Tennessee Governor Returns ‘First Dog’ to Rightful Owner

Ten-year-old Jarrett Sellers got his dog Bailey back two months after it slipped out of its collar and disappeared. A neighbor saw Bailey on television--alongside Gov. Don Sundquist in a story about Tennessee’s “first dog.”

Sundquist, who thought the golden-haired animal was a stray and adopted it outside an Italian restaurant, gave Bailey back after watching dog and boy light up at a reunion Tuesday night.

“I wouldn’t want to deprive a child of his pet,” Sundquist said Wednesday, even though he and his family were fond of Bailey. Jarrett’s mother, Deanna Sellers, said the governor’s son, Deke, had even called previously to offer a new puppy and $500 to keep Bailey.

Sundquist said he will get another dog. “We don’t lack for offers right now,” he said.