Meet the Dogs of the House

By Alex Gangitano

Posted May 2, 2017 at 5:00am

In the dog-eat-dog world of Congress, there are a few nonpartisan pups that help lighten the mood.

On Monday, we gave you the dogs of the Senate, and now, we look at the House pooches who brighten up days on both sides of the aisle.

[Meet the Dogs of the Senate]

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.

Maya has been the office dog in Florida Rep. <a class= — Maya has been the office dog in Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen‘s office since 2008. (Courtesy Ros-Lehtien’s office)

Maya, D.C. pound mutt, 11 years

“Maya was an instant hit with my South Florida constituents!” Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said. “Maya is a people person and greets everyone, from constituents to other members of Congress, excitedly and pleasantly. When we do have long days, Maya’s easy smile and playful nature is a great boost to everyone’s mood! She even has her own hashtag, #MayaAndFriends!”

[Ros-Lehtinen Not Seeking Re-Election]

Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo.

Gia has been in Colorado Rep. <a class= — Gia has been in Colorado Rep. Jared Polis’ office for seven years. (Courtesy Polis′ office)

Gia, terrier mix, 7 and a half years

“Gia joined the office 7 years ago when she was just a puppy. We got her during the August recess of my freshman term,” Colorado Democrat Jared Polis said. “I love all animals, and I’m proud to be a member of the Animal Protection Caucus. From the get-go, I knew that she would be the perfect fit for our office!”

“Gia is popular with my staff and residents from the 2nd Congressional District. She also provides a positive and cheerful spirit to our office,” the congressman added.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis.

Todd Grrrley, who hangs out in Wisconsin Rep. <a class= — Todd Grrrley, who hangs out in Wisconsin Rep. Glenn Grothman’s office, is named after former University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley. (Courtesy Grothman’s office)

Todd Grrrley, mutt, one and a half years

“I’ve been bringing Todd to work — in session and out — since I adopted him in July of 2016,” said Todd’s owner, Bernadette Green, communications director for Wisconsin Rep. Glenn Grothman. “Congressman Grothman loves dogs, but doesn’t have one because of the amount of traveling he does. When he and my chief learned that I was adopting Todd, they told me to start bringing him into work every day.”

“He definitely relieves some of the stress on our busiest days,” Green said. “And, of course, he’s a huge hit with the constituents that visit our office. He truly makes the office more welcoming — it feels more like home than work.”

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.

Tennessee Rep. <a class= — Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen calls Stevie “our ambassador of joy.” (Courtesy Cohen’s office)

Stevie, goldendoodle, 2 years in June

“Stevie became our office dog when we hired her mom, Alex Schnelle, as our staff assistant last year,” Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen’s office said. “Team Cohen loves dogs, so when we learned that Alex had a goldendoodle, we asked her to bring Stevie by for a visit. The office fell in love with Stevie, so now she comes in to work every day. Congressman Cohen is an animal lover and was on board with having Stevie around the office.”

“Stevie is our ‘ambassador of joy,’ lifting the spirits of everyone in the office by giving us hugs when we walk in the door, asking us to play with her and her tennis ball, and generally being very cute,” the office said.

Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla.

Florida Rep. <a class= — Florida Rep. Ted Deutch brings his dog Jessie to work with him to play with staffers’ dogs who frequent the office. (Courtesy Deutch’s office)

Jessie, West Highland white terrier, 15 years

“There is nothing quite like the excitement and unconditional love of a pet. Our canine co-workers keep our entire office energized,” Florida Rep. Ted Deutch said. “We’re a pet-friendly office, pet-friendly district, and I’m working to pass pet-friendly legislation with the PACT Act.”

Other pets who frequent the office include: