I previously told you the heartwarming stories of Reps. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) and Walter Jones (R-N.C.) helping military families remember their loved ones by bringing back dogs from Iraq. At a touching ceremony last night on Capitol Hill, The Humane Society of the United States honored Hodes and Jones for their work in assisting the grieving families of Army Spc. Justin Rollins and Marine Cpl. Dustin Jerome Lee by bringing back the dogs—Hero and Lex—whom these two soldiers had loved when they served our country overseas.
The Congressional Canine Honors also included a dog photo contest, and there were 98 wonderful submissions from members of Congress and their staff. It was a celebration of the human-animal bond, and all the joy and companionship that dogs bring to our lives. Our panel of judges—Barbara Harrison, Jay Kopelman, and Holly Petraeus, chose the winners in six categories, and I wanted to share the winning photos with you. Caring for animals is a bipartisan cause, and we have three Democratic dogs and three Republican dogs who were declared the victors last night—although every dog is a winner in our book.
“Best Campaigner”
Georgie – Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.)
“Best Briefed”
Como – Jody Comeaux-Stacoffe, office of Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.)
“Elder Statesdog”
Camembert – Craley Funfgeld, office of Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.)
“Rising Star”
Jake – Christy Hale, office of Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.)
“Barker of the House”
Hoover – Renee Howell, office of Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.)
“Senate Pawjority Leader”
Lucy – Mary Conley, office of Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
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