CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) – 2022 proved to be a big year for West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s happy companion, Babydog. The English Bulldog has become an unofficial mascot of the mountain state during Gov. Justice’s time in office, and as such, she has captured the love of many a West Virginian.
So what were some of the iconic moments that Babydog had in 2022?
1. Joined the WVDNR Police
During a West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Law Enforcement ceremony, Babydog was gifted with a vest to match the incoming batch of K-9 units joining the WVDNR Police. According to the vest, Babydog was given the rank of Colonel.
2. Took a good nap
Babydog helped Gov. Justice while he was out bow hunting by luring in the deer with her snoring, which Justice decided to share with the world over on Twitter. But, with how hard she works, who can blame her?
3. Became a Movie Star
Babydog made her film debut in the recent “Christmas at the Greenbrier” Christmas movie. While she only had a small role, she was clearly the star.
4. Became West Virginia’s 2022 Christmas ornament
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and First Lady Cathy Justice revealed an official 2022 Limited Edition Christmas Ornament, and it’s pretty adorable. The Babydog design was made by Charleston stained glass artist Amanda Buckner and only 500 were made.
5. Met a Quail
Gov. Jim Justice was prepared to introduce 20,000 Northern Bobwhite Quail to the mountain state, but only one got the privilege to meet Babydog.
6. Got her own IPA
High Ground Brewing in Terra Alta introduced “Baby Doge” to the world. With an alcohol percentage of 4.9%, the can features Babydog wearing a pair of goggles and was designed by the West Virginia artists of Wonderfully Weird Designs.
7. Used against Bette Midler
After singer and actress Bette Midler called West Virginians “poor, illiterate and strung out” in a tweet, Gov. Justice made a response of his own at the end of his televised State of the State address. To close off his address, he lifted up Babydog and flashed her rear end to the cameras and crowd, saying “Babydog tells Bette Midler and all those out there: Kiss her heinie.”
Babydog received a bit of something for herself 
Babydog was gifted with a WVDNR Police K-9 vest, designating her as Colonel Babydog 
“Christmas at the Greenbrier” movie poster 
Babydog with the 2022 West Virginia Christmas Ornament (Photo Courtesy: WV First Lady Cathy Justice’s Office) 
Babydog ornament. Credit: First Lady Cathy Justice’s Office. 
Babydog and Gov. Justice at the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center where he announced the quail stocking initiative (Courtesy: Gov. Justice’s Office) 
Baby Doge IPA (Courtesy: High Ground Brewing) 
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice holds up his dog Babydog’s rear end as a message to people who’ve doubted the state as he comes to the end of his State of the State speech in the House chambers, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Charleston, W.Va. (Chris Dorst/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP)
