Babydog, the governor’s English Bulldog, is taking a starring role in the marketing campaign for West Virginia’s vaccination lottery.
Babydog has appeared at recent briefings as Gov. Jim Justice has exhorted West Virginia to be vaccinated for covid-19 in exchange for opportunities to win prizes.
Today, Justice announced that the official name of the vaccination lottery will be “Do It For Babydog.”
“I want everybody to relax just a little bit and have a little bit of fun,” Justice said as his dog was placed on his lap during a briefing today.
As Babydog’s jowls drooped, the governor commented, “Look at this darling little face here. You can’t possibly turn her down.”
The camera zoomed in on Babydog, who looked unimpressed.
“How can you possibly turn down this face? I mean, this face right here,” the governor said.
Babydog’s head turned to look off camera, body language that could be interpreted as a plea for help.
Justice picked up Babydog’s front paw and made it wave.
The governor expressed her desires for citizens.
“This is little Babydog saying ‘Please, please.’ She’s just waving at you. ‘Please, please, go get your vaccination.’ Win all the prizes that are out there, but get vaccinated for you, your loved ones and absolutely for this little cute face right here.”
Justice announced last week that all vaccinated West Virginians would be eligible for a series of prizes. Eligible residents will need to register for the lottery, and the process is still being worked out.
Giveaways will take place from June 20, West Virginia Day, until August 4. June 20 is also Father’s Day.
The first batch of prizes includes:
- Two four-year, full scholarships to West Virginia colleges for residents between ages 12 to 25
- Two new custom outfitted trucks
- 25 weekend getaways to state parks
- Five lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
- Five custom hunting rifles and five custom hunting shotguns.
- “And we’re going to give away a million dollars to somebody on Father’s Day.”
‘I’d love to have one of those trucks to tell you the truth,” Justice commented later in today’s briefing.