Marylanders Comfort Gov. Hogan on Dog’s Death

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Pets lift our spirits, ease our pain when we're ailing, and become a part of the family. So thousands of Marylanders have sympathized with Gov. Larry Hogan after he shared Tuesday that his family's dog, Lexi, died as he held her.

Hogan wrote on Facebook, "They say that a dog is man's best friend. That sure was true for me. For 16 years our dog Lexi has been a much loved member of our family. Through good times and bad, she was always happy, and her love was unconditional. It is hard to describe how much she meant to us and how much joy she brought to our hearts."

The bad times for the popular Republican governor included undergoing treatment in 2015 for stage 3 non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was declared cancer free in November 2015, to the surprise of his doctors, Hogan said, since physicians found 60 tumors throughout his body ranging in size from golf balls to oranges.

The governor underwent rounds of chemotherapy over 18 weeks, and didn't miss a day of work.

Hogan said his family is thankful, not only for the 16 years they spent with Lexi, but that they had one last Christmas with the faithful dog.

"Lexi died in my arms as I kissed her goodbye," Hogan said. "Dogs have a way of finding people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn't ever know we had. We sure will miss her."

Wrote Chad Harris on the governor's Facebook page: "So very sorry to hear that Lexi has died, but it's heartwarming that she got one more Christmas with a family who clearly counted her as a core member. My condolences to you and your family, Mr. Governor. May you each find comfort in one another and your memories of Lexi's sweet companionship in this difficult time."

Along with the notes of sympathy, some Maryland residents urged Hogan to consider rescuing a dog when the family decides to add a pet.

"I hope when it comes time for you to add another furry friend to your family that you will consider a shelter dog. What very loving pals they can be," said Gail Hammond Dickson on Facebook.

»Photos of Gov. Larry Hogan with his wife, Yumi, and their pet Lexi, courtesy of Hogan's Facebook page