I wish I had a photo of Gina Kaine.
She and Stuart would see each other occasionally during his evening constitutionals.
She’s a sweet girl. Blondish. With a kind temperament. Just the sort of girl a guy would love to take home to meet mother.
She lives only steps away from where this photo was taken. Just around the corner from our house.
It’s not a fancy neighborhood. Not a gated community. Not streets lined with gazillion-square-feet mansions.
Just an old urban neighborhood with turn of the century homes of brick, stucco or weatherboard/clapboard with slate or terracotta tile roofs. Where some of the streets have wide median strips in front, most of the sidewalks have cracks, but every street has big trees. Lots of trees.
These days we can expect a few more big ‘ole black SUVs filled with security guards than normal in the neighborhood.
Because it’s Tim Kaine’s neighborhood. Gina lives with Tim. And Anne. And Woody. And Annella. And Nat.
The Kaines are a very real, very down to earth family. Good neighbors. Good people. (How can they not be? They adopted Gina from the SPCA. And she’s a terrier mix. Does it get any better than that?)
Tim’s going to be our next Vice President.
Gina’s house is on a corner. And we used to walk there almost every night. Around the block from our house.
You might remember that Stuart walked at his own pace. Which was never very fast. Anne, Tim’s wife, could take Gina out for a walk and be back before Stuart got to the end of her block.
Last night we walked around that same block. Trying to get back to a routine. Two people stopped to ask us where Stuart was. It shocked them to learn he’s gone, but we appreciated their interest.
Then, the conversation turned to how frightening it would be if Tim didn’t become Vice President.
“Frightening” really isn’t the word I’d use.
When Tim ran for city council a million years ago, he did it the old fashioned way. By walking door to door. Getting to know people. Hearing their concerns. Sharing his views. The Dad Peep answered the door when he came by. We lived a few blocks away from where we live now. BoBo was with us at the time.
“You won’t believe what just happened,” said the Dad Peep. “This nice guy just knocked on the door asking for our vote in the upcoming city council election. He’s really committed to Richmond and wants to represent us. He says he’ll work hard.”
So, he became councilman. Then, he became Mayor. Then, Lt. Governor. Then, Governor. Then, US Senator.
My opinion aside, he must have done something right all these years. Repeated democratic wins in a swing state speaks volumes.
So, there you have it. Gina’s dad hopes to put his skills to work for all Americans. And I do mean “all” – not just the chosen few. Not just one race of people. Not just people who look like he looks. Not just people who are afraid to open their hearts and minds. Not people who practice hate at every turn.
I have faith in my fellow Americans and their ability to do the right thing in November.
Stuart would be happy to know that his spirit will be six degrees away from the White House. Where Bo lives. Another black and white pooch. And where Barney once bit a reporter. Where America – which has always been great – will continue to rise to the world’s challenges.
And if that doesn’t make the case for your vote, let me say that Tim Kaine is really as nice as he appears on TV. He’s trustworthy. He’s steadfast. He’s caring. He’s loyal. He’s dedicated to good.
And I’ve never steered you wrong.
The Scottie Chronicles - Winston's World 
Oh I LOVE THIS!!!! I wondered if he was truly as good as he appears and you just verified that! OH I LOVE IT!! You are a celebrity!!!! We are voting for Hillary so we are super happy to hear this! xoxo DakotasDen
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One down. Check. Whew. Thank you!
Seriously, He and Anne are a great pair. They’re like “old shoes” if you’re familiar with that saying. What you see is what you get. Nice as they can be. And it’s not often that “nice” and “politics” can be mentioned in the same sentence.
Thanks for popping by!
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Oh my goodness, what a great story. I was unfamiliar with Tim Kaine until now although I did know a lot about Governor Mike Pence, and I admire him tremendously. However, it’s not the V.P. choices that concern many of us, it’s the top of the ticket for both sides that does. Whomever wins, I pray that Divine Guidance will keep America safe and strong.
McDuff & Mom
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Amen to that!
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Sounds terrific. Love that he lives around the block from you. I wondered when he was picked as VP if you knew anything about him. Word of dog is much better than any campaign speech.
Lee is related by a marriage tie to Rob Portman and we don’t like the man after he insulted her ancestors in the way they ran the Golden Lamb at Lebanon, Ohio.
Why according to Portman it was a hunk of trash ~ why if it was trash had so many Presidents stayed there and visited and made speeches from there.
Well I know who is getting Lee’s vote but my lips are closed.
Sweet William The Scot
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I just looked him up. Wow. Word of dog is correct my friend. Nice to hear from you!
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Mommy is all excited that you know Tim Kaine and so much about his goodness as a person. She says the Vice President is just as important as the President… and the other VP guy is soooo scary for women, for unions, for equality in all races and religions and sexual orientation.
All you said is so right on peeptress. What matters is putting our faith in the American people to vote for experience, common sense, love of ALL in this country, dedicated to good and bringing people together to solve problems. And wouldn’t it be nice to finally have a woman in charge??!!
Mommy is the alpha in our house, so why not a mommy as the alpha in the White House!
Stuart is surely excited about this possibility; lucky Gina to have personally met our dear Stuart.
Ozzy, Callie & Mommy
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I do have faith, that I do. Alpha woman in our own houses, so I’m with you – Let’s Arrooo Alpha Woman in the White House!
All together now Ozzy, Callie and Mommy – ARrOOOOOOO!
The Peepstress
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Very cleverly done, and good to know. I will tell Mama. Gina sounds like quite a girl! Xxxx Skyler
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I’ll pass that along to Gina. Next time I see her. Wonder if she has her own secret service guy? Maybe he rides along with her in the car and they both stick their tongues out?
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We LOVE Tim Kaine, too! We are Really kneeling down praying we have him in the White House for our VEEP!!! It is VERY Frightening how hateful so many Americans have become! Very prejudiced too! I do not want to live in a Nazi world like that if the hateful people take over!!! God help us!!
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Have faith. This, too, shall pass. I pray. Kindness Trumps Hatred. (I wasn’t even trying to be clever, but that’s not a bad phrase.)
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How cool is that! We can’t wait for the first women President!
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We can’t either, though we can’t rest on our laurels. Everybody must get out and vote. Every vote counts. (I just wish everybody COULD vote.)
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OMD, how exciting!!!!!! Mr. Kaine sure seems like a cool dude. Ma yells at the TeeVees at that other oompa loompa- baby-man, almost everyday! She has to mute the news if she hears or sees him, cause she needs to work on her anger-management when it comes to him! I’ve learned to ignore her, butts I do laugh under my furs, and I’m wondering when the men in the white coats are gonna come by…☺ Anyhu, preachin’ to the choir over heres!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
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If Stuart were here he’d be hiding behind the bathroom door with all the yelling at our house at the TEEVEES!!!!!
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I was beginning to think that I was the only one that saw through the nastiness and stupidity that was raking place in this election. I have tried to keep my mouth shut, but it is difficult. I posted a comparison of the Republican candidate and the Nazi Party and did not get the best reception. I am fearful of a world with the Toilet Paper logo. Stuart would be proud of you.
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It IS a fearful time for all of us. Things are so out of hand. This election is a deal breaker. And a game changer. I’m proud of you.
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Wow – great story and “small world”! (Great photo of Stuart, too!) Yes, we all must vote to ensure no unfit, scary idiots end up running/ruining the country and living in the White House (which would probably be garishly re-decorated). What’s wrong with society that this could even happen? And the despicable, ignorant comments made this weekend! Don’t get me started . . .
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I try to steer clear of politics here, because, hey, this is a dog blog full of love and friendship. This post was certainly not intended to offend, only to show some love for Tim Kaine. Seeing our neighbor’s name plastered all over the international media is strange! (And very cool!).
The 2016 elections (all elections, not just the presidential one) are so important. This isn’t the first time we’ve had bags packed and current passports in hand in preparation to leave the country, which we’d hate to do.
The comments about the Kahn family drove me over the edge, and I fear these comments won’t be the last of the hate to be spewed until November.
Gotta stop now. It’s all too much.
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Toby’s peeps and brotherdog say yep, yep, yeppers! Vote for the love not the hate🐾❤️
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You got that right. It gives me a headache.
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that is the best way to do a campaign… we need no big words and promises, to knock on the door and to listen to the people is still the best. and to talk with your peeps face to face… that’s better than to watch someone high above on a big stage…
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He really is a gentle man, and gentleman.
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We listened to Mr Kaines speech here and were impressed..as we also were impressed with President Obamas speech..we may not live in America but as allies we take great interest…may i say a certain candidate is pretty well ridiculed here in the press constantly..as in the UK so just letting you know we get the idea 🙂 xxxx
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It must be a comedy to watch where you are. That’s what some Canadians told us while we were on vacation a week or so ago. They watched one of the conventions while on vacation because they couldn’t stop watching the train wreck. Said it was embarrassing. We said so too!
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It just boggles our minds..and we question how it got to this point..surely another person with experience..tact..humility..honesty..and the greater good at heart could have been a real candidate..my gran was a Scottish lass..what happened in Scotland was disgusting..i guess as we say money talks..b.s.walks..
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I often question how it got to this point myself. The answer is frightening: there are more small-minded people in this country than I ever imagined. And they vote. And other voters get complacent. That’s the trouble. One of the troubles anyway…. Stuart would say, “Oh me.”
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I bet he would ! As an outsider it seems like people are really just wanting to vote for a person who tells them what they want to hear..the thing is the best person is always for me the one who would run the country ( i include ours) like a parent..doing what has to be done because even if it hurts it is right in the long run…we had a government that had our finances in a brilliant position..the next lot basically gave it all away..and in rubbish..when the GFC hit we survived they took credit..if we had not had those coffers we would have been in real trouble..and since then we have been in a bad deficit..but the uneducated voted for them..they wanted the freebies and handouts and now complain..ugh..
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You’ve hit the nail on the head: tell voters anything. UGHHHH!!!!! Sometimes in life, the treats need to be withheld from those we love because too many isn’t healthy! You’re right! I hope you’re mending after your sadness.
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Thankyou my sweet..we are getting there..Doc is doing well..he had a revolting blob removed last surgery and we made the decision with the vet to let him be him..the surgeries at nearly 14 are too much..saturday we are taking some of Forrests angel dust to his fave swimming place..we are popping some in a paper cup and letting them drift..he loved this place..we will take a picnic and light a candle and wish him happy birthday….we will be fine..we also hope your heart is mending…and as always send our love xx
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Thank you. And thank you for sharing your wonderful birthday plans to celebrate Forrest. Doc – give him a pat for me will you? Peace.
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Right on! Please give Gina a scratch from Mac, Jennie and me if you see her out with her security detail. And thanks for writing this. It is a scary time, and every vote will count this fall. We all have to talk to our neighbors and friends and be sure those who need a ride to the polls have one. We need Tim Kaine to continue his winning ways and help the Dems take the White House!
And it was good to see a photo of BoBo again!
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I love that photo of BoBo! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you all are well!
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Talk about how the world is so very small. Great blog posting today my friend. XOXO – Bacon
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Thanks pal. Hope all is well with you and yours!
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Thanks my sweet friend. I don’t know if I told you or not but mom got Houdini a thunder shirt. He did marvelously with it this past Sunday when we had storms. Thanks for the suggestion. XOXO – Bacon
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I am SOOOO happy!!!!! Yippee!!!!
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We’re not fans of either ticket. If Kyla were still alive, she would have run. As it is, it IS time for a black female president so we’re writing in Minnie Mouse.
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Kyla always has my vote!!! Love to you all.
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Your boy will al aye be missed
Peace,
Lily & Edward
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And yours, too, my friends. Thank you.
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When we heard he was from Richmond, we’d wondered if you knew OF him, but we never considered that you just flat out KNEW him, were his NEIGHBORS!! We have paws crossed and have offered up our prayers, hopes, and shear will that Tim Kaine WILL be the next Vice President of the US of A.
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Edgar, My Friend, and Mum, we thank you for that. We just walked around the block again. Saw two secret service folks. And those were the obvious ones. I’m sure there are others lurking about. Stuart and Edgar would find them, don’t you think? Tee Hee!
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Whoops…sheer not shear…sheesh.
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