Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday that his family’s dog, the “First Puppy of Texas,” had passed away.
“Today, we lost our irreplaceable retriever, Pancake, the First Puppy of Texas. Cecilia and I are so grateful for the 11 years that Pancake brought joy and affection to our family and to guests of the Mansion,” Abbott said.
“She will be greatly missed by all the Texans who met her,” he added.
Today, we lost our irreplaceable retriever, Pancake, the First Puppy of Texas.
Cecilia and I are so grateful for the 11 years that Pancake brought joy and affection to our family and to guests of the Mansion.
She will be greatly missed by all the Texans who met her. pic.twitter.com/kRBCqEMvFQ
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 8, 2026
USA TODAY has more:
Abbott’s Instagram post announcing the news has garnered more than 700 comments as of July 10, with many offering their sympathies to the family.
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are made of love and fur and she’ll be in your heart forever,” one user commented on the governor’s post. “What a beautiful ambassador for the Lone Star State,” another said.
ADVERTISEMENTDoes Greg Abbott have other dogs?
Yes, Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, have two more golden retrievers named Peaches and Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, according to the governor’s office. The dogs live with the Abbott family at the historic Texas Governor’s Mansion in Austin.
X users offered their condolences for Abbott’s loss:
I’m so sorry to hear Pancake has crossed over. Our fur babies are such a difficult loss, as they are the true definition of unconditional love. Prayers for the First Family of Texas, to be comforted by Pancake’s memories and precious time y’all had together.
— Jenny Mae (@JennyMae40) July 9, 2026
I’m sorry. Dogs are the best people.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) July 9, 2026
Oye… the hardest part of being a pet-parent. All pet- parents need to prepare for this part of loving their pets.
— Jann Breslin (@jannz77) July 9, 2026
Oh, no! She was so young. We will miss her at Texas GOP events. SO sorry for your loss. The pain is real.
— K9Kirby (@K9Kirby30912) July 9, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs love us with all their hearts for their entire life, losing that is like losing part of your own soul.
— Thelonius Farquhardt (@GranpopTad) July 9, 2026
FOX 4 noted:
The governor did not say what caused Pancake’s death, but the average lifespan of a female golden retriever is 10 to 12 years, according to PetMD.
What are your thoughts?
