Maryland First Couple Wants You To Name Rescue Dogs

BALTIMORE, MD — Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan added two new members to their family — a mother shih tzu and one of her puppies they rescued from the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter in Baltimore City. They're asking Marylanders to help with name suggestions for their two furry friends, so what's a quintessentially Maryland name? Maybe Blue Crab and Old Bay, or Sailor and Captain?

The mother's other puppies were adopted by Hogan's granddaughter, Press Secretary to the Governor Shareese Churchill and her family, and Shareese's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Doug DeLeaver.

The rescued shih tzus visited the State House with BARCS when the governor signed legislation ending puppy mill sales and encouraging adoption in April.

The law prohibits retail pet stores from offering for sale, transferring, or disposing of cats or dogs; repeals certain provisions of law that authorize the sale of certain cats and dogs and sets forth the requirements for a retail pet store that offers to sell certain cats or dogs under certain circumstances; stating the intent of the General Assembly that animal welfare organizations initiate contact with retail pet stores to facilitate the showcasing of dogs and cats for adoption or for purchase from local breeders; etc.

SEE ALSO: Pups At Statehouse: Puppy Mill Sales Banned At Pet Stores

"The First Lady and I are incredibly excited to be adopting these adorable dogs. It was 'puppy love' at first sight, and we are thrilled to bring the newest members of our family home to Government House,” Governor Hogan said in a statement. "Whether you have two legs or four, Maryland is a great place to call home."

The governor and first lady will be seeking input from family, friends, and Marylanders as they decide what to call their new fluffy companions.

Click here to suggest names for the puppies.

Photo via Governor Hogan's office