Whatever the outcome of the November election, history will likely fail to record the political aspirations of two remarkable Minnesota candidates who sought to make a difference on the national stage. That’s partly because these contenders did not actually get out and campaign, apart from having one sign made up for each of them. It is also partly because these candidates are at a loss to articulate their respective platforms or party allegiances. That’s because they are dogs. Namely: Hansel (running for President) and Gretel (running for Congress.) But their campaign did accomplish something of pretty great value in their White Bear Lake neighborhood.
The unusual political signage featuring photos of each dog got curious neighbors and strangers talking, all political side-taking aside. Warm, spontaneous conversations broke out. Other dog owners and their dogs reached out to say hi. And just like that, a host of new connections and friendships formed. This was an especially welcome turn of events for Gretel’s owner Katherine Kroll.
A native Minnesotan, Katherine moved to her White Bear Lake home five years ago, eventually leaving a corporate job to work as a private consultant from home. And then, COVID happened. “It was the worst time to try to move into a new community,” she said. However, since Gretel came into her life and the dogs’ signs went up, her connections with neighbors surged — something she appreciates immensely.
Katherine first saw Gretel at last spring’s Dog Days event in downtown White Bear, where you could stroll with your own pets, peruse vendors, and also meet adoptable dogs. “I wasn’t looking for a dog at that time,” Katherine said. But when she went to a local bike shop to get her tire repaired, there sat sibling puppies Hansel and Gretel in a little pen, peering up at her, hoping for a forever home. Katherine said, “I picked up Gretel and I was…done! I immediately started filling out my adoption paperwork.” But wait. What about Hansel?
Katherine convinced a family member to adopt him also. The pups are now 8-months-old and the two see each other fairly often.
The political sign thing? “It just started out being a quirky, fun thing to do,” Katherine said, mentioning that relatives in a family printing business leant a hand. “It wasn’t about being left or right or whatever your political beliefs are…I just wanted to take some of the steam out of things,” she said, referring to the volatile, polarized times we live in.
It’s doubtful that Hansel and Gretel have any concern for their legacy as players in national politics. They’re just looking forward to their next playdate together. May they live happily ever after.
