U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy and his family have three dogs: Judge, an 11-year-old Labrador and golden retriever mix; Jury, an 8-years-old cockapoo; and Bailiff, a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever.

U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy and his family have three dogs: Judge, an 11-year-old Labrador and golden retriever mix; Jury, an 8-years-old cockapoo; and Bailiff, a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever.

How did they get their names?

The Gowdys are fans of dogs. The only stipulation: U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy – a former federal and state prosecutor - mandates the dogs are named using law enforcement terms.

Watson, the Gowdys' 20-year-old son who attends Clemson University, named Jury. Abigail, the Gowdys' 15-year-old daughter, named Jury.

How did you end up with three dogs?

Having three dogs – each with his own distinctive personality – makes it tough for the Gowdys to travel or stay away from home for long periods. Terri Gowdy, who assumes responsibility for the dogs while Trey is in Washington, D.C., says Judge – a gentle, loving and laidback dog - was a gift. The family answered a classified ad that led them to a pool hall, where they met Jury. Jury, had matted hair and was infested with fleas and had some minor health issues, but was fine after a week of medication and care.

Abigail was at a veterinarian's office two years ago with a friend whose family had a litter of puppies. Using her cell phone, she sent a picture of one of the black lab puppies to her Mom with the caption, “Awww.” It wasn't long before Bailiff was a part of the family.

What are their personalities like?

Trey says Judge is compliant, extremely gentle and kind and contrite when he's corrected. The 100-pound, golden mix lab is sweet-natured and has undergone knee replacement surgery twice.

“When he was small, he chewed up my Bible,” Trey said. “My Bible! He knew he had done something horrible. He just walked away with his head down.”

“Now, Bailiff, he could care less,” Trey said. “He's the child you love in spite of everything. If he were a teenager, he would come home past curfew and know exactly what buttons to push to set you off.”

Jury, the middle child, does his own thing, Terri said. He digs and has his own space on the couch where he lays. He doesn't let the others take advantage of him because he smaller, though, Abigail said.

What do you love most about the dogs?

“They become like children,” Terri said.

“Except, they don't talk back, they don't drive and don't complain when they're hungry,” Trey interjects.

“Having three dogs is a big responsibility, but they're good dogs – for the most part – and we just love them to death,” Terri said.