First off, Rutherford doesn't move a lot, I mean, why should he, after all, he rules and the one who rules does not need to move. So that makes Rutherford rather boring to the puppies. Secondly, he is not altogether friendly, or warm and cuddly to them, at least not yet. Instead, Rutherford communicates superiority, an Alpha status that even puppies respect.

Here are some photos of Rutherford's interactions with the puppies, as they were drying off after their baths. You can see how quickly, the puppies find something else to occupy their attention, leaving Rutherford on his throne.

"That's a big puppy!"

"He doesn't seem to play very well."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"No, you've got to be kidding me. What was that?"

"I'm going to find something else to play with."

"This is more fun!"

"I'll try one more time to make friends."

"Hello, nice to meet you."

I told you, "Cat's rule."