We are nearly 151 days into the Trump presidency, and many government positions remain unfilled. So does a crucial White House job: first pet.
Fortunately, Vice President Pence’s swelling menagerie is there to fill the presidential pet void. Over the weekend, the Pences added a puppy and a kitten to their brood, which already included a rabbit named Marlon Bundo, a cat named Pickle and a hive full of anonymous bees. (Another Pence cat, Oreo, passed away earlier this month.)
The arrivals of Australian shepherd Harley and gray tabby Hazel were, of course, heralded by adorable photos on social media.
And... for Father's Day, we surprised @VP with an Indiana puppy! Introducing: Harley! pic.twitter.com/ZlvNasOw9b
— Second Lady Karen Pence Archived (@SecondLady45) June 18, 2017
We welcomed a new kitten to our family during our trip back home to Indiana this weekend!Introducing: Hazel! pic.twitter.com/TWk6WeUQi6
— Second Lady Karen Pence Archived (@SecondLady45) June 18, 2017
Marlon Bundo, who is colloquially known as “Bunny of the United States,” or BOTUS, announced via his very popular Instagram account that he had spent time getting to know his new “siblings.”
Speaking of Marlon: Pence spokesman Marc Lotter deemed Harley the nation’s “Second Dog,” which seems a bit unfair. There is no First Dog, after all. And if the rabbit is BOTUS, shouldn’t Harley be DOTUS?
New Second Dog - Harley - got his first ride on Air Force Two with @VP. Next exploring the grounds & house at Vice President's Residence. pic.twitter.com/opmERCsii2
— Devin O’Malley 45 Archived (@VPPressSec45) June 19, 2017
The absence of a White House dog would also seem to eliminate “Vice Dog” as a possibility. Perhaps the right title is “Honorary First Dog?” Maybe “Substitute First Dog.” (Pundits and political opponents who argue that Trump is deserving of impeachment might prefer “First Dog-In-Waiting,” though that is not really what “in-waiting” means.)
In any case, bestowing the proper titles on the new Pence pets is a confusing endeavor. It would be far easier if Trump would simply get a dog.
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