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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Gov., Mrs. Corbett debut First Pups

HARRISBURG - They sniffed (the television cameras). They chewed (the governor's shoelaces). And they tinkled (in the grass).

Such was the media debut on Wednesday of the newest additions to Gov. Corbett's family: the first pups.

Holding pink and blue leashes, Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett paraded the two 11-week-old Airedale siblings before a battery of TV and still cameras at a press conference in the governor's mansion.

The big announcement? The winning names - Penny (for Pennsylvania) and Harry (for Harrisburg) - chosen from among 548 entries submitted by children under 12 as part of a statewide contest last month.

A total of 37 children submitted one or both of the winning names and they will receive autographed pictures of the Corbetts and their dogs.

Among the runner-up names the Corbetts liked: Reese and Cocoa (for Hershey products) and Dutch (Ronald Reagan's nickname) - which Susan Corbett called "the Republican name."

Her husband said the puppies are already showing their very different personalities.

"The female is more curious, the male is more obedient," said Corbett.

The puppies were purchased from a small dog breeder in Tunkhannock, Pa., in northeast Pennsylvania, who said she wanted to remain anonymous, Susan Corbett said.

"We looked at shelters and rescue organizations to find the right type of dog, and that led us to this breeder who often takes in rescue dogs," said Susan Corbett.

Gov. Corbett declined to say how much the couple paid for the dogs, but said no public funds were used.

The Corbetts said they chose the Airedale breed, which originated in England and is the largest of the terrier breeds, because they have had Airedales for 30 years.

Susan Corbett said they first selected the non-shedding dogs because of her allergies but have come to love the breed and felt their personalities were well-suited for their public role.

"They are people-oriented and friendly," said Susan Corbett, while Penny munched on her husband's untied shoelace.

"I don't usually let her do this but it's keeping her occupied right now," said Corbett, clearly smitten with the pups.

The first couple is training the young puppies to walk on their leashes, but said they plan to hire an obedience trainer for more advanced training soon.

Political rivals they may be, but Corbett and his predecessor, Ed Rendell, share a love of canines.

Rendell's two Golden Retrievers were a constant presence during his two terms in office. Sue Corbett once described her husband as "the one at the party in the corner with the dogs."

After Wednesday's formal puppy "unveiling" in the reception room, the Corbetts took Harry and Penny outside to the mansion's rose garden for a romp, where the pups got nose-to-lens with a cameraman and sniffed the ground for rodent holes.

"It makes it more of a home," said the governor. "They may be small in this mansion, but they complete it."

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 10:36 PM  Permalink | 1 comment
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:45 AM, 08/04/2011
    Should have named them Graft and Gasbag.
    — CiceroSpuriousDeodatus


1 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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