Pets with Newt?

From Pets with Newt

As many of my friends will tell you and you may have concluded from this blog, I'm a big proponent of lawmakers and their pets.

One of the current (because he may not be in the race much longer) GOP presidential candidates, Newt Gingrich recently launched the site Pets with Newt. While the site may have been created with the best of intentions in a effort to engage many animal-loving voters, it leaves one wondering, why doesn't Newt have a pet? Take a look around the site and let me know what you think, but there's a lot to be desired from this site.

Puppies help alleviate stress

From the Washington Post.

A recent article in the Washington Post noted how several universities are bringing in puppies during finals to help students alleviate stress.

A law student from George Mason noted the benefits,

“Especially this time of the year, law school seems to ruin your life,” said Allison Tisdale, 24, a third-year from Texas who didn’t go home for Thanksgiving because she had to study. Holding a squirming puppy, she said, “you get to be human again.”

Research continue to show the effectiveness of animals to help people deal with stress. 

Politicians deal with stress every day and it's important to understand that as public officials, they must be able to deal with their stress in order to do their job effectively. Some lawmakers, including Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown already understand the important role animals can have in their offices and often bring their animals to work. 

More lawmakers should consider bringing their pets to work for the benefit the staff and their own health. 

Larry, the Downing Street cat

People have very different view of cats, but one thing that is indisputable is that cats have played an important role throughout history in keeping the population of mice, rats and other vermin under control. 

A recent article from the Financial Times noted the role cats' have played in British society and politics for for years. 

Larry, the Downing Street cat. From BBC.

"The British have always been a nation of animal-lovers. But I think cat stories are particularly comforting at a time of economic crisis."

British Prime Minister David Cameron has tried to show his fondness of cats with the adoption of the latest Downing Street cat, Larry, after a rat was recently spotted in the street. Britain's prime ministers have historically had cats with the exception of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose wife was not so fond of cats and forbid their cat Humphrey from living in the house. 

Larry has attracted quite a bit of media attention since his adoption which has been a positive deflection from much of the news coverage of deficits and political unrest around the world. 

"Ever since the adoption of Larry, the media has lapped up a steady stream of stories about his life and times. In June, it was reported that Larry had got on well with President Barack Obama. That same month, rumours surfaced of a girlfriend called Maisie, living in a hut in nearby St James’ Park. Then, this week, there were reports that a mouse had been spotted in a ministerial meeting in Downing Street. Questions were raised about Larry’s hunting prowess, leading the BBC to run yet another cat story, which reported with mock solemnity: 'Downing Street has rebuffed calls for Larry to resign as Number 10’s cat after reports a mouse appeared at a ministerial dinner.'"

Whatever the case may be, it's nice to see another shelter cat find a home and in turn, boost morale. 

Scott Brown's cat

I realize I'm a little late to the game (ok, it's almost a year late), but better late than never.

Here's a great story on the kitten Senator Scott Brown's office found and adopted. I think the senator and kitten pictures could rival his former modeling pictures.

Check out Senator Brown's Facebook page for more pictures of Lucky.

New voting referendum process explained--by cats

Europeans are voting today on several reform measures in the new AV voting system. The guys at Midnight Crow have created this great video explaining the process.

Marines rescue kittens

The Washington Post recently featured a great story about about a group of Marines that rescued some kittens while serving in Afghanistan.

Kittens in Afghanistan rescued by Marines

Looking at History with Pets

I've always loved animals and have had pets, but it wasn't until recently when I started researching for a graduate school class, did I realize how often pets are involved in and often shape politics. Many of my classmates didn't take my research seriously until I gave my final presentation and then they were amazed at my findings.

I found a lot of great resources throughout my research, but none all in the same place. I hope that this blog as a useful resource on the pets have been involved in politics and some that have changed the lives and the political careers of their masters.