AboutRufus Dog Rescue
Honouring Rufus’ Legacy by Connecting Dogs with Loving Homes
Rufus’ Legacy
Our rescue dog, Rufus, bounded into my life with unfiltered joy in 2012.
This nine-month-old bundle of brindle fur came bursting out of the Berkeley Humane Society doors grinning ear to ear, as if he’d been waiting just for me. One walk around the block was all it took—I knew I wasn’t bringing him back. It remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
At a time when my own heart felt tender, Rufus showed up with the kind of unconditional love that only a dog can give. His goofy spirit and his wet, slobbery kisses stitched me back together little by little. A year later, he leapt straight into my now-husband’s arms, and just like that, we weren’t just a pair—we were a family.
As the years passed, our love for Rufus opened our eyes to the countless dogs who never got the chance he did. More than three million homeless dogs enter shelters in the United States each year. Many wait and hope; heartbreakingly, far too many never make it to a home of their own. Shelters are overflowing, foster families are stretched thin, and the municipal teams and nonprofits doing the lifesaving work of animal rescue give everything they can, every single day.
Our Commitment to Rufus
All dogs need homes, but rescue dogs are a special breed.
Loyalty
The fierce loyalty of a rescue dog comes from something so simple and pure—a longing to share their life with a loving family. That was my Rufus to his core, and it’s the reason we’re here today.
Connection
Our mission is to help bridge the gap between local rescue organizations and future pet parents, like you. Each month, we’ll spotlight a few special dogs (and sometimes a cat or two!) in hopes of sparking a connection that leads to adoption. It’s our small way of helping these incredible animals find the forever homes they deserve.
Legacy
It feels like the kind of work Rufus would have championed himself—a continuation of his legacy of joy, loyalty, and love.
Meet a few wonderful animals currently available for adoption through our rescue partners here in the Napa Valley, including Whiskers, Tails & Ferals, and Ripple Effect Animal Project. To learn more about any of these sweet adoptables—or to begin the adoption process — click the link in their profile. You’ll be connected to Petfinder for all the details you need to take the next step toward welcoming a new friend home.
featured adoptablesPawsitively Approved By Rufus
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Eugene
Meet Eugene, a distinguished senior pup looking for his FURever home. He’s ten years old, needs a home without cats and minimal stairs. We love Eugene!
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Joni Mitchell
Joni is a 4 year old chiweenie/poodle mix. This gal has a lot of sweet Yin-kind-of-love to give and would be in perfect in a home with a single woman, cozy with Netflix.
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Devereaux
This 3-year-old ice blue eyed beauty is super smart and snuggly too. Perfect balance of Yin-Yang.
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Austero
A 7-year old sweetheart with abundant Qi and a heart ready for a family.
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Toby
Toby is about 4-years old. A Pitbull-French bulldog mix with a lot of spirit, strong Yang Qi and all about play!
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Kope (Ko-Pay)
This senior gal is about 8-years old and is good spirits despite some recent moves. Heart Qi is big, ready for love.
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Oran
Oran is a gentleman and scholar who beat the tough streets. 9-years old, it's time he lives is golden Qi years in a cozy, kind home. Rufus agrees.
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Sadie
Ms. Sadie thinks herself a lap dog. At three years old, she’s a bit shy at first, but likes dogs and respectfully declines cats. Those sweet eyes are all Shen (spirit) and full of love.
Disclaimer: The animals listed here are looking for new guardians directly from organizations not affiliated with The Wellness Principle. This is a referral service only, provided as a courtesy to help connect pets with people. All arrangements to meet these animals must be made directly with the nonprofit listed in the pet’s bio above. We make no claims and accept no responsibility as to the pet's health or temperament and cannot be held liable for any outcomes resulting from adoption.
how it worksYou Adopt – We Donate
Rufus was a giver at heart—and he’d want nothing more than to see these pups find their furever homes.
For every adoption made, we’ll donate 10% of the total adoption fee to the rescue organization listed, helping support the next animal in need. If you adopt one of the pets featured on our site, simply email Dr. Bianca, and we’ll make a direct contribution to the rescue in your new companion’s honor.
That is my Rufus, and that’s why we’re here.
Rufus’ Favorite Healing ModalitiesHolistic Wellness Resources for Pets
When Rufus was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma at nine years old, we threw ourselves—heart first—into his healing.
We gathered an extraordinary team of animal healers: holistic veterinarians, energy medicine practitioners, animal communicators, acupuncturists, and more. As Chinese medicine doctors, we’ve always believed that true healing happens when the body finds balance, and Rufus reminded us that it’s the synergy of many therapies (plus endless belly scratches) that creates real wellness.
His journey was nothing short of miraculous.
With his steady heart and adventurous spirit, Rufus welcomed every healing gesture—daily bone broth blended with Chinese herbs, acupuncture, energy work, and, of course, any treat that came his way. In doing so, he taught us what resilience looks like. He lived vibrantly, joyfully, and fully for another four beautiful years.
Rufus passed peacefully at home in August 2025, surrounded by his family, held in love, and gently guided across the rainbow bridge.
In honor of his legacy, we’re sharing the practitioners who supported him—and who can support your beloved companion through illness, aging, or even just the mystery of why they insist on hiding your shoes.
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Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services
Dr. Kim Schmidt’s integrative approach to pet wellness played a vital role in Rufus’ cancer journey—from herbal medicine, to acupuncture, nutrition and supplements, alongside Western veterinary care.
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Vex Varka
Vex specializes in intuitive energy healing for dogs, providing not only healing sessions but also the compassionate support that worried pet parents need.
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Artemis Animal Healing
Indrani's connection with animals is extraordinary. Every single message she conveyed about Rufus resonated with complete accuracy, offering us comfort and direction when we needed it most.
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Totem Small Animal (Napa and Sonoma Counties)
Dr. Katy Wilson is that rare combination: exceptionally skilled and truly compassionate. Rufus despised going to the vet but made an exception for her—and so would we.
