From Paws to Proposal: Cronulla Dog Crafts Ultimate Scavenger Hunt Engagement

Cove Smithson | Summer Intern Reporter | Sutherland Shire Gazette

29 December 2025

A week-long whirlwind of speculation on Everything Sutherland Shire has finally come to a heartwarming conclusion, as local man Christopher Tedeschi proposed to his girlfriend Naomi Sams through a meticulously planned Cronulla-wide scavenger hunt—with their dog Bruce taking on the role of lead planner.

It all began when a local resident named Michael posted a photo of a flower and love letter clue found on a park bench in Cronulla to the Everything Sutherland Shire Facebook group. “Found this on my morning walk. Did someone’s romantic plans get derailed, or is this some kind of mysterious proposal? Discuss.” The post quickly garnered hundreds of comments ranging from “hope it’s not a breakup scavenger hunt” to “plot twist: Bruce the dog is running the whole thing.”

Little did they know, the latter theory wasn’t far off.

The scavenger hunt officially kicked off when Bruce trotted up to Naomi, holding the first clue in his mouth. The note read, “Hop in the car and follow the clues,” sending Naomi on an emotional journey through her favourite Shire spots, all orchestrated by her fur baby.

Clues led her to their go-to coffee shop, where the baristas acted as unofficial cheerleaders, a bench overlooking Cronulla Beach (yes, the same bench Michael had spotted earlier), and even a fish and chip shop, which contributed a free potato scallop to the cause. Naomi's progress was eagerly followed on Facebook, with Michael chiming in, “Glad to see it wasn’t a breakup!”

Christopher, meanwhile, waited on the sand at the final destination, surrounded by a heart and “Marry Me” etched into the sand with a precision that suggested hours of practice—or perhaps just a steady YouTube diet.

When Naomi finally arrived, she found Christopher on one knee, Bruce’s leash in one hand and a ring box in the other. Facebook erupted in applause. One user wrote, “The Shire really knows how to do romance. And dogs, apparently.”

As for Bruce, he has reportedly received multiple offers from wedding planning agencies, with Everything Sutherland Shire declaring him “the best-dressed event coordinator south of the Georges River.”