UPDATE on McEwen family photo

There were several questions from blog readers about this picture of Republican Bob McEwen, who is challenging Rep. Jean Schmidt in the 2nd District GOP primary May 2, and his family.

When was the photo taken? Is that really the McEwen's dog?

So we took it upon ourselves to investigate. McEwen's wife, Liz McEwen, was kind enough to explain.

According to Liz McEwen, the picture was taken a couple of years ago, in 2004, by her son-in-law. She said the family has other pictures, but they like that one.

The dog, she explained, is a 5-year-old golden retriever and labrador mix named Bailey that the family has had since he was a puppy. Before Bailey, the McEwens had a poodle, but the poodle died, she said.

"So then my boys said it's time to get a 'real' dog," Liz McEwen said with a chuckle. "He most certainly is not a rent-a-dog!"

Since the children have gone to college and she and Bob McEwen are on the campaign trail, the dog is staying at her brother's home in northern Ohio, she said.

"We're out here talking about taxes and the economy and these people want to know about our dog?" she said. "I am stunned."