Friend,

I’m still reeling from the news that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem shot and killed her puppy, Cricket. I love dogs, so I could write plenty about the moral callousness of Governor Noem’s actions. I could also expound on how stunned I am that the Republican Party might still nominate her to be their Vice Presidential nominee.

But a picture is worth a thousand words. So here are a few pictures (rather than a few thousand words) capturing some of my favorite dogs in Connecticut’s Fourth District. As a friend always says, elected officials represent all species. I’m proud to speak for every constituent – including those with two legs and those with four.

— Jim

Campaign season is always a great time to make new friends. I met this furry constituent while knocking on doors in Easton.

If you’ve been to my campaign office over the last few years, you’ve almost certainly met some of our four-legged supporters. Georgia and Otis keep our volunteers company as they make calls, build lawn signs, and write postcards.

Frida cheered on the Democrats at the annual Wilton Democrat vs. Republican softball game. We lost in a landslide, but Frida didn’t seem to mind.

Senator Blumenthal and I marched alongside this therapy-trained dog at the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I think Congress could use more therapy dogs.

My pup Bella passed away recently but she was my devoted companion for years. She had great taste in tennis balls and ties.

Shoutout to all the dogs who work hard to keep us safe. I was thrilled to meet one of Norwalk’s finest.