Dogs help politicians look more likeable and trustworthy.

It’s a fact.

Dogs became political ambassadors on September 23, 1952, when then VP candidate Richard Nixon mentioned his cocker spaniel, Mr. Checkers, in a televised speech, famously known as the Checkers Speech, where Nixon tried to defend himself against accusations of campaign finance wrongdoing. 

Afterward, people didn’t remember the accusations against Nixon. Instead, Americans remembered his promise to keep Checkers, despite being a campaign gift.

That watershed speech solidified dogs’ role as a permanent fixture in politics, with politicians understanding that being photographed and doing Tik-Toks with dogs makes them more appealing to voters.

Since then, September 23rd is recognized as National Dogs in Politics Day.

The Honorable and Honorary Mayor Yogi Bear of Westport, Connecticut

My hometown of Westport, Connecticut, is fortunate to have such a wise and lovable dog Mayor.

Mayor Yogi Bear is a 4-year-old Keeshond (pronounced kayz-hund), a Westport native, and a 2022 Staples Graduate (ok, he graduated from continuing education for dogs).

In August 2023, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker declared Yogi Bear the honorary Mayor of Westport [Learn more].

Since then, Yogi Bear continues to fulfill his civic duty as Mayor, spreading love and kindness wherever he goes.

Yogi Bear’s Heritage Guides His Political Will 

Yogi Bear’s mayoral spirit runs deeper than his cloud of puff.

In 18th-century Holland, his ancestors were the symbol of the Dutch Patriot Party that stood for democracy, civic rights, and inclusion. Their rivals, the House of Orange, leaned toward monarchy and exclusion, rallying behind the Pug.

Sadly, the Patriot Party and the Keeshond were ousted from office when the House of Orange regained control of the Dutch Republic. [Read more about Pugs and Keeshonde

Dogs Rule Westport, Connecticut

In Westport, we love our dogs like family, so it’s only natural that we have a dog mayor to ensure the human politicians understand what’s important to their constituents.

As the 2025 campaign trail unfolds, Mayor Yogi Bear shares his agenda:

“Greetings from your favorite transactional Mayor Yogi Bear.

I’m not here for your votes. I’m here to spread love, kindness, and fuzziness wherever I go, especially if there’s a treat involved!

My aim is simple: a longing look and a bark for a treat.

I’m a clear communicator who is up front about my quest for a nosh.

So, if you’ve got a treat, you’ve got my attention!

As we go into the campaign season, let’s make Westport the kindest (and most treat-filled) town in the land!

I invite you to join us, dogs, as we come together to unite the country in love, kindness, and the right to bark.”

What do you think about dogs in politics?

Please leave a comment and let us know!

The post Dogs in Politics: Meet Westport’s Dog Mayor appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.