JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – If there was a popularity contest held at the Missouri Capitol, the hands-down favorite to win isn’t the governor or any legislator either. In fact, he’s not even human.
Truman, a nine-year-old golden doodle, is a natural diplomat as he greets visitors and staff who make a point to stop by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s office to check in on their favorite work pet.
“I joke that there are more people that come by the office to visit him than actually come to visit me,” Luetkemeyer said in an interview ahead of the statewide holiday of Truman Day.
For many who stop by, it’s often therapeutic.
“Truman is the emotional support animal of the state capitol,” Luetkemeyer said.
The Republican says Truman’s name came from the mascot of the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he and his wife attended school.