What began as a standard Senate Agriculture Committee hearing took an unexpected and delightful turn when Babydog Justice, the beloved English bulldog belonging to Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), made a surprise appearance.
The committee was convened to consider nominations for key USDA positions—Judge Stephen Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Tyler Clarkson for USDA General Counsel—but Babydog’s presence injected an atmosphere of levity and smiles into the proceedings.
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) playfully remarked, “Babydog was the difference in you getting on the committee or not,” highlighting the dog’s unexpected but welcome impact.
Babydog Bridges Partisan Divides
Senator Justice, recently transitioning from his role as Governor of West Virginia to the Senate, shared with Fox News Digital that Babydog’s reception was overwhelmingly positive. “I am so pleased to see the warm reception of Babydog from folks in Congress,” he stated. “Today she came along with me to the Agriculture Committee hearing and knew if she participated, there would be a treat as a reward. Senator Boozman took the time to introduce her to the committee, and contrary to what Senator Hoeven said in the hearing, she is not livestock or up for auction — even though she may resemble a little brown cow!”
A humorous exchange occurred when Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) jokingly suggested Babydog might be considered livestock, prompting laughter and Justice’s playful rebuttal.
At one point, Justice held the dog up to the microphone, stating that she “humanizes us all,” before requesting a staffer assist him with the surprisingly hefty pup.
The reaction on social media was immediate and enthusiastic. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins posted a video of Babydog’s visit, declaring, “We love you Babydog! Senate Ag is never the same when you’re around.”
Babydog’s Capitol Hill Adventures
The Senate Agriculture Committee even joined in the merriment, sharing behind-the-scenes content of Babydog’s visit and noting she was “making new friends and monitoring policy.”
Babydog herself weighed in on social media with a photo from the hearing, accompanied by the humorous caption, “Is this thing on?”
Her charm extended beyond the committee room. Senators Daines (R-Mont.) and Tuberville (R-Ala.) both shared pictures of their interactions with Babydog, with Daines playfully suggesting she become the 101st senator, prompting a resounding chorus of “AYE!”
Babydog’s Background
- Born in 2019
- A 60-pound English bulldog
- Gifted to Senator Justice by his children.
- Gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of West Virginia’s “Do It for Babydog” vaccine lottery initiative.
- Made a memorable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, charming attendees from a specially designed chair.
Despite her newfound fame, Senator Justice remains focused on his responsibilities as a member of the Agriculture Committee. He has consistently championed policies supporting rural communities and strengthening the agricultural economy—priorities deeply rooted in West Virginia’s interests.
With a background as a former two-term governor, lifelong farmer, and businessman, Justice advocates for practical solutions to challenges such as food security, rural development, and infrastructure investment. His position on the committee allows him to pursue these goals while being accompanied by his four-legged companion.
As Babydog continues to steal hearts on Capitol Hill, Senator Justice is poised to leverage his platform—with his canine sidekick close at hand—to advance these crucial priorities.
