Cat named D-O-G is star canine trainer

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A cat with an unlikely name has an important job at a training center for dogs.

Support Dogs, Inc. in St. Louis took in the black and white cat over the summer and named him D-O-G (dee-OH'-jee). He's more than a mascot — officials say he plays a key role getting the dogs comfortable around other animals.

Assistance dogs need to be well-behaved and not be distracted in their job helping people who are deaf or have mobility problems.

A Support Dogs official says D-O-G is "fearless" around the larger canines and plays with their tails and sleeps in their beds.

The dogs go through a two-year training program before they go to clients.