Babydog bobbleheads unveiled after Republican National Convention appearance

WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — Babydog, the beloved pet dog of West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, picked up a new honor this week: a bobblehead.

The 4-year-old English bulldog received her first bobblehead Friday from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, who is also producing the collector’s items, according to a news release.

Sitting on a circular red, white, and blue base bearing her name, the bobblehead of Babydog has her mouth open and tongue exposed in a playful pose.

"We’re excited to offer the first bobblehead of Babydog, the First Dog of West Virginia,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said in the news release. “Already popular among West Virginians, Babydog added many more people to her growing fan club with her appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This bobblehead will be a must-have for fans of Babydog.”

Babydog, who will turn 5 years old on Oct. 27, was a Christmas gift to Justice and his wife, Cathy, from their children in 2019.

A favorite among the public, Babydog often travels with the governor to public events.

Babydog became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was used as the face of the state’s vaccination campaign, “Do It For Babydog.”

The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered to 2,024, are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s online store. The items cost $30 plus shipping and are expected to ship in December, the news release said.