Rufus

Rufus and Mia Farrow, in The Muppets Valentine Show

Rufus is a fluffy white dog, originally built for the mid-60s pilot The Land of Tinkerdee. In that pilot, Rufus was the watchdog and best friend of Darryl, a human who worked as the gatekeeper of Tinkerdee. Rufus was good-natured and helpful, although clumsy. He was performed by Jim Henson. The Land of Tinkerdee wasn't picked up, and Rufus was denied his chance at stardom.

Rufus next appeared in the 1970 special Hey Cinderella!, as Cinderella's pet dog. In the special, Rufus doesn't speak; he communicates through gestures and barks. He also made an appearance in The Muppets Valentine Show in 1974, interacting with guest star Mia Farrow. That same year, Rufus appeared alongside Brewster in Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. In mime, he requested his favorite song to Herb: "Spanish Flea".

In 1976, another fluffy white dog puppet was created for The Muppet Show -- J.P. Grosse's dog, Muppy. Muppy had more realistic features than Rufus did, so that he could be switched to a real dog in long shots.

Both Rufus and Muppy can be spotted in The Muppets Take Manhattan (in the sequence with Rowlf at the dog shelter, and in the wedding sequence) and in The Muppets at Walt Disney World(in the musical sequence "I'm Doggin' It".) Rufus also made at least one appearance on Sesame Street.

See also

• Rufus (Muppets Tonight)