French President gets a rescue dog.

[Catherine]

I think it is a fine tradition, having official pets in the government residence. Wilberforce sounds like he lived up to his office as official mouser. I am sure he served his country well. 
The French President's dog will probably serve more as a PR prop, but it is still a good thing that he was a rescue. 

Many leaders who come in on a wave of popularity lose that popularity very quickly. The public is fickle and no one can make everyone happy. At least his dog will love him.