Connecticut has numerous mascots, our state flower the Mountain Laurel, our state bird the American Robin, and even our state shellfish the Eastern Oyster. However, in 2019 when Litchfield County 4-H member Olivia H. was studying for the Big-E 4-H Dog Program general knowledge test she realized that several dog breeds were also State Dogs. Intrigued by this she did some research to find out what dog represented Connecticut, sadly she found nothing.

Immediately Olivia wanted to change that. She got in touch with her State Senator, Eric Berthel, and proposed her idea of making the State Dog of Connecticut the Siberian Husky. Realizing that the Siberian Husky which has represented UConn sports teams and donned on clothing she thought that it was only natural for the face of Jonathan to represent the state as a whole! Senator Berthel has since proposed Bill #75 in the legislature to make this happen. Hopefully 2021 will be Connecticut’s year of the Siberian Husky.

Litchfield County 4-H Director Bill Davenport says no matter how far the bill gets he is simply proud that 4-H members are connecting with their local legislators and becoming involved in the lawmaking process. Olivia has shown us that with an idea and determination we can always get the ball rolling. The leaders from our 4-H program will surely make the best better, for all of us and our four-legged friends!

Article by Zachary J. Duda