WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former West Virginia Governor and current U.S. Senator Jim Justice recently held an early birthday celebration for Babydog, his famous English bulldog and the only political figure in Washington whose approval rating reportedly improves every time she falls asleep during a meeting.
Babydog’s actual birthday is still several weeks away, but organizers said the party had to be held early because finding an open date on the congressional calendar proved easier than convincing lawmakers to agree on anything else.
The celebration included cake, decorations and guests from around Capitol Hill, all gathered to honor a bulldog who has spent years attending political events without once promising to lower taxes, fix a road or return anyone’s phone call.
Witnesses said Babydog arrived with the quiet confidence of someone who knew the entire event was about her.
“She didn’t give a speech, answer questions or outline a legislative agenda,” one attendee said. “Honestly, it was refreshing.”
Senator Justice has frequently brought Babydog to public events, where she has developed a following that extends well beyond West Virginia. Political analysts believe her popularity comes from a carefully managed platform built around naps, snacks and refusing to pretend she understands the federal budget.
During the party, lawmakers reportedly set aside their differences long enough to agree that Babydog was a good girl.
The agreement marked the first successful bipartisan action completed in Washington before its deadline in several years.
Staff members briefly considered introducing a resolution officially recognizing the birthday, but the proposal stalled after lawmakers could not agree whether the celebration should be classified as “early,” “extended” or “part of a continuing birthday resolution.”
Babydog appeared unconcerned by the procedural dispute.
She spent most of the event accepting attention, inspecting the food and staring at several senators as if she knew exactly what they had done.
Sources close to the bulldog say she intends to spend the weeks leading up to her actual birthday resting, eating and allowing the American people additional opportunities to celebrate her.
At press time, congressional leaders were reportedly studying Babydog’s ability to bring people together but had already ruled out adopting her methods after learning they would be required to sit quietly and listen.
Babydog offered no comment.
She did, however, accept another treat.
The Holler Herald — West Virginia’s Least Reliable News Source
If it happens in the hills, we’ll probably report it. If it happened in Washington, we may need somebody to explain it twice.
