She tries to herd the cats 😂
More than 350 former feral cats now live safely at Minnesota’s Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary, so visitors usually arrive expecting to be surrounded by cats at every turn.
What often surprises them, though, is that inside the sanctuary’s catorium, there’s sometimes a dog quietly curled up among the felines — blending in so well that she can be easy to miss.
The dog’s name is Bella, and she joined the Furball Farm family seven years ago when one of the sanctuary’s directors, Janis, adopted her. Janis initially brought Bella along to work, assuming the cat-only spaces would be off limits. Bella, however, had other plans.
“She cries to be let into the sanctuary,” Janis told The Dodo.
Carefully and slowly, Janis began introducing Bella to the cats, unsure how they would react. To her surprise, most of the cats were completely at ease with the gentle dog. It wasn’t long before Bella was regularly curling up beside them, sharing naps and playtime.
“She absolutely loves the cats,” Janis said. “She snuggles with them and plays with them every chance she gets.”
Today, the staff considers Bella an honorary volunteer — a role she takes very seriously. One of her daily “duties” includes attempting to herd the cats, keeping a watchful eye over her feline friends.
“She’s very protective of them,” Janis said.
While Bella has never shown aggression toward the cats, the team is mindful that not every cat enjoys canine company. Those who prefer their space are kept separate, ensuring everyone remains comfortable. Still, Bella’s presence has provided an unexpected benefit.
“If a cat becomes adoptable, we already know whether they’re okay with dogs,” Janis explained.
After spending so much time among cats, Bella has picked up a few feline habits herself. She occasionally tries to sneak a bite of cat food and has fully embraced the art of napping — especially on the sanctuary’s heated floors.
“She loves the warm floors just as much as the cats do,” Janis said.
Not every dog would be content spending their days among hundreds of cats, but Bella is clearly one of a kind. And according to Janis, that’s exactly how Bella sees herself.
“Sometimes,” Janis said with a laugh, “we really think she believes she’s just a very big cat.”