Indiana
Meet Oliver, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s new Miniature Schnauzer puppy
Take a look back at Indiana’s First Dog when he was 7
This video was taken in 2018. It shows a typical day for Indiana’s First Dog Henry Holcomb when he was 7. He died this week at age 13.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb welcomed a new four-legged member to their family this week, a Miniature Schnauzer puppy named Oliver.
Oliver, whose parents call him “Ollie” for short, is named after Oliver Morton, who was the first Indiana-born man to become governor of the Hoosier State and helped organize the Republican Party. Morton served as governor of Indiana from 1861 to 1867.
Since meeting his new family, Ollie has met Topper, Indiana’s First Cat, and is exploring the Indiana Governor’s Residence, according to Holcomb’s office. He is between eight and nine weeks old.
Ollie is the Holcomb family’s first dog since the passing of Henry Holcomb late last year at age 13. Henry was a popular figure, joining X when it was still called Twitter, and making appearances in parades, fundraisers and the engagement and wedding of one Republican couple who had known the Holcombs for years.
Ollie introduced himself Thursday on Henry’s former X page, recognizing the Holcomb pup that came before him.
“I am a little nervous because I know I have big paws to fill,” the post reads.
IndyStar reporter Kayla Dwyer contributed to this story.
Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X@CarloniBrittany.