Editor’s Notes: Every Babydog has her day
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Had she not been picked up against her will and her backside hoisted before the world to mock Bette Midler, Babydog would probably be the most universally loved West Virginia political figure. And really, we can't fault her for how her owner chose to use her at that moment.
She's adorable, calm, well-behaved ... people clamor to attend events at which there is even the possibility they might be able to pet her.
And now, she's awaiting surgery for TWO torn anterior cruciate ligaments in her back legs. She was wheeled to a recent appearance inside a canvas stroller. But her public was waiting.
"She's a nice dog," her veterinarian told WVNS. "She really is, and she's an easy dog to treat.
"I think Babydog has more stardom than the governor, if the truth be known."
The vet is probably right, and Gov. Jim Justice knows it. She's one of his most effective political weapons. It's a good thing she doesn't seem to mind all the travel and appearances. In fact, if you ask a lot of West Virginians, which bothers you more right now: knowing some of the governor's business property is being auctioned to pay back loans, or knowing Babydog is hurt -- maybe in pain -- and will undergo surgery, the answer will probably be Babydog.
It's quite the political trick, and makes me wonder whether Justice is already researching whether Babydog would be welcomed inside the U.S. Capitol Building. She's only 4 years old, after all. In addition to obviously being a much beloved pet, she could be his political sidekick for another five or six years or so.
If that's his hope, maybe he should help her, erm, lay off the fast food.
"She loves to eat, and we're kind of on the same diet," Justice told WVNS. "She loves chicken nuggets."
Any of us who have been guilty of slipping a table scrap here and there to a begging dog can sympathize. But the poor girl is going to have to watch her figure if she's going to rehab two surgically repaired ACLs.
Justice also asked West Virginians to pray for Babydog as she awaits her surgeries. People of all political leanings will likely be doing so. After all, even if you disagree with Justice's politics, it's hard to argue Babydog is not just good PR for the state, she's simply a very good girl.
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On the subject of good PR for West Virginia, it turns out one of our favorite delicacies is still doing the trick. While traveling with friends in Florida, we ran into some people we knew. (It really is a small world). These acquaintances were excited to tell us they'd looked up a recipe and tried to make pepperoni rolls at home. In their opinion, they'd done a pretty good job, and the pepperoni rolls were delicious.
They were so pleased with themselves, and seemed to want our approval as perhaps honorary Mountain Staters. It was nice to be with an out-of-state resident smiling and talking in such positive terms about the state -- and its favorite food. (The woman who had done the baking was particularly proud of her accomplishment).
Someday we'll reach the point where there is much more than Babydog and pepperoni rolls to make people smile that way about West Virginia. But for now, those two things are a pretty good start.
Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com