Rufferto is kidnapped by men who recognize him and know of the reward offered for his return. The kidnapping happens after Groo sends the dog to the kitchen to be "served". Groo thinks he has eaten Rufferto and sees things that resemble the dog throughout the story. When Groo actually encounters Rufferto during a battle, he thinks it is his mind playing tricks on him and he runs back into the fray, leaving Rufferto in the hands of the kidnappers.