“[He] reads their body language like a pro.”
At Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, every role plays an important part in helping senior dogs find loving homes. Staff members care for the dogs each day, while volunteers give their time, attention and affection to make the pups feel safe and loved.
But one very special job stands out from the rest: the rescue’s cat tester.
Meet Mustache, The First Cat Tester
Mustache, a fluffy orange cat, was the first to take on this unique role. His job was to help the rescue learn how comfortable each senior dog was around cats.
Mustache was a natural fit. He was already used to being around dogs, and when his guardian, Missy Dominguez, brought him to the rescue’s office, he handled the situation with confidence and calmness.
His relaxed personality made him perfect for the job.
A Calm Cat With An Important Mission
On his first day, Mustache met several dogs at the rescue. Most of them were curious but calm around him, and Mustache seemed to understand exactly how to behave.
He often sat quietly and watched the dogs, allowing them to approach him at their own pace. Sometimes, he made it clear when he wasn’t impressed, and that helped the rescue team better understand each dog’s reaction.
Helping Dogs Find The Right Homes
Mustache’s role was more than just adorable — it was incredibly useful. Many people hoping to adopt a senior dog already have cats at home, so they need to know whether a dog can live peacefully with feline family members.
By spending time with Mustache, the rescue could learn which dogs were comfortable around cats and which ones might need a different kind of home.
Mustache’s Beautiful Final Chapter
Although Mustache was not a dog, he quickly became a beloved part of the Muttville family. He was a hospice foster cat who was living with advanced kidney disease, but he continued to enjoy every moment he had.
Dominguez had promised to give him a safe and loving home for whatever time he had left. That promise became something deeply meaningful, and Mustache spent his final years surrounded by care and love.
Saying Goodbye To A Special Cat
Sadly, after a long and brave battle with kidney failure, Mustache passed away. His loss deeply affected everyone who knew him, especially Dominguez and the rescue team.
Even though his time as cat tester was cut short, Mustache left behind a lasting impact. He had helped senior dogs get closer to finding the right families.
Little Dude Takes Over The Job
After Mustache’s passing, the rescue found another cat who was ready to continue his work. His name was Little Dude.
Like Mustache, Little Dude had the perfect personality for the role. He lived with dogs at home and understood them very well. His human, Koreena Walsh, said Little Dude had loved dogs since he was a tiny kitten.
A Cat Who Understands Dogs
Little Dude is confident but smart around dogs. If a dog seems too interested in him, he keeps his distance. But if the dog is calm and relaxed, Little Dude is happy to get closer and interact.
His ability to read canine body language makes him a wonderful fit for the job.
Carrying On Mustache’s Legacy
Thanks to Little Dude, many Muttville senior dogs have been tested around cats and later matched with homes where they can live happily with feline companions.
Mustache may no longer be there, but his legacy continues through Little Dude’s work. As the original cat tester, Mustache helped create an important role — and Little Dude is proudly carrying it forward.