“[He] reads their body language like a pro.”
At Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, every person plays an important role in helping elderly dogs find love, comfort, and new families.
Shelter staff care for the dogs each day, volunteers offer attention and affection, and adoption teams work hard to match every pup with the right home. But one role is especially unique — the rescue’s official cat tester.
This special helper visits regularly to meet the dogs and help staff understand which pups may be able to live peacefully with cats.
Meet Mustache, The First Cat Tester
The rescue’s first cat tester was a fluffy orange cat named Mustache. He was calm, confident, and already used to being around dogs, which made him a natural fit for the job.
When his guardian, Missy Dominguez, brought him into the rescue office, Mustache seemed completely relaxed. He was not bothered by the dogs and quickly proved that he had the perfect personality for the role.
A Calm Presence For Senior Dogs
During his visits, Mustache met several senior dogs. Most of them were curious but gentle around him, and Mustache seemed to know exactly how to handle each situation.
Rather than acting nervous or running away, he often stayed still and observed the dogs. He allowed them to approach at their own pace, helping staff see how each pup reacted to a calm cat nearby.
Sometimes, Mustache made it clear when he was unsure about a dog — and that information was helpful, too.
More Than Just A Helper
Mustache was not only important to the rescue’s work. He was also deeply loved by Dominguez, who had welcomed him as a hospice foster while he was living with advanced kidney disease.
Though no one knew how much time Mustache had left, Dominguez promised to give him a safe and loving home for the rest of his life. That promise became something incredibly meaningful to both of them.
Helping Dogs Find The Right Homes
Mustache’s work made a real difference for Muttville’s senior dogs. Many adopters already have cats at home, so knowing whether a dog is cat-friendly can be an important part of finding the right match.
Because of Mustache, the rescue could better understand each dog’s behavior around cats. That helped more senior pups find homes where they could settle in safely and happily.
Saying Goodbye To A Beloved Cat
Sadly, after a long battle with kidney disease, Mustache passed away from kidney failure. His loss was heartbreaking for Dominguez and everyone at the rescue who had come to love him.
Although his time as cat tester was too short, Mustache left behind a lasting legacy. He showed just how valuable the role could be and helped create a path for future cat testers.
Little Dude Steps Into The Role
After Mustache’s passing, the rescue found another cat who was ready for the job: Little Dude.
Like Mustache, Little Dude had the right personality for working with dogs. He lived with dog siblings at home and was very comfortable reading canine body language.
If a dog seemed too excited or focused on him, Little Dude knew to keep his distance. But when a dog was calm and relaxed, he was happy to get closer and interact.
Carrying On Mustache’s Legacy
Thanks to Little Dude, many senior dogs have been tested around cats and marked as cat-friendly, helping them find loving homes with families who already have feline companions.
Mustache may no longer be there in person, but his influence continues through Little Dude’s work. As the original cat tester, Mustache helped create a special tradition — one that continues to give senior dogs a better chance at finding the perfect forever family.