Kelly Rutherford's Dog Is Protective of Her Little 'Pack'

He may be oceans from the country where his breed originated, but Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford's Australian cattle dog Oliver has not lost the natural, protective temperament of his kind. At a charity event in New York last week Rutherford described the pooch, who she is often spotted around town with, as her "first child" who is "so protective of our family."

A breed of dog notorious for their herding nature, Oliver does a great job rounding up the actress' children, Hermes, 3, and Helena, 1. "He follows the kids around when they get home every day, gives them a little smell, makes sure that everyone in our pack is home and accounted for," she said.

The black and white canine, who is a senior at 14-years-old, is content with his role as big brother of the household. "He feels much better when he has his little siblings home," she said.

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Kate Hallett