COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — NBC4’s third Puppy with a Purpose celebrated a milestone with a special weekday morning trip to the station.

Brutus’s first birthday was observed at NBC4 with plenty of love, hugs, and pets from anchors and staffers. The golden Labrador retriever’s volunteer puppy raiser, Nicole, brought him to the studio for his special visit.

  • Traffic Anchor Kristine Varkony gives Brutus a back rub for his birthday. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)
  • Matt Barnes, McKenna King and Monica Day pose with Brutus the puppy for his birthday. (NBC4 Photo)
  • Meteorologist Ben Gelber builds a dog walking forecast for Brutus on his birthday. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)
  • Meteorologist Ben Gelber makes a dog walking forecast for Brutus. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)
  • (NBC4 Photo)

On April 8 last year, NBC4 announced it would partner with Canine Companions again to host a third Puppy with a Purpose. At that time, viewers were asked to help name the pup. Fans overwhelmingly decided he should be called “Brutus,” and his name became official in early May 2022.

Born in California, Brutus arrived in Columbus in the early morning hours of May 12, 2022, after a cross-country flight. After becoming familiar with his new backyard, new home, and new smells, he began his 18-month training process.

Brutus then made his on-air debut at NBC4 on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 6 a.m. Since then, NBC4 TODAY viewers have been watching him grow and learning details about his journey to becoming a full-fledged service dog every Friday morning.