Donald Trump is missing out on a bit of political juice; he is the first American president in more than a century not to have a dog in the White House. The Democrat rivals who are lining up for the top job appear to be more savvy on the political advantage that companions bring or they are more animal orientated. I can understand that. The mentality of a democrat sits more naturally with a kindly attitude towards companion animals.
“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
Harry S Truman
For instance, Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts senator – a front runner – has two ‘guys’ in her life: her husband, Bruce, and her golden retriever, Bailey. It seems that her previous dog was of the same breed (see photo). Bailey has a Twitter account. Don’t they all? There are more animal celebs than human celebs on Twitter and Instagram or it seems like it.
There are many others. Eric Swalwell has complained, tongue in cheek that his dog, Penny, a black Labrador, had not been featured in the news media. Another black Labrador is the companion of Beto O’Rouke. He lost to Ted Cruz in last year’s Senate race. He has adopted a cat, Silver, and another dog, Rose.
Labradors are favourites. Tim Ryan, an Ohio congressman, has a couple of Lab puppies, Bear and Buckeye. Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend has a rescue dog, Truman. He has rescued another animal from the pound.
Joe Binden has two dogs: a German shepherd, Major, and a another German shepherd, Champ. Cory Booker does not have a pet but he promised an 11-year-old boy that he’d get one for the White House when he is president.
You have to be a good companion animal guardian though because it can backfire if you are not. Mitt Romney in 2012 made his Irish Setter travel on the roof of his car. The information got out and his attempt to be president was doomed thereafter.
