Fun Facts - "First" Dogs
In 1952, Richard M. Nixon was a candidate for Vice-President of the United States, running with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Media speculation centered around an $18,000 campaign contribution, and speculation that Nixon may have used some for his personal use. In a brilliant political maneuver, Nixon took his case to the American people.
On September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon gave a speech that directly addressed and explained the issue. He assured the public that he did not use any of the funds for personal use. Towards the end of the speech, he stated that his daughters had received a dog, which they named "Checkers", as a gift. He said they would keep the dog.
This speech quickly became known as the "Checkers" speech, and went on to be one of the better speeches in American political history.
With "Checkers" the dog included in the speech, this day was sometimes referred to as Dogs in Politics Day.
Here are the First Dogs of our last five Presidents. I learned a lot - both about our Presidents and their dogs. Do you remember any of these stories?
Barack Obama
Bo and Sunny, both Portuguse Water Dogs, are overall loyal companions, accompanying the Obama family on vacation and to White House events like the annual Easter Egg Roll. Other times they're found doing normal dog things, like playing fetch, riding Air Force One and hanging around the Oval Office.
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George W Bush
Barney and Miss Beazley are Scottish Terriers. They quickly became devoted playmates and captured the hearts of millions in America and around the world. They both lived long, full lives but sadly Barney passed away in February 2013 and Miss Beazley in May 2014.
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Bill Clinton
Buddy, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, arrived as a three-month-old puppy from Caroline County, Maryland in December 1997. Bill named him after his late great-uncle, Henry Oren "Buddy" Grisham, who had died the previous June. Buddy was a rambunctious dog until his untimely death in 2002, when he was hit by a car.
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George Bush
Millie, a English Springer Spaniel, is one of the most famous First Dogs. She “wrote” Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush, which reached the top spot on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list in 1992. In the book, Millie describes a day in her life living with President and Barbara Bush at the White House, including attending morning briefings and afternoon meetings in the Oval Office combined with short breaks for squirrel hunting.
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Ronald Reagan
Rex, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was named for Rex Scouten, White House Chief Usher. One of Rex's first acts that week was helping to throw the switch that lit the National Christmas Tree. It was reported that he didn't like the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House. He would stand outside and bark through the doorway. He lived to be 13 years old.
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