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‘First dog’ of Washington state killed by car

Gov. Christine Gregoire’s dog Franz, a “first dog” so popular with schoolchildren and state capital visitors that he had his own Web site, died after being struck by a car Monday.
Franz, a Pomeranian, died Monday.
Franz, a Pomeranian, died Monday.Washington governor's Web site
/ Source: The Associated Press

Gov. Christine Gregoire’s tiny dog Franz, a “first dog” so popular with schoolchildren and state capital visitors that he had his own Web site, died after being struck by a car Monday.

Franz, a tiny powderpuff of a Pomeranian who was a Valentine’s Day gift 10 years ago from Chris and Mike Gregoire to their daughters, darted in front of a car and was struck. The pet was rushed to the vet but could not be saved, said Gregoire spokeswoman Holly Armstrong.

The pet was in the care of Gregoire family friends while the first family was in Michigan for the Super Bowl.

The Gregoires and their daughters, Courtney and Michelle, were notified and were heartbroken, Armstrong said.

“It’s very sad,” she said. “They’re still dealing with the personal side.”