Here's the Biker Dude

By Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (67895)

Centralia, Washington

January 30, 2026 3:39pm CST

Stop the wagons and let me off. I just noticed that five years ago I spotted an ad that showcased a needy Heeler dog. The Ephrata, Washington state police had found the Heeler running loose. They managed to catch the little monster, threw him in their lockup and a rescue organization went over and brought the Dude to a foster guy. Foster guy trained dogs, rehabbing them so that they could be adopted. That's where Rufus came from. Foster guy's daughter gave the Dude his Rufus name. He is a rascal for sure. He is a gentleman when leashed. Off leash, he is not always sane. In fact, his barks could make a deaf man hear again. Anyway, Happy Gotcha Day, my Heeler coyote Dude. Officially Rufus is a black Queensland Blue Heeler though he was born in the U S, not Australia. He has his Bentley mark on his forehead- white and clean. Sir Bentley back in the day was foolish enough to want a sturdy, cow harassing dog so he started breeding what came to be the Blue or Red Heeler.

13 people like this

12 responses

@DianneN (248173)

• United States

31 Jan

What a wonderful story you have. He may bark, but he really is a great looking dog. I spot a Bentley mark! Any relation to the Bentley automobile Bentley?

2 people like this

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (67895)

• Centralia, Washington

31 Jan

@DianneN I don't know. Sir Bentley was in Australia not England.

2 people like this

@DianneN (248173)

• United States

31 Jan

@sallypup Okay. Just curious.

2 people like this

@velvet53 (24069)

• Palisade, Colorado

31 Jan

What a wonderful story. I'm glad you found this all out.

2 people like this

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (67895)

• Centralia, Washington

31 Jan

@velvet53 Thanks. I will never understand how Rufus came to be running the streets. Most Heeler owners are glued to their dogs.

2 people like this

@velvet53 (24069)

• Palisade, Colorado

31 Jan

@sallypup Yes they are. This is a puzzle for sure.

2 people like this

@shaggin (74756)

• United States

31 Jan

Rufus is beautiful! Happy gotcha day to both of you!

2 people like this

@snowy22315 (202517)

• United States

30 Jan

It's cool you have his back story I wish I knew more about my cat's early months.

2 people like this

@wolfgirl569 (129141)

• Marion, Ohio

30 Jan

Glad they were able to capture him

2 people like this

@RasmaSandra (93945)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

30 Jan

Great that you have this story,

2 people like this

@AmbiePam (112138)

• United States

30 Jan

Aw, Rufus is so lucky, and you were blessed to have him too. He’s such a handsome fella!.

2 people like this

@jstory07 (147352)

• Roseburg, Oregon

31 Jan

Rufus is a beautiful dog. You just have to put up with the barking.

1 person likes this

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (67895)

• Centralia, Washington

31 Jan

@jstory07 Thanks. We're trying!

1 person likes this

@DaddyEvil (167186)

• United States

31 Jan

I'm glad you've got each other now... I wouldn't like the barking. It would drive me insane.

1 person likes this

@sol_cee (38532)

• Philippines

31 Jan

Happy Gotcha Day to your little rascal! Love the story behind him and that Bentley mark!

1 person likes this

@JudyEv (370990)

• Rockingham, Australia

31 Jan

Rufus was lucky to find you - or you him but I wouldn't be able to stand the barking.

1 person likes this

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (67895)

• Centralia, Washington

31 Jan

@JudyEv I agree about barking. We continue on, trying to quiet him.

2 people like this

@LindaOHio (212945)

• United States

31 Jan

Rufus is a fine looking Heeler. Happy Gotcha Day. You are both lucky to have found each other. I love your story.

1 person likes this