Throughout American history, dogs have regularly had a place in the Oval Office, alongside the president. The United States public has been fixated on President Elect Barack Obama and family, as they have been searching for the next 'First Dog.' Vice President Elect Joe Biden has adopted a new German Shepherd puppy to accompany him to the Washington. Clearly, this is a pro-dog administration!
Tomorrow, January 20, 2009, marks the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama. As the White House undergoes this historic change in political power, Obama has been working diligently to appoint the best staff members for all necessary positions to ensure a successful presidency. The appointment we have all been waiting for, the vital role of the First Dog, remains to be filled.
In honor of the inauguration and the impending arrival of a new White House pooch, I have compiled a brief history of presidential dogs.
Beginning with America's first President, George Washington, dogs have played an important role in the lives of our presidents, helping shape the public's perception of the president as well. George Washington had a large pack of over 30 dogs, mentioned in his journals, each carefully maintained and bred. Washington actually was the father of the American Foxhound breed, as well as the 'Father of our Country!'
Our 16th President and Obama's hero, Abraham Lincoln, had a mixed breed named Fido. Fido lived with Lincoln in Illinois, but unfortunately, never made the trip to Washington after his guardian was elected president. After Abraham Lincoln's assassination, his remains were returned to Illinois for burial. Fido was supposedly brought out to meet the Lincoln's mourners.
One of the most celebrated first dogs, Warren G. Harding's Airedale Terrier - Laddie Boy, was a celebrity in his own right. Laddie Boy had a high backed, hand carved chair of his own to sit in during cabinet meetings and the White House threw the Terrier birthday parties. The neighborhood dogs were invited to join in the celebration and share in Laddie Boy's bone shaped cake. Newspapers even published mock interviews with Laddie Boy!!Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous companion, Fala, the Scottish Terrier lived at the White House,
but like any good friend, traveled with the President to Roosevelt's homes in Hyde Park and Warm Springs, Georgia. He traveled on official business with Roosevelt, accompanying him to Mexico, Quebec and the West Indies. Fala slept at the foot of the President's bed and was served a bone every morning, which was brought up on the President's breakfast tray. The little Scottie was often found begging for treats from the White House staff. Fala is the only first dog to have been made into a statue. Fala's likeness stands next to the statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt at his namesake memorial in Washington, D.C.
John F. Kennedy had a special play area built by the West Wing for the children and family pets (in addition to dogs, there were ponies, parakeets and a rabbit!). He was the first president to request that his dogs be brought out to greet him when he arrived to the White House via helicopter. JFK had many dogs, but daughter Caroline's Welsh Terrier, Charlie, stood out from among the pack. Pictured, the first family gets cozy with their pack of pets.
President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named Liberty, a gift from daughter, Susan.
Liberty gave birth to a litter of pups while residing at the White House, one of which, Misty, was kept by the First Family. An active retriever, Liberty was often photographed romping on the south lawn, swimming in the pool at Camp David as well as receiving plenty of attention in the Oval Office. Rumor has it that Ford had a special signal to get Liberty to wag her tail when he wanted to cut a meeting short. Photographs of Liberty were 'signed' for fans using a rubber stamp of her paw print! Liberty's bond to President Ford was well known and even parodied by Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live.
My personal favorite First Dog was companion to President Ronald Reagan. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (like my Louis!) was named Rex. Rex was a gift to the Reagans from political commentator William F. Buckley Jr. The spaniel lived at the White House from 1985 until Reagan left office. The family had a luxurious dog house built for him, complete with photos of Ronald and Nancy Reagan on the walls and plush red window treatments. Known for pulling hard on his leash, Rex would often drag the President or First Lady away from prying reporters. (I guess Rex needed a Gentle Leader, like my Lou!)
P
resident George H.W. Bush's English Springer Spaniel, Millie (full name, Mildred Kerr Bush), gave birth to a litter of puppies while living at the White House. President Bush Sr. kept one of the puppies, Spot, the only second generation First Dog in history! Millie was also credited with co-authoring a book, Millie's Book, alongside Barbara Bush. The book told tale of a dog's life at the White House and spend an impressive 23 weeks on the Best Sellers list and outsold the biography of the President, himself!Buddy, a chocolate retriever was given to President Bill Clinton as a gift when the pup was just 3
months old. Buddy frequented the Oval Office, accompanied Clinton in his travels and moved with the Clinton family to New York after Former First Lady Hillary Clinton was elected to serve as New York's senator. Buddy had a famous rivalry with the Clinton's cat, Socks and the two fought throughout the White House. Buddy inspired many websites and fan clubs, igniting public interest with his cute puppy antics. President Clinton and Buddy were said to have grown especially close in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal (which became public shortly after Buddy came to live with the Clinton's). During Clinton's last days in the White House, he was often photographed playing solitaire, with Buddy by his side. Buddy died in an unfortnate auto accident at age 4 1/2.
President George W. Bush may have not had a good approval rating throughout his two terms as president, but his Scottish terrier Barney has had the public's interest from day one. Barney has plenty of websites devoted to him, but most popular is the Barney Cam, which films the First Dog at the White House, sharing his experiences with the public through film. In 2005, Barney was joined by Scottish terrier, Miss. Beazley. Miss. Beazley was a gift from the President to First Lady Bush. Miss. Beazley has also made appearances on Barney Cam!
There are actually many more dogs that were companions to past presidents then the ones I have written about here. For more information and a complete listing, please visit The Presidential Pet Museum's website.
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