Meet the Heroic Dog that Rescued and Cared For Over 200 Cats

Whoever said cats and dogs can’t get along never heard the story of Wuffy. The Shar-Pei-spaniel mix takes her adoration of cats beyond what most dog owners could imagine. Wuf, her nickname, is famous for her role as a dog who loved caring for kittens. She was so talented at mothering kittens that rescue organizations knocked down her owner’s door. She even had a waiting list of kitten clients!

How Wuffy Became a Kitten Rescue Dog

Wuf’s story goes back 11 years, when her owner, Gary Rohde, rescued the Shar-Pei-spaniel mix after a breeder dumped her. Though her name sparks an image of an adorable ball of fluff, Rohde named her Wuffy after a character that was a German general named Count Wufffenhauser from the TV show “Hogan’s Heroes.” Little did Rohde know Wuffy would become some kind of a general herself, only in charge of kittens. She would repay her rescue by doing the rescuing herself. 

Soon after Rohde adopted Wuffy, he noticed she loved playing with cats. She even seemed to prefer their company over dogs! But hanging out with cats became a full-fledged calling when Wuffy came across some abandoned kittens in a backyard. 

After stumbling upon the kittens, one by one, the pup carefully grabbed each of the kittens in her mouth and carried them to safety. A veterinarian advised Rohde, who was unknowledgeable about kittens, to bring the babies home and nurse them to health until they were older. Wuffy took over their care all on her own. She not only took on keeping the kittens clean, but she also made sure they stayed on a feeding schedule by alerting Rohde whenever they needed fed. As the kittens got older, Wuf became a surrogate mother, teaching them everything from how to clean themselves to how to play. 

What started with one litter became an entire non-profit rescue organization. 

Wuffy’s Love of Kittens Becomes a Charity

Word of Wuffy’s impeccable care of kittens soon got out. Local Southern California rescues reached out hoping she could help care for sick, stray, and abandoned kittens until they were of adoptable age. Her reputation as a cat rescue dog even earned her the nickname “Florence Nightingdog,” plus she got a feature in a book about animal rescue.

Wuffy cared for over 200 stray and abandoned kittens and cats. She even found runaway cats for their owners. She was so sought after she had a waiting list for her services.  

What made Wuffy so wonderful with cats? It seems it all came down to instinct and patience. Wuf made care of the kittens her duty, even if the felines gave her a hard time. When the cats hissed or scratched her, Wuf would give them space until they came around. She had never met a cat she didn’t like, and it seemed the feeling was mutual.

So, did Wuffy think she’s a cat and not a dog? For Wuffy, it didn’t seem to matter. What did matter was her incredible ability to care for kittens. Wuffy firmly earned the respect of the cat rescue community as a foster mom. She’s proof that caring transcends species. After passing in 2012, she left an amazing legacy that should inspire us all.