Canine Candidate Farley Dies, but ‘He Left His Mark’

A leader has fallen.

Farley, the German shepherd mix who captured the hearts of many when he ran for honorary mayor of this foothill community, passed away on Thursday.

“He was 101 in dog years,” by Dan Skywalker’s calculations. “He barely outlived George Burns,” said Skywalker, one of the dog’s best friends.

Farley lost his bid for the symbolic post of honorary mayor in July to a telecommunications executive but was appointed honorary mascot--the town’s first--in September.

“He left his mark in many places,” said Skywalker, who along with Farley’s owner, Michael Lucas, organized the political pooch’s campaign for mayor. Lucas, owner of the Deja View photo studio in Sunland, said Farley’s campaign started as a joke but turned serious as people became aware of the friendly dog’s candidacy.

During the race, Farley made the environment his No. 1 issue, pledging, if elected, to “plant a tree in every yard.” Lucas and Skywalker obtained saplings from the U.S. Forestry Service to plant in public areas.

His last official public appearance was at the opening of the Sunland-Tujunga branch public library, where he was an instant hit, especially with the kids.

But the end came suddenly for Farley, who was 13 in human years.

“He went out to the backyard to do his duty, and just laid down, and went,” Skywalker said.

Farley’s running mate, a 5-year-old collie-Labrador mix named Sadie, will probably assume the mascot mantle, pending approval from the board of directors of the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce.