First Dog of California dies at 13
Sutter Brown, known lovingly as the First Dog of California, has died at the age of 13.
The news of the dog’s death was first reported by the Sacramento Bee on Friday and confirmed by the Governor’s Press Office on Twitter.
No colleague brought us more joy – & distraction – than you, @SutterBrown. We’ll miss you buddy. #GoodBoy https://t.co/XikhAPwVlV pic.twitter.com/5zDWzm0DRo
— Gov. Brown Press Ofc (@GovPressOffice) December 31, 2016
Sutter had publicly battled an aggressive form of cancer that left him critically ill and unlikely to recover. In October after receiving treatment, Sutter returned to the Governor’s Mansion to live out his days in comfort and among loved ones.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was adopted by the Brown family in 2010, shortly after the gubernatorial election. He was previously owned by Brown’s sister.
According the the Sacramento Bee, the addition of Sutter to the Brown family softened the Governor’s image and brightened the California Capitol.
Sutter gained a large following on Twitter where images of the pup lounging and traveling with the Governor gave a glimpse into the personal life of the state’s most influential political figure.
I love being home where I can catch rays by the pool! And Mom made be scrambled eggs and cottage cheese for breakfast. Yum! #iamhome! pic.twitter.com/RuuHmNvpqd
— Sutter Brown (@SutterBrown) October 18, 2016
But it wasn’t all play for the First Dog, Sutter’s Twitter account would periodically tweet about government programs and proclamations made by Gov. Brown — who Sutter would, of course, refer to as Dad.
The dog’s role in California politics endeared him to politicians on both sides of the aisle as well as the public at large. News of his passing was met with somber reflections and fond memories by media members and fans of the furry pup.
On Friday, Gov. Brown tweeted a farewell to Sutter from the family’s ranch in Colusa County.
A beautiful day on the ranch, but a very sad parting. Happy trails, @SutterBrown. https://t.co/C5boShaNBK pic.twitter.com/p7jIHsAcdQ
— Jerry Brown (@JerryBrownGov) December 31, 2016 Sutter is survived by Gov. Brown, First Lady of California Anne Gust Brown and “sister” Colusa, a Corgi-Border Collie mix — and Deputy First Dog.
To read more about the Brown family dogs click here.
You can learn more about Sutter’s life by browsing his Twitter account . Deputy First Dog Colusa is on Twitter as well.
