Governor Mike Pence of Indiana, who is Donald Trump's vice-presidential running mate, announced today via Twitter that he and his family have lost a beloved friend and companion. "Heavy hearts today," declared the tweet. Pence wrote that their 13-year-old beagle, Maverick, has passed on. "Rest in peace," Pence wrote.

In an accompanying photograph, Pence is seen with his wife, Karen, who is holding the beagle. Karen and Mike Pence have three children: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey.

Dogs have figured prominently in the lives of politicians. For example, President Franklin Roosevelt's Scottish terrier, Fala, was frequently depicted with the wheelchair-bound chief executive. John Kennedy had a menagerie of pets at the White House, including several dogs and even a pony. Lyndon Johnson and his wife each had beagles, male and female, that were named Him and Her. President Johnson was widely reviled in the press for lifting Him up by his drooping ears. Not to be outdone, Richard Nixon had three mutts in the White House. George W. Bush had several dogs, while Barack Obama has limited himself to just one Portuguese Water Dog. 

Heavy hearts today. Our beagle of 13 years passed away quietly last night. Rest In Peace, Maverick. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/JPnFvsHB3Y

— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) October 26, 2016