Does Shirley the Dog Die in The Residence?

In Netflix’s ‘The Residence,‘ a curious murder case at the White House leads to a detailed investigation carried out by eccentric world-renowned detective Cordelia Cupp. When the White House Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter, wounds up dead, an inquest takes place into the goofy and complex social interactions between the Presidential Mansion’s guests and staff, leading to a whole host of confusing scenarios that leave everyone as a suspect. Matters get slightly more intriguing when we learn about the existence of a pet dog named Shirley in the residence. The canine belongs to President Perry Morgan and his husband, Elliot Morgan. While it is known to be a quiet and patient customer, it witnesses something during the night of the murder that compels it to create a ruckus. SPOILERS AHEAD.

Shirley Runs Into an Unwelcome Guest on the Second Floor

While Shirley never comes under serious threat in ‘The Residence,’ the dog does witness some foul play while resting near the President’s bedroom. During the important state dinner that takes place on the night of the murder, a few party crashers manage to get past security. Two of them are caught by the White House security and made to spend the rest of their night in a closet downstairs. However, there was another party crasher amidst the crowd, whom the group dubs The Third Man. This person slipped past security and was never caught. His name is Patrick Doumbe, an ordinary citizen who gets accidentally lumped in with the Australian dignitaries. As a result, Doumbe ended up at the White House through no design of his own. Instead, he went with the flow and enjoyed a free night of partying.

Later, while looking for a restroom, Doumbe took an elevator to the second floor, the area where the President has his personal residence. When he could not find the restroom, he stumbled around the floor without any clue. While wandering around, Shirley began to “attack” him, barking at him and hounding him to leave the place. The dog likely started barking at him because he was unwelcome on the floor and smelled like a stranger. Afraid, Doumbe left the place through a secret door that opened onto a staircase. When Cordelia questions Agent Rausch after the murder, the latter tells her that Shirley had been barking uncharacteristically that night – referring to the dog’s run-in with Doumbe, which she had no knowledge about. In fact, Elliot Morgan had ordered all security personnel to stay off the floor.

As Cordelia chips away at the case from her end, we slowly begin to realize the extent of the conspiracy and what exactly led to Wynter’s murder. We also learn that at certain stages in the story, Shirley is very close to the action, albeit unwittingly and for a brief moment. However, despite the complex interactions within the halls of power, the dog remains safe and sound by the end of the story.