Without a purpose, people can feel sullen and sad. It’s hard to get through the day when you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing with your life. For many of us, working or volunteering helps fill the void by giving back to our community and the world.
One special cat named D-O-G found his purpose helping to train service dogs at Support Dogs Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri.
Yes, you read that right. This little kitty is a bona fide dog trainer— and D-O-G (pronounced ‘dee-oh’-jee’, like the letters) takes his job at the training center very seriously.
Support Dogs Inc. trains dogs for a variety of purposes. And because these dogs can be placed in a number of environments, they need to be able to deal with distraction— a test that D-O-G happily provides.
D-O-G pleasantly bats his dogs’ noses and pulls on their tails, making sure they have what it takes to succeed out there in the real world.
Ann Klein, CEO of Support Dogs Inc., explains, “In our training, our dogs have to be so well-behaved and not be reactive in many situations… [D-O-G]’ll go scampering by and they have to be good and obedient.”
D-O-G is a former barn cat who was discovered by Nadine Wenig, the organization’s director of services. Wenig met the kitten at a local bed and breakfast and immediately fell in love. Seeing the instant connection form between the two of them, the owners of the business offered Wenig the cat. That’s when she brought him back to center and introduced him to the dogs.
“We saw that he was completely fearless despite his size and had no issue being around and close to the dogs,” volunteer manager Stephanie McCreary told This Dog’s Life.
“He will often play with their tails and bat their noses. The dogs are exposed to this, and we watch for any behavioral changes and adjust accordingly.”
“D-O-G is a loveable scamp, mischievous, and at times, the silliest little thing you will ever see. His fearlessness and social nature have made everyone that has met him fall in love,” McCreary said.
Klein adds, “He’s definitely earned his keep”
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