There is exactly one topic in American politics that unites every single person regardless of party affiliation, and that is the death of a good dog. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that Pancake, the family's golden retriever and unofficial First Puppy of Texas, has passed away at the age of 11.
Abbott shared the news on X with photos of Pancake through the years, as Trending Politics reported. The Abbotts got Pancake as a puppy back in 2015, right around the time Abbott took office, meaning this dog has been part of the Texas Governor's Mansion for basically the entire Abbott era. That is a solid run for any political figure, and Pancake managed it without a single scandal, which is more than most humans in Austin can say.
"Cecilia and I are so grateful for the 11 years that Pancake brought joy and affection to our family and to guests of the Mansion," Abbott wrote. "She will be greatly missed by all the Texans who met her."
Abbott did not share what caused Pancake's death, though the average lifespan of a female golden retriever is about 10 to 12 years according to PetMD. So Pancake was right in that window, which does not make it any easier but at least means she got a full, good life of greeting mansion visitors and being photographed looking adorable next to politicians.
This is actually the second time the Abbott family has lost a dog during their time in the mansion. Their border collie, Oreo, passed away back in 2017. Between Oreo and Pancake, the Abbotts have had pets with names that sound like a very appealing breakfast order, which honestly might be the most relatable thing about any governor in the country.
For over a decade, Pancake served as the soft, furry counterbalance to whatever political knife fight was happening in the Texas Capitol on any given day. Golden retrievers are genetically incapable of being anything other than delightful, and by all accounts Pancake lived up to the breed standard. She greeted visitors, appeared in family photos, and generally did the important work of reminding everyone that no matter how heated things get in politics, there is always a dog somewhere who just wants you to throw the ball.
Rest easy, Pancake. You were a very good girl, and the only member of the Governor's Mansion staff that literally everyone agreed on.
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