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January 2, 2023
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Happy New Year!  I can’t speak for you, but I’m glad we’re moving out of 2022.  Highest inflation in over 40 years, fuel prices double from when Donald Trump was President, interest rates climbing, a border that is easier to get through than a wet paper towel, and a lazy and irresponsible media that lies to you every day and pretends they are telling you the truth.

But one thing that has been a wonderful part of 2022 is that my wife and I started the year with 2 wonderful new puppies.  We actually got them the week between Christmas and New Year’s. 

Gumbo is a Cavalier King Charles/Bichon mix and Bandit is a Shi-Tzu/Bichon mix.  They aren’t blood brothers, but don’t tell them that.  They are virtually inseparable. The love to wrestle, chase each other, and sometimes make big messes.  But these boys have brought a lot of joy to our lives in a year that otherwise would have been at times rather depressing.

I often say “I wouldn’t live in a world without dogs,” and I really mean it.  During the past year, these 2 guys have taken more of my time than I had, caused me to do a lot of cleaning up behind them, replacing things they chewed up, and trying to figure out what they’re barking at.   But through it all, they have given a level of loyalty I sure never experienced in politics, and a steadfast love that is a true taste of God’s unfailing love for us. 

You may wonder why I’d start my 2023 newsletter talking about my dogs.  And the honest answer is, “Because I could!” 

But there’s method to the madness.  I’m convinced that dogs bring people together.  It’s hard to frown when looking into the eyes of a puppy.  It’s hard to think about harsh divisions in our nation and world when holding a puppy in your lap. So I just think a lot of our problems would be solved if people got a dog.  Maybe Democrats and Republicans would still disagree, but not be hateful about it.  And dogs can teach us a lot about being patient as well as grateful for even the smallest thing, like a tiny treat. 

I don’t mean to imply that all of 2022 has been unpleasant.  Our daughter got elected Governor of Arkansas and will sit in the old seat I sat in.  She will be sworn in in less than 2 weeks and start her own journey of leading our state.  We’re proud of all three of our children, but they have their own lives and careers.  We do as much baby-sitting of our 7 grandchildren as we are allowed, but when they aren’t there, having the dogs fills the house with activity, love, and of course noise.  Lots of noise.

Some of our friends thought we were crazy to get two dogs at the same time, but it just doubled our delight to watch them grow, play, and show us their unconditional love.  So, we’re starting 2023 with hope and anticipation and year-old puppies that got us through this past year.  From Janet and me and Gumbo and Bandit, Happy New Year, and may God give you a great year, and maybe a puppy of your own!

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Comments 41-50 of 60

  • Steven W Riley

    01/02/2023 03:56 PM

    Dear Governor Mike,

    Your belief in pets is a wonderful statement. Our family treasures our English Setters that we were fortunate to have over the years. It's my belief that YOU should have served as our President and my wife and I would follow you over a cliff. We knew Sarah would be Governor some day as she carries your values. To know you & your daughter is to thank The Lord for giving us people that WE can Trust!

    God Bless you both & your new Pets!

  • George Courtney

    01/02/2023 03:52 PM

    Yes you will enjoy the two dogs. I'm sure glad that I have the wifes dog to entertain me. The Lord took the wife home in April and the little dog she loved so has helped alot. Max is solid white and he gives me lots of exercise.Y
    Happy New Years from Clarkston, WA just across from Lewiston, ID.

  • Cindy Richins

    01/02/2023 03:49 PM

    I'm so happy you got two dogs. I have a purebred Bichon. She is a delight and great company to my husband and I. We have had several dogs over our 50 year marriage, the beagles being my favorite...but that's another story. Gracie is our Bichon and we are well trained. Just a thought, "God couldn't send angels so he sent dogs". I believe it.

  • Janet Fritts

    01/02/2023 03:35 PM

    We have seen your adorable puppies in your commercials. Dogs add so much to our lives. We have a long haired chihuahua we adopted from a rescue almost six years ago. We are grandparents as well, but both of ours are grown. Tiny Timberwolf (Timber) fills the void. Happy new year to you and your family!

  • Duane Davidson

    01/02/2023 03:25 PM

    We got a puppy 2-1/2 years ago and she has brought untold joy into our lives. She has PTSD from something in her past, but we are trying to love her out of it.

  • Vickie Olson

    01/02/2023 03:24 PM

    I have a shihtzu that’s 6 years old, can’t imagine life without him. He was raised by 3 cats who let him get away with most everything. I agree, people who have /like dogs are just better people! I’d take him to church if I could but he’d disrupt everything by wanting to say hi to everybody! Happy NEW YEAR, I shook your hand once at a book signing, it was an honor!

  • Sally Ringuette

    01/02/2023 03:12 PM

    Happy and Healthy New year to you Mike Huckabee and Janet. Your new puppies are beautiful. I saw them on your show on TBN. Nice to add to the family.

  • Becky Myers

    01/02/2023 03:05 PM

    Thank you for the story of your puppies, you just needed pictures. Yes, 2022 was not the best of years. I have now served one year on the school board and as I made several comments that I am a Christian conservative, I’ve been called names I didn’t know existed. My goodness, people are hateful, but through it all God has been with me. I love your humor, news and common sense you write. Thank you for my daily reading!

  • Susan Conway

    01/02/2023 02:52 PM

    Happy New Year to you and your family. You need to post a photo of your fur babies so we can see them.

  • Kathy Miramontes

    01/02/2023 02:50 PM

    Happy New Year!! I moved from Calif. a thing I NEVER in my life thought I'd even consider (born in Portland, Ore. in 1943, the family moved to CA in 1946, and lived all my life in CA, except for trips elsewhere, but considered myself proud of being a Californian for 73 years! But in 2019 I'd had enough of the CA liberal agenda and moved to the RED state of Arkansas, a state I NEVER thought I could live in, but LOVE it here as much if not more than I did Calif.! This state is so much more than anyone in CA realizes! It is NOT just an inbred lazy state that talks funny! I LOVE calling my CA friends and saying y'all!! :) This is truly God's country!!!
    Now the REAL reason I'm dropping y'all a note is, to ask you to show us some pictures of Gumbo and Bandit! They sound cute as bugs!! I raised and exhibited purebred dogs for almost 30 years in NorCalif. Due to chiggers, fleas, and ticks, I do not have a dog, my only pet is a very spoiled indoor calico cat, but I do love her!! :) Post those pictures Governor!!! :)