This interview is part of a series of interviews leading up to the 135th Westminster Dog Show, February 14 and 15, 2011. The interviews will focus on working and therapy dogs, and spotlight veterinary professionals (veterinarians and vet techs) who are involved with dog shows.

In this interview, meet Rufus, the 2006 Westminster Best In Show winner. Rufus retired from the show circuit after winning (it's hard to top "the best"), but he didn't retire from helping people and being an ambassador for his breed.

Meet Rufus and learn more about his therapy work in this interview with his owner/handler, Barb Bishop.

Meet Rufus the Bull Terrier

1) Please tell us a little about Rufus - how old his he? How long have you had him, and when did he win at Westminster?

Answer: Rufus is 10-1/2 years old now. We have had him since he was 10 weeks old. He won WKC in 2006.

2) How did you get involved in therapy work?

Answer: I got involved in pet therapy when I saw a sign for the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and TDI (Therapy Dogs International) test at a dog show we were at. I decided to take Rufus to it. He was really starting to get bored at home. I am a retired Paramedic, and this was the perfect chance to give back.

At the nursing home, we check in, greet all the residents that hang out in the lobby, we move on to the rooms, and go to the community room. I laughingly say we hang out. But that is what we do. We listen, we talk, he gets petted. If we go to a school, we may get read to or give a program. At libraries, we give programs on BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) and responsible dog ownership.

3) What special talents or stories can you share about Rufus and his therapy work?

Answer: Rufus seems to sense a patients needs. For a big clumsy dog, he can be exceptionally gentle. Because he is sort of odd looking, he connects on a different level with people with exceptional needs.

Rufus did have a break through with a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center - no one else could reach. There's a dementia patient that just loves Rufus, she perks right up for him. He had had another episode with a non-verbal child that made his first sounds when he saw Rufus, brought everyone to tears.

4) Please tell us a little about the Bull Terrier and why Rufus is a great ambassador for the breed.

Answer: The Bull Terrier is a member of the Bull Breed family, and of course gets lumped in with the misconception that Bull Breeds are bad dogs. Of course people do not take the time to think that behind that dog, some human was the one RESPONSIBLE for making that dog bad. If you take a dog and mistreat it and torture it on a daily basis you will make it bad.

Sadly law enforcement can't take the time to sort out the real criminals at the scene of the crime. When the lowlifes sic the dogs on the officers they have to shoot the dogs. They can't shoot the people. The same with the irresponsible owners that allow these dogs to roam all over. The poor dog is the way it is because it just wanted to please it's owner.

Rufus is a great ambassador because he was able to get out in the public eye and show everyone that the Bull Breeds are not all bad. We have tried to make the most of our position and show the public that it's the deed and not the breed that should be judged.

5) Have you experienced any breed discrimination in your therapy work?

Answer: We have experienced breed discrimination in our therapy work because after our visit to WRAMC and the great break through we had with that young Warrior, the bull breed ban went into effect at all military installations, so even though 75% of all the Wounded Warriors own bull breeds, we could not go back. They all loved Rufus and wanted him to visit but he could not.

6) Do you have any tips for people who are considering doing therapy work with their dog?

Answer: Anyone who wants to go into therapy dog work should do it. It is wonderful. I really enjoy it and so does Rufus. I have learned so much, made so many new friends. So very rewarding. Rufus missed the limelight, but he has a new job now.

Thank you, Barb for telling us about Rufus and his therapy work.

Related Information:Wesminster Kennel Club

Previous Westminster Coverage:

• Westminster Dog Show Archive