A mainstay in West Virginia politics and celebrity hound Babydog Justice may not accompany Senator-elect Jim Justice on the floor where the legislative body votes, according to reporting from Axios.

After reports that Senator-elect Jim Justice's (R-WV) frequent companion Babydog would not be allowed on the Senate floor, Justice has released a statement, saying the comments about his bulldog were made "in jest.

This year, we have incoming West Virginia Republican Jim Justice. Like many exceptionally rich people, Justice, who inherited a coal empire from his father, likes to bring his dog everywhere he goes.

An earlier version of this story reported that Senator-Elect Justice asked, according to Axios.com, if Babydog could come on the U.S. Senate Floor. Justice’s Chief of Staff said that Justice never asked that question.

Babydog has served as an unofficial mascot for the state over the past few years, appearing at Justice’s side during press conferences, public appearances, and even during the State of the State address when he showed off Babydog’s asshole in a message to Bette Midler.

West Virginia Governor told he can't bring his bulldog "Babydog" on Senate Floor during orientation, Justice said he was aware