‘First dog’ Franz killed by car

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire’s tiny dog, Franz, a “first dog” so popular with schoolchildren and state capital visitors that he had his own Web page, wine label and trading cards, died Monday after he was hit by a car.

Franz, a powderpuff of a Pomeranian who was a Valentine’s Day gift 10 years ago from Chris and Mike Gregoire to their daughters, darted in front of a car and was struck. The pet was rushed to the vet but could not be saved, Gregoire spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said.

The pet was in the care of unidentified Gregoire family friends at their home in Olympia while the first family was in Michigan for the Super Bowl. The dog scrambled out of the car while he and his gear were being loaded up for the trip home to the governor’s mansion. A passing car hit him.

The Gregoires and their daughters, Courtney and Michelle, were notified and were heartbroken, Armstrong said.

“It’s very sad,” she said. “They’re still dealing with the personal side.”

Fred Olson, the governor’s deputy chief of staff and a longtime family friend, said Franz quickly became a canine celebrity after the Gregoires moved into the mansion last year.

“He had the personality that drew you to him, that prance in his step,” he said. “He worked the crowd and greeted the tour groups to the mansion.”

The champagne-colored dog, sometimes carried by the governor in the crook of her arm, was usually decked out in a colorful bandanna for every season. The Gregoires dressed him in costume for Halloween last year.

He “signed” legislation with his paw print last year for the new “We Love Our Pets” specialty license plates.

In his last public event, he joined the Gregoires late last month when they raised a Seattle Seahawks “12th Man” flag on the Capitol flagpole. Franz was decked out in a “12th Man” bandanna.

Franz had his own Web page, and his “dogography” on the governor’s Web site described his arrival on Valentine’s Day with a heart-shaped balloon. At the time he could fit in the palm of a hand.

Franz went on hikes with the family and loved tracking squirrels and chasing racquetballs around the mansion. State troopers had to chase away coyotes. They also rapped and removed a raccoon and an opossum that threatened the 13-pound dog.