Scott Brown adds webpage, video attesting to his dog-friendliness

By Glen Johnson

April 18, 2012

2 minutes to read

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While Mitt Romney stills fends off criticism for once driving with his dog in a rooftop carrier, Scott Brown is making clear that both he and his campaign are pooch-friendly.

The Massachusetts Republican senator today unveiled a new webpage and campaign video highlighting his own two dogs and the warm welcome canines receive at his South Boston campaign headquarters.

It follows a recent video showing him attending Opening Day at Fenway Park, and a radio ad paying tribute to St. Patrick’s Day.

“I love having them around,’’ Brown says in the video as he holds and walks his Shih Tzu “Snuggles’’ and Yorkshire Terrier “Koda.’’ “They’re obviously part of the family, especially now that the girls are at school and doing their own thing.’’

The new webpage also features biographies of four rescue dogs who spend time at his headquarters.

They are a mutt named “Sophie,’’ an Italian greyhound called “Oliver,’’ a beagle-mutt mix known as “Gigio,’’ and Labrador Retriever mix called “Bear.’’

Romney was asked as recently as Monday during an interview with ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer about a 1983 incident where the family’s Irish setter, Seamus, became sick during a 12-hour drive from Massachusetts and Canada.

Romney, who had put the dog in a modified rooftop carrier, pulled over and hosed down both the dog and his car.

His wife, Ann, interceded during the interview to say that the dog loved the car rides, and she felt it was more humane to take Seamus on trips than leave him behind in a kennel.

Brown, who also is advised by Romney senior strategist Eric Fehrnstrom, makes clear in the new video and webpage that he provides dogs with loving treatment.

Referring to Snuggles, Brown says: “I named him because he’s very snuggly, still running around, and acts like a little kid sometimes, especially because we have our younger dog with us.’’

Brown is facing a reelection challenge from Democrat Elizabeth Warren. A recent Globe poll showed that he leads her among voters in terms of likability. He has sought to burnish that image with videos featuring his daughters and holiday greetings from him, his family, and their pets.