No, Tim Walz didn’t fake owning a dog in 2022

the un.news – Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz did not borrow or rent a dog to pretend to be a dog owner.

No credible evidence suggests the Minnesota governor used a “stunt dog” in a conspiracy to fool voters in 2022, when he was photographed with a dog of a different breed and color than his own.

The Walz family adopted Scout, a black Labrador mix, in September 2019.

Nine months after being elected to Minnesota’s highest office, Walz introduced the public to their new “First Dog” at a press conference. His office released a statement that read, “After months of searching, planning, and dodging questions, the Governor is prepared to make good on a promise he made to his most demanding constituents: his kids.”

Walz had promised his son Gus that the family could get a dog if he won the gubernatorial election.

Scout, a rescue, was adopted from nonprofit Midwest Animal Rescue. As young puppies, he and his littermates had been abandoned on the side of a road in Oklahoma.

“I’m proud that Minnesota’s First Dog is a rescue dog,” Walz said at the time. “I hope Scout – who has been a very good boy – serves as a reminder for Minnesotans that there are a lot of pups waiting to be adopted.”

Walz has a history of supporting animal welfare issues. While serving in the House of Representatives, he cosponsored legislation to strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting.

Scout has become a fixture in Walz’s public and private life. Vogue “interviewed” the dog for a humorous feature earlier this August to celebrate Scout’s five years with the Walz family.   

The family also owns a cat – an orange tabby named Afton – which they adopted in 2019. Afton has its own page on the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota website.

Dogged by Rumors

Walz is facing allegations from conservatives who say that his status as a dog owner is a political fabrication.

The unusual controversy began when right-wing columnist Dustin Grage wrote on X (formerly Twitter) about two photos Walz had posted in 2022. Both had captions mentioning Scout, but only one image had Scout in it. The other showed Walz with a brown and white dog instead. Grange falsely claimed the photos proved Walz was lying about his pet for clout.

The accusation quickly spread, with prominent Republicans amplifying the baseless rumor within hours. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk (who has since deleted his post) and Minnesota state Rep. Mary Franson (R) shared the post.

Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-Mo.) called Walz “creepy and weird” over the claims.

“Wait so Walz is even lying about his dog?” wrote former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is now engaged to Donald Trump Jr.

Walz has since removed the photo of the brown and white dog from his X account.

Internet sleuths quickly unearthed a video that debunks the conspiracy theory. The footage shows Scout and the other dog playing together on the same day the Walz took his photo.

“They’ve now resorted to attacking the family dog,” said MSNBC’s Jen Psaki about the bogus claims. “I really wish I was joking. I am not joking.”

Published 3:45 PM EDT, Tues. August 27, 2024

By the un.news Staff