Blagojevich gets pup before going to jail

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CHICAGO, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich adopted a puppy from a shelter as he prepared to leave Chicago for a 14-year stint in federal prison.

Luella, an 8-week-old Malti-poo adopted by Blagojevich Friday night, was found as a stray in Chicago and was brought to PAWS Chicago several weeks ago, the Chicago Tribune reported. The dog will join the Blagojevichs' other dog, Skittles.

The shelter began working with the Blagojevich family to find a poodle mix last week. After spending about an hour at the shelter Friday night, the family walked out with Luella.

"All of them got along fabulously," said PAWS Executive Director Rochelle Michalek. "They're thinking about renaming her Twix because they have a Skittles."

Blagojevich was convicted of strong-arming hospital and racetrack executives for $125,000 in campaign contributions and offering the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Obama to Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in exchange for $1.5 million in fundraising help.