We haven’t had a working doorbell in three years — and it’s all because of Bruno.
Bruno is a 38-kilo Staffy–Boxer cross we adopted from a rescue centre in Western Sydney. We thought we were getting a chill older dog, maybe a bit lazy. What we got was a highly opinionated security expert with a vendetta against electronics.
When we brought him home, he was sweet, quiet, even a little shy. We were easing into the “new dog” rhythm just fine — until someone rang the doorbell on day four.
The sound hadn't even finished echoing when Bruno launched himself across the lounge like a cannonball. One crash later, the doorbell button was on the floor, the wall was cracked, and my wife was halfway through googling “dog training near me.”
We replaced the button. He destroyed it again — faster this time. By attempt number three, Bruno had figured out which cupboard the replacement tools were kept in. He’d wait by it, glaring.
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🐶 View Portrait Styles →Eventually, we surrendered. No more doorbells. People call or knock now — it’s just easier.
And yet, for all his dramatic flair, Bruno’s a marshmallow. He cries if you leave the room. He brings you his toys if you’re sad. He somehow knows when you need company and when you need space.
The memory that stands out most? My birthday last year. My mates came over, but I was feeling off. Burnt out from work, probably. I was hiding out in the kitchen when Bruno trotted in with one of my shoes (a habit he never quite dropped). He placed it gently at my feet, then nudged my hand until I smiled.
He didn’t need a doorbell to know something was wrong. He just knew.
When my partner surprised me with a Pawstralian portrait of him — that same soft-eyed face, the missing shoe in the background — I teared up. It’s the only photo where he’s not mid-bark or half-blurry from running.
We hung it near the front door, where the doorbell used to be.
Bruno may not be everyone's idea of a perfect pet. But in our house, he’s the heartbeat. Protector. Clown. Therapist. Shoe thief. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.