The great Harry S. Truman once said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog" - and his stance on the matter rings true for several fo our past United States presidential candidates. The presence of a White House Dog has become a notable re-occurrence in past presidential campaigns leading up to our most recent campaign where President Obama promised his daughters a new puppy before millions of people. Dogs have played a supportive role in previous American elections and sometimes, have even helped shift a campaign's momentum. The most familiar of these political dogs, Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fala and Richard Nixon's Checkers, both rescued candidates in hard times with their continuous support and unconditional love.
Fala, the infamous Scottish Terrier and favorite pet of President Franklin D. Roosevelt became an icon and celebrity to Americans. Fala was mentioned in political speeches and often in the press and really became a part of the president's amicable public image. Sources say that Fala accompanied the president everywhere in the White House, eating his meals in Roosevelt's study, sleeping in a chair at the foot of his bed- Fala was a trusty companion and never let Roosevelt down.
President Richard Nixon preserved his family-oriented role by referring to Checkers, the White House Cocker Spaniel, in political speeches and during interviews. Checkers was a campaign donation from a Texas salesman who heard Nixon's wife mention during a radio interview, how much the children whanted a dog. He sent them a black and white spotted American Cocker Spaniel that his daughters named Checkers and through out the presidency, this lovable canine served as a faithful companion to both Nixon and his family.
When George H.W. Bush took office in 1989, his Springer Spaniel Millie won American's hearts with her sensational best seller, "Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush" which described a day in the life at the White House through a dog's eyes. Millie brought joy to not only the Bush family, but lifted the spirits of fellow Americans as well. Most recently, First Lady Michelle Obama has announced that the family is looking to welcome a rescue dog into their family. The anticipated puppy has dominated news and Americans are eager to find out what decision the Obama family will make.
Presidential pets have become an important part of our political history and have prtime and time again a necessity for candidates - they remind them of their better selves, help lessen anxiety and bring humor to a demanding and difficult job.
Comments