In the words of President Harry Truman, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” For hundreds of years, dogs have made their presence in the Oval Office and have captured the hearts of their pet parents and of the American people. Let’s take a look at a handful of the most influential First Dogs over the last century and the pawprints they have made in American history.
- Bo – President Barack Obama
Bo, a Portuguese water dog, was the Obama family’s first pet in the White House. When he joined the presidential family, Bo was a six-month-old puppy and was gifted to the Obamas from Senator Ted Kennedy. Bo is famous for his tuxedo colored coat and was even featured in a campaign advertisement during President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.
- Buddy – President Bill Clinton
The chocolate Labrador Retriever, Buddy, was a dear friend to the Clinton family during his years in the White House. Buddy was so loved by the American people that First Lady Hillary Clinton even composed a book about Buddy and his accompanying feline friend, Socks. The book was titled, “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets.”
- Millie – President George H.W. Bush
Many people know of Millie, the White House English Springer Spaniel during the Bush administration and the “author” of Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush. Millie’s book is about her daily life in the White House with Barbara Bush; the book even reached the New York Times bestseller list. Who knew that English Springer Spaniels had such a knack for writing?
- Yuki – President Lyndon B. Johnson
Yuki, a terrier mix, was a lost pup at a gas station in Texas when President Johnson’s daughter, Luci, found her aimlessly wondering and decided to take her home. Yuki and President Johnson immediately developed a special bond; they swam in the White House pool, they attended cabinet meetings, and they even danced together at Luci’s wedding.
- Fala – President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Meet President Roosevelt’s canine companion: Fala, the Scottish Terrier. Fala was known for curling his lips into a smile to impress famous White House guests. President Roosevelt loved him so much that he even had a special chair at the foot of his bed where Fala would sleep each night. Fala and President Roosevelt are memorialized with a statue at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C.
Presidential dogs have snuggled their way into the White House and have charmed the nation with their playful personalities. Most importantly, the First Dogs have helped their pet parents reduce much of the stress that comes with the job of overseeing the United States of America. So, what better time to find a pet and enjoy the perks of pet parenthood than on President’s Day?
Sources:
Previous article
Next article
