Politics & Government

Lewis and Clark's Dog Seaman Considered for State Historical Dog Honor

Three state representatives have filed bills to designate the official historic state dog of Missouri.

Three famous dogs from Missouri may be considered for the designation of Official State Historic Dog.

There are 26 official state symbols for Missouri, ranging from the state American folk dance (square dance) to the state fish (the channel catfish).

State Rep. Joe Aull, D-Marshall, .

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Jim, a Llywellyn Setter, was able to predict the winner of the Kentucky Derby seven times and the gender of unborn babies, according to the bill filed by Aull.

Soon after, State Rep. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, filed a bill designating Old Drum, a black and tan hound dog, as the state historic dog. Old Drum became famous when his eulogy was the first time that someone called a dog "man's best friend."

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State Rep. Chrissy Sommer, R-St. Charles, worked with a group of fourth grade students to recommend Seaman, who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their voyage with the corps of discovery, as the state historic dog.

There are four statues of Seaman across the state, including one in Frontier Park in St. Charles. Sommer, who is in her first year as state representative, said in an email that this provided the opportunity to show students how the legislative process works.

"Obviously Lewis & Clark have a special place in St Charles thus there might be more interest in St Charles, where Old Drum is special to Warrensburg and Jim the Wonder Dog is special in Marshall, MO," she wrote. "Sure this legislation is not going to make a huge difference in our state but I believe that I have given students in my area a chance to become involved in their government."

All three bills have been referred to the Tourism and Natural Resources Committee. Hearings have not been scheduled.

Among the other bills assigned to the committee

  • one that would designate "Jumping Jacks" as the state's official exercise;
  • one that designates the regal fritillary as the official state butterfly;
  • one that designates the first week of August each year as Animal Rescue Week in Missouri;
  • one that designates December 15, 2012, as "American Red Cross Minority Blood Drive Day" in Missouri;
  • one that designates August 1, 2012, as "Minority Organ Donor Awareness Day" in Missouri;
  • one that designates the week of May 13-19, 2012, as "Sickle Cell Awareness Week" in the State of Missouri;
  • and one that designates the month of November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Missouri.


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