Washington is a very scary place. Earlier today, we witnessed a disturbing scene.

We're in an elevator. A well-dressed young woman steps on. She has a New York look to her -- black leather car coat, matching boots -- and she's holding a West Highland Terrier.

As the elevator ascends, she starts petting and cooing to her dog. "That a boy, Schumer. Good boy, Schumer."

Schumer? She named her dog Schumer? And you thought you were a politics junkie!

At first we found this ridiculous. But the more we thought about it, the more we liked the idea. Chuck Schumer is sort of like a Westie, at least according to the American Kennel Club: "small, game, well-balanced... exhibiting good showmanship, possessed with no small amount of self-esteem."

And, just like a Westie, the srappy l'il Schumer lives in the shadow of a bigger dog...

Senator Charles Schumer [official website]

West Highland Terrier [American Kennel Club]