Pawlitical Operatives
The Pets Behind the Consultants
Barley Audacity Roosevelt
Barley Audacity Roosevelt is a proud Virginian, pit bull mix, and formerly unhoused community member whose lived experience informs her politics. As a member of a frequently discriminated-against breed, she is a passionate advocate for social and criminal justice, with particular concerns about profiling, unequal treatment, and judging individuals based on appearance rather than behavior.
Ruth
Named for the Supreme Court Justice, she’s never too shy to tell us when she dislikes something and dissents. She is a lover of watching all things that fly — be they bugs, birds, snowflakes, or cherry blossoms caught on the wind. Her favorite spot in the house is her bed in the living room window and she gets quite upset when it’s either too hot or there is too much wildfire smoke for us to keep the windows open. Ruth knows, firsthand, that the climate crisis is real, it’s here, and it’s one of the greatest threats to the American people.
Dixie
Left to the streets and saved from a kill shelter, Dixie is a huge advocate for homeless and rehabilitation programs at scale to address the underserved among us. She believes strongly that since she got a second chance, that all animals and people alike deserve dignity and a chance to succeed.
She has had a rough life that left her terrified and alone but seems to have adapted to a loving household quite well, and wishes the same for others. She also does not believe in combs or brushes apparently.
Elfie
This is Elfie. She's from the mean streets of North Carolina (literally, found as a kitten running in the street). Elfie was born with severe mobility issues and wants to make sure that everyone like her has the representation they deserve.
Lady Anastasia Smith
She might be a Carolina dog but she's a Colorado girl through and through and queen of our house and hearts! Annie loves squeaky toys, fireplace naps, and making mom laugh. Annie is a big fan of criminal justice reform and is done watching pitbulls get blamed for bad owners.
Tzatziki (Tati)
An immigrant from Qatar brought overseas, Tzatziki's life took a hard turn when she was abandoned at a Virginia shelter. But meeting her adopted father, who brought her to Illinois, changed everything. Tzatziki now sees it clearly: compassion matters, and so does who's in charge. She's proud to call home a state that protects abortion, ended cash bail, and enshrined the right to collective bargaining in its constitution.
LeRoy Smouse
Colorado’s most overqualified retiree. Trained as a service dog, met his untrained new siblings, retired on the spot. Now its just walks, naps, snacks. Squish has seen the life changing impact of the socialized healthcare that the U.S. military offers and is working towards making this universal!
Princess Gracie Allen Smith
Has been said to give old lady vibes but is the baby of the family. She is sweet, loving and incredibly protective. Hailing from the great state of Colorado, this baby was formerly homeless. Gracie's fighting for a safety net strong enough that no one falls through the cracks like she almost did.