Sen. Conrad’s dog Dakota, a favorite of Capitol Hill, diagnosed with cancer

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) was staggered by bad news Wednesday night when his adored dog Dakota was diagnosed with cancer.
 
Conrad frequently brings Dakota, a Bichon Frise, during his Senate rounds.
 

Conrad said his “little guy” was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.

“It hit me like a bolt out of the blue,” a visibly upset Conrad said.
 
The hopeful news is that the disease is treatable, the senator said.

Conrad believes Dakota is about 7 years old. The dog was “a rescue,” he said.

But it’s a sad development for lawmakers, reporters and staffers who have grown fond of the charismatic dog over the years. Dakota was one of the stars of the “Inside Congress” special that NBC aired in late July.
 
“Life’s not fair,” Conrad said.

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