Andy Cohen’s Sweet Words for His Rescue Dog, Wacha: ‘He’s My Companion’

When Andy Cohen adopted his rescue dog, Wacha, in 2013, he quickly fell in love with the adorable beagle-foxhound mix.

Before long, Wacha became a celebrity in his own right. The photogenic pup has nearly 200,000 Instagram followers, and he’s a popular recurring guest on Cohen’s late-night talk show on Bravo, Watch What Happens Live.

Cohen says that having Wacha around has changed his life “in every way.”

“I’m much more compassionate,” he tells Parade.com. “It means a lot to take care of another being. And it’s fun, too. It’s just opened my life up. I like walking him in the morning! All my friends said, ‘Oh, you’re going to hate walking him.’ But I love it—it’s great! We have a great life together. He’s my companion.”

Chillin with Mr. C pic.twitter.com/LqJO9wo7RU

— Wacha Cohen (@TheRealWacha) November 16, 2015

It’s a companionship made even sweeter by the fact that Wacha was rescued from a kill shelter in West Virginia. Since welcoming Wacha into his life, Cohen has been passionate about helping shelter pups and encouraging people to adopt rescue dogs.

That’s one reason he’s currently partnering with Purina ONE for their One Difference Campaign. As part of the initiative, dog owners around the U.S. can join Cohen in taking the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge by switching to Purina ONE dog food for 28 days.

Every time someone signs up for the challenge, Purina ONE will donate $10 (on top of the company’s initial $15,000 donation) to Mutt-i-grees, an educational program that places shelter dogs in classrooms to teach kids skills like empathy, responsibility and social awareness. And, in turn, the hope is that the kids and adults involved in the Mutt-i-grees program will be more likely to adopt a shelter dog down the line.

Cohen chatted with Parade.com about his love for rescue dogs, snuggling with Wacha and whether or not his beloved pup realizes he’s famous.

Why do you think having rescue dogs in the classroom can help kids?

It’s so cool to watch these kids interact with the rescue dogs and see what they can learn from the animals…I think that it teaches innumerable things, how to care for another creature. It teaches you what the animals are thinking or feeling. It teaches compassion. These animals need homes. And also [the dogs are] kind of dependent on the kids, so it gives the kids a sense of maturity and responsibility and independence.

You got to see a demonstration of the Mutt-i-grees program in a classroom. How did the kids like it?

They totally came alive. They were engaged. I mean, I imagine if I was in a classroom learning math or science or whatever and then people brought dogs in, I would be thrilled. And these kids were, too.

Why would you say it’s important to adopt dogs at a rescue shelter instead of buying them at a pet store?

There’s just millions of dogs that need homes and that are really good animals. And you could save a dog’s life by rescuing it, so, you know, what’s better than that?

Some people worry about shelter dogs having behavior problems. How would you respond to those concerns?

I found out that my dog was abused at some point in his life. And the truth is, it just means he needs love more, you know? So it makes my life richer with him to be able to give him a steady home where he’s going to be really taken care of and protected.

And, of course, we see Wacha pretty regularly on Watch What Happens Live. What do you think he makes of it all? Does he know he’s famous?

I don’t think he does. I mean, he’s got people coming up to him all day long. I think he’s either indifferent or, you know, if people come up to him with a treat, then he’s thrilled. Other than that, he really doesn’t care. He gets recognized on the street all the time. Before people see me, they notice him.

What are some of your favorite everyday things to do with Wacha?

I love taking him to the beach, I love snuggling with him. My favorite thing to do is, I like him to fall asleep on my leg. I mean, what’s better than that?

Been taking a nap on him for an hour pic.twitter.com/k7aAFxVHHT

— Wacha Cohen (@TheRealWacha) April 20, 2015

Why did you name him Wacha?

The night I got him, we were watching a Cardinals baseball game. I’m a big Cardinals fan. And the pitcher Mike Wacha was pitching, and the whole crowd was cheering, “Wacha! Wacha! Wacha!” And I just looked at him and said, “Oh my God, that’s the perfect name for you!”

And do you think Wacha will ever have a dog brother or sister?

Maybe when he gets much older.