By Thomas McKinless and Katherine Tully-McManus

Samantha Heyrich, whose dog Pippa graces the office of Sen. Patrick J. Toomey on slow legislative days, says the adorable Corgi’s popularity with passersby makes going on walks in the Senate hallways “an ordeal.” Pippa’s Instagram accountfeatures photos with various lawmakers, including Sens. John Kennedy, Michael Bennet, Johnny Isakson and, of course, Toomey. “Senator Toomey’s a big fan,” Heyrich said, cradling the 4-month-old puppy in her arms beneath the Russell Rotunda, shortly before Pippa hopped down to greet a large group of excited onlookers.