long time.

What a great dog! It goes to show how caring pets can be around babies. Share this great story!