Enter stage left: Rufus

@sallypup (57307)
Centralia, Washington
January 30, 2021 8:49pm CST
Hubby and I have had quite a day. Mister Rufus esquire came to live with us. He is not a big boy and yet his spirit and youth make up for his size. Rufus is an Australian Cattle Dog or some would say a Blue Heeler. Just like little Sally. He was found wandering the streets near a police station in a town just north of us. He could be a mix of who knows what but he looks and acts like a Heeler. There is something in Rufus that is what dog people call "a high prey drive." The cats know about that for sure. Rufus is pretty good with our resident felines. Then one jumps onto something or runs and he is after them. Rufus is also smart so my telling him to not do that has slowed his immediate reaction to the cats. My other concern is Sally. The hard truth with her is that she is an old lady now. Arthritis has set in on her. I am trying to keep Rufus from hassling her too much. And that being said, I am trying to get Sally to lay off heckling Rufus and starting a rumble. Kids these days! Right now Rufus has settled to lying at my hubby's feet- a welcome relief from this hectic day.
15 people like this
14 responses
@kaylachan (56277)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Jan 21
Seems like he's very happy to have a home and other animals to play with.
2 people like this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@kaylachan I sure hope so. He has been either in doggie jail, with a foster family or getting neutered. He must feel all mixed up.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (56277)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Jan 21
@sallypup I don't doubt it.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (73903)
• East Tawas, Michigan
31 Jan 21
Once your cats get use to these changes, they will all settle down. Rufus will soon become family, just like the cats. He's beautiful!
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@kobesbuddy Fred cat finally crept from a hidey hole tonight.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@kobesbuddy Oh yeah. I came out of the bathroom tonight and found that somebody had raided the garbage can. What a mess!
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (73903)
• East Tawas, Michigan
31 Jan 21
@sallypup A strange animal poses as a threat, especially in their own private home.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (110778)
• El Paso, Texas
2 Feb 21
You've got your work cut out for you, older dogs can be harder to train to do what you need. He is a beauty though.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (110778)
• El Paso, Texas
3 Feb 21
I hope he's not too rough for her @sallypup
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
2 Feb 21
Thanks @rebelann. He sure wrestles hard wlth Sally.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (93556)
• Marion, Ohio
31 Jan 21
My cats know that game with the dobermans too. He looks happy
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (93556)
• Marion, Ohio
1 Feb 21
@sallypup Poor Fred. They will get used to each other but that dont help it go fast
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@wolfgirl569 Poor Fred cat got the worst of it. Rufus chased him up a tree last night. I managed to capture Fred this morning so he is now in a back bedroom. I need Fred to take his pred pill for his asthma.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
1 Feb 21
You have your hands full with your kids. Obedience works wonders for intelligent doggies. He’s a beauty!
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
1 Feb 21
@DianneN Rufus sure is one intelligent and silly boy. He is very long. I caught him standing up, leaning on the counter, peering at the toaster oven. Hubby was melting cheese on bread at the time. I think Rufus may have gotten a hot nose out of his noisiness.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
1 Feb 21
@sallypup He has learned another lesson. lol
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (323748)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Jan 21
He doesn't seem to have a tail. Is he naturally tailless?
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@JudyEv You want a huge fight on Facebook? Go to the Cattledog site and start up with My dog has a tail. My dog does not have a tail. Huge verbal slanging will ensue, I promise. Rufus's tail was docked. Sally is the same. Many Americans believe that this is the way CattleDogs should be. Then again, many Americans don't believe that. Due to his docked tail, I think he started out with a home. I guess I should have just said No he probably is not naturally tailess. Forgive my running off at the mouth.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
1 Feb 21
@JudyEv Interesting about docking being illegal. My hubby would not dock a dog's tail but that is how Rufus came to us and Sally did, too.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (323748)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Jan 21
@sallypup No worries. I think docking is illegal here now. People get so rude and strident on FB. That's why I never contribute to anything there. I have an account and troll through a few sites but never post anything.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (168439)
• United States
2 Feb 21
There's the big boy! Listen to mommy and daddy now Rufus
1 person likes this
@prinzcy (32326)
• Malaysia
31 Jan 21
Rufus quickly settle in. Seems like he knows that he's home now.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
2 Feb 21
Blended families always take a little while to gel. Brie was none too pleased when we got roscoe but now they are buddies. Just takes a while.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (203765)
• Walnut Creek, California
31 Jan 21
Glad you have a new friend. I was wondering what breed he was.
1 person likes this
@paigea (35513)
• Canada
31 Jan 21
Oh my, I wouldn't have the energy to deal with all thst
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@paigea It is day TWO. I am exhausted.
1 person likes this
@paigea (35513)
• Canada
1 Feb 21
@sallypup we had a stray cat here for a while. Our car was unhappy. I was so glad when we found stray kitty a home.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (153180)
• United States
31 Jan 21
Hello Rufus! Aren't you a pretty boy?!!! Thanks so much for the picture.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Feb 21
What a beauty Rufus is. I am sure he will fit right in at your home.
@JimBo452020 (42639)
• United Kingdom
31 Jan 21
He is a handsome boy. Be part of the furniture soon and will get on well with everyone
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57307)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Jan 21
@JimBo452020 Thanks. I hope so.
1 person likes this