Meet the Dogs of the Senate
Canine friends in Fischer, Isakson, Rubio and Daines’ offices
President Harry Truman once said, “You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.” There are a few Senate offices that are full of friends.
A few dogs hang out regularly either as official “office dogs,” or because they belong to staffers who enjoy bringing in their pooches.
Check back Tuesday to meet some of the dogs of the House.
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.
Fred Fischer, goldendoodle, 5 months
“We missed having [our dogs’] friendly presence around in Washington,” Sen. Deb Fischer said. “I talked about wanting a dog for a while. My D.C. staff assured me they would happily watch the dog for me when I was in Nebraska, and I finally talked Bruce into getting another dog. Then when we saw a picture of 8-week-old Fred, we couldn’t resist!”
“Fred is undeniably adorable,” the Nebraska Republican added. “He brings a smile to everyone who sees him. Now that the weather is nice, my staff loves to take a few minutes out of a busy day to take Fred out to the Russell courtyard, turn him loose in puppy heaven, and enjoy the fresh air.
“Fred has facilitated bonding with other Senate offices. When we walk through the halls, Fred sees everyone who passes as a new friend to greet. Most staffers on the fourth floor of Russell know him by name. He brings people together — that’s why I’ve started calling him the #BipartisanSenatePup on my Instagram.”
Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
Jabber, Labrador-golden retriever mix, 3 and a half years
“Jabber lightens the mood in what is a fast-paced and demanding environment. He can change anyone’s bad day to a great one with a single wag of the tail or a high-five!” Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson’s office said in an email.
He even has his own Instagram page @jabbers_labbers.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Oskar, Pembroke Welsh corgi, 1 year
“I’ve brought him to the office a few times over the last several months during district work weeks,” said Oskar’s owner Matt Wolking, press secretary to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
“Walking him through the building is fun — everyone who sees him smiles!” he added.
Oskar also has his own Instagram page @OskarCorgi.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
Several dogs, belonging to different staffers, are often in and out of Montana Sen. Steve Daines’ office.
Here is the current line-up:
- Jack Schmoll, Wheaten terrier, 11 years
- Sundrop Pack, Labrador retriever, 1 year
- Tucker Sellers, boxer, 9 years
- Pax, golden retriever, 4 years
- Lemon, yellow Labrador retriever, 3 years
“Unlike many in D.C., dogs are always happy to see you,” Daines said.
