Congress Goes to the Dogs

By Warren Rojas

Posted July 30, 2015 at 6:36pm

Life on Capitol Hill was good for a few fleeting moments Thursday, as members and staff wandered from wet-nosed critter to furry-faced charmer in pursuit of the perfect cuddle.

The Paws 4 Celebration event was designed as a way to get readily adoptable pets in front of big-hearted staffers.

“I’m glad Washington Humane brought some pits. It helps demystify that whole ‘bogeyman’ persona they have,” an animal-loving lobbyist said of the sweet-natured pit bulls sprinkled about the Cannon Caucus Room.

Pols flowed in and out of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-sponsored snuggle-fest.

Some gravitated toward former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., elder statesman and new pet ambassador .

UNITED STATES - JULY 30: Former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., greets Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., during the ASPCA's Fourth Annual Paws for Celebration pet adoption event in Cannon Building, July 30, 2015. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) — Dole greets Rep. Dina Titus. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

UNITED STATES - JULY 30: Former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., seated, and Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., pet — Dole, seated, and Rep. Ruben Gallego pet “Milo.” (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

While others elected to get close and personal with the featured attractions.

It was good to spend a little time with the wonderful puppies that the @ASPCA brought to Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/x4Un71imik
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) July 30, 2015