In an unexpected twist amid the U.S. government shutdown, Republican Senator Jim Justice hosted a birthday bash for his bulldog, Babydog, at his congressional office in Washington, D.C.

This unique celebration took place on Wednesday afternoon within the Hart Senate Office Building, where several senators gathered to mark Babydog’s 6th birthday. Senator Justice affectionately refers to the bulldog as “America’s Chief Happiness Officer.”

The event was promoted online with invitations promising cake, “belly rub diplomacy,” and dog biscuits, extending a warm welcome to both Democrats and Republicans.

The invitation read, “No matter what’s going on in Washington… there’s always room for cake, cuddles, and good company.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama joined the festivities, posing with Babydog and sharing a “happy birthday” message on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley took the opportunity to encourage bipartisan efforts, suggesting that Democrats and Republicans resolve the shutdown as a birthday gift for Babydog. The shutdown continues due to disagreements over a government funding bill.

A social media account run for Babydog Justice included photos from the shindig and declared, “The paw-ty is officially approved!”

Justice’s website says Babydog was born on Oct. 27, 2019. The West Virginia senator decided on the dog’s name because his 2-year-old grandson couldn’t remember the word “puppy” and instead referred to her as “the baby dog.”

Frequently traveling with Senator Justice, she’s since gone on to make appearances at major events like the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and on shows like “Fox & Friends.”

In June 2021, Babydog became the official mascot of West Virginia’s COVID-19 “Do It for Babydog” vaccination sweepstakes.