It has been said that a dog is man’s best friend, but what about some of the most influential men in the United States? Our Presidents have a long history of owning dogs and keeping them by their side. Harry Truman, our 33rd president once said “if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
President Harry Truman’s Dog “Feller” Image source: http://www.dogguide.net/presidential-dogs.php
“Feller”
Harry Truman did have a dog for a short time. His name was Feller, a Cocker Spaniel who he decided to give away for better care.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Dog “Fala” Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fala_%28dog%29
“Fala”
Over the years, our presidents have been measured in part by the canine company they kept. For example, Franklin Roosevelt and his dog, Fala, a Scottish Terrier were inseparable. It is somewhat well known that Roosevelt ordered a destroyer plane back to pick up Fala who had been mistakenly left behind in the Aleutian Islands. Having attended many functions with Roosevelt, Fala became part of Franklin Roosevelt’s public image and knew how to stand at attention. He lived in the White House from 1942 until Roosevelt’s death in 1945.
President Gerald Ford’s Dog “Liberty” Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_%28dog%29
“Liberty”
Then there was Liberty; Liberty was Gerald Ford’s golden retriever, a dog who loved swimming at Camp David and going with the President during his meetings. He was also known to make late night excursions outside of the White House to “do his business” which is where Ford inadvertently got locked out of the white house. Ford discussed his dog in a speech in 1974 where he jokingly said that his dog Liberty was going to cost him some of his [liberty]. Then on a more serious note, he added that the true nature of liberty came with both privileges and obligations. Yes, owning a dog comes with enjoyment, but also responsibility.
President Ronald Regan’s Dog “Lucky” Image source: http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/photographs/reagans.html
“Lucky”
Of course, Ronald Reagan’s dog Lucky did not disappoint either. He was a Bouvier des Flandres who came to the White house in the early 80’s. Lucky was well known for chasing newsman and playing hide and seek with the President.
President Barack Obama’s Dog “Bo” Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_%28dog%29
“Bo”
Then there is “Bo”, our newly elected President’s dog. Bo is a neutered male Portuguese Water Dog who was born October of 2008. He was given as a gift to President Barack Obama and his family after months of speculation about the identity of their future pet. The White House has referred to him as the “First Dog”, a term sometimes used during U.S. administrations.
