Calif. Gov's Newest Ally? A 'Fur Ball' With Charm

[The Straight Story]

Calif. Gov's Newest Ally? A 'Fur Ball' With Charm

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Jerry Brown has found an unlikely new best friend in his efforts to work with Republicans and fix California's budget mess.

Brown and first lady Anne Gust Brown officially welcomed Sutter, a 7-year-old Welsh corgi, as the state's top dog this week. The stocky, sable-colored canine with a milky white belly and marble-shaped eyes has been accompanying California's first couple to work at the state Capitol every day.

The dog has emerged as the warm-and-fuzzy counterpoint to the often blunt demeanor of the veteran Democratic politician, and his scratch-me-on-the-belly playfulness has disarmed even the governor's most persistent political foes during the sometimes-testy discussions over how to close the state's $27 billion deficit.

"Sutter and I have developed a relationship," said Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton, one of the legislative leaders with whom Brown has to negotiate on the state budget. "I met him down at the governor's conference room. As we got to talking, I noticed there was a fur ball under my seat. He was very calm, laying there, sleeping. I think he was looking at me to be a protector of the taxpayer's dollars."

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/26910314/detail.html

[inademv]

1. OMG I LOVE CORGIS

[lunatica]

2. It's amazing what a calming effect pets have on potential tense interactions

between people.

[get the red out]

3. A face even a Republican can love!

He's adorable!

[superduperfarleft]

4. .