Pawlenty speaks. Did his dog, Checkers, enter into the public presentation of his contemplations?

This MinnPost link, titled against what some may believe likely or even possible, "Pawlenty says his 'political career has come to an end'". Truly brief coverage. No mention of a pup, nor any mention of a Republican cloth coat, in the MinnPost item. The item linked to from MinnPost has this quote,

"I think there is an exciting group of next generation leaders emerging in the Republican Party and the conservative movement, and our bench strength in that regard is actually strong," Pawlenty says.

With the phrase "bench strength" he could be talking bench and bar; with the Supreme Court packed the way it is.