Sutter Brown, California’s ‘first dog,’ dies

SAN FRANCISCO - Sutter Brown, a Pembroke Welsh corgi christened California’s first dog by his owner Gov. Jerry Brown, died Friday following a brief illness. He was 13.

The dog’s health had deteriorated rapidly in recent days and the decision was made to say goodbye, the governor’s press office said in a statement.

He passed away peacefully with the governor and first lady Anne Gust Brown at his side, and was laid to rest at the family ranch in Colusa County, where he “loved to roam, sniff and play,” the statement said.

Sutter was a fixture at the Capitol and on the campaign trail where he softened the image of the cantankerous governor and helped cut the tension between Democrats and Republicans in the midst of contentious negotiations.

Legislators, lobbyists and aides from both parties sought selfies with the short, pudgy, brown and white fluffy dog. Sutter obliged, starring in countless photos with his mouth open and ears perked.

A Twitter account in his name racked up more than 11,000 followers. Tweets show Sutter and younger sister, Colusa, a corgi mix, lounging around the governor’s office or promoting his owner’s top priorities.

Sutter was rushed to an animal hospital Oct. 7 and underwent emergency surgery, said Evan Westrup, a spokesman for Brown. Veterinarians discovered several masses suspected to be cancer in his intestines, lymph nodes and liver, but they were unable to remove them all.