Dannel P. Malloy, seen in this 2010 file photo when he was the governor-elect, walks his Jack Russell terriers, Puck, foreground, and Zoe outside his then-Stamford home.
He was the governor’s original running mate.
From the streets of Stamford to the Governor’s Residence in Hartford, rarely has there been a time when Puck, the 17-year-old Jack Russell terrier of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and first lady Cathy Malloy, hasn’t been at the side of Connecticut’s chief executive.
Until this week, when the couple bid farewell to their faithful companion. Malloy’s office confirmed the first dog’s death, but did not give a cause.
It’s been a trying week for second-term governor, who has been coping with the loss of his pet while sparring with Republicans and fellow Democrats over the budget, taxes and proposed cuts to services.
Connecticut’s first family has a second Jack Russell terrier, Zoe.