Sutter Brown, California's First Dog, Dies After Bout with Cancer

SACRAMENTO, CA — Sutter Brown, Gov. Jerry Brown's beloved corgi and California's First Dog, died Friday after a bout with cancer, according to the Governor's Office.

The Pembroke Welsh corgi was 13 years old, or 91 in dog years.

“Sutter passed away peacefully this afternoon with the Governor and First Lady at his side and was laid to rest at the family ranch in Colusa County, where he loved to roam, sniff and play,” Brown spokesman Evan Westrup told the Sacramento Bee.

Sutter underwent an emergency surgery in October to battle an aggressive form of cancer, but the cancer could not be entirely removed. He returned home to the governor's mansion on Oct. 21 and was seen helping to hand out candies to trick-or-treaters.

Brown adopted the dog from his sister in 2010 after winning the governor's race for the first time since the 1970s. Sutter was credited with softening Brown's image. The dog was seen accompanying Brown to public events, even to the polling place. Sutter helped the governor cast his ballot this past election.

The dog was very popular, even among Republicans, whom the governor has a contentious relationship. Sutter even traveled around the state to help the governor pass his tax bills. He was appointed as the fiscal discipline watchdog after the bills were passed by voters.

His popularity extended to the social-mediasphere. His twitter account, where Sutter would put a cuddly face to complex issues, has more than 11 thousand followers.

Sutter is survived by his adopted sister, Colusa Lucy Brown, who joined the governor's household as puppy in 2015. Colusa Lucy will assume Sutter's duties as the state's first dog, the Governor's Office said.

— Photo courtesy of the Governor's Press Office