INDIANAPOLIS — The first dog of Indiana has died.
Governor Eric Holcomb announced Monday night that his family's dog, "Henry," died.
“Henry brought so much joy to Hoosiers young and old, two-legged and four-legged alike. He was more than a family pet to me and Janet as he gifted us daily with his funny, loving ways that we’ll treasure forever," the governor wrote in a statement. "We thank everyone for embracing Henry and following his journey as the First Dog of Indiana. It warmed our hearts as we travelled the state to be met with the question, 'How’s Henry?'
"Henry’s exuberance for life will be missed, and his place in our hearts never replaced.”
First Lady Janet Holcomb also issued a statement about Henry's passing.
"We are profoundly saddened by this loss, but memories of sharing our very special boy with his thousands of fans and followers will forever bring smiles to our faces, and joy to our hearts," she wrote.
The first lady said Henry used to sit by her side when she worked in her family's manufacturing business. When the Holcombs moved into the governor's office, Janet Holcomb said Henry "took it all in stride."
Part of his new life in the state spotlight included a social media presence, which kept Hoosiers up-to-date on the life of the state's top dog.
"It came as no surprise to Eric or me that people across the state and around the world fell in love with our beloved Henry," Janet wrote. "When we look back on our tenure in office, the memories will forever be intertwined with our Henry, and the hundreds of people who have told us that he made them smile."
She said Henry survived numerous medical challenges in his life, including an attack by another dog, surgeries, prolonged illness, bladder stones and a life-threatening auto-immune disorder.
"No matter how sick he was, he refused to give up until age and compounding health challenges became too much," the first lady wrote.
Henry Holcomb was 13 years old.
