The White House has been the home of many interesting and unique pets. While our recent leaders have favored more conventional pets like dogs and cats, here are some examples of unorthodox Presidential pets of the past:

• Antelope: Calvin Coolidge
• Bears: Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge
• Coyote: Theodore Roosevelt
• Hyena: Theodore Roosevelt
• Tigers/lions: Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge
• Wallaby: Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge was the President with the largest collection of exotic pets, with Teddy Roosevelt as a close second!

Of course, there are many First Dogs who have resided in the White House. George Washington had 10 dogs and Teddy Roosevelt had a pitbull who once attacked the French Ambassador! Franklin Roosevelt had Fala, a Scottish terrier who was his constant companion, and JFK's daughter Caroline was presented with a dog named Pushinka by Nikita Khrushchev. George Bush, Sr had an English Springer Spaniel, Millie. The Clintons arrived at the White House with their cat Sox and later Clinton was given Buddy, a Labrador. The outgoing President now has two Scottish terriers, Barney and Miss Beasley.

In his acceptance speech last night, Barack Obama made this promise to his daughters, Sasha and Malia: “I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us.” But what sort of dog will go live in the White House with Obama and his family? It has been reported that his daughter has allergies, so the family may need a special dog. Malia has reportedly requested a "goldendoodle", a hypoallergenic hybrid of a golden retriever and a standard poodle. But regardless of the breed, it would be inspirational if the First Family chose to adopt a rescue dog. This choice might show that Obama is in touch with the people and that, just as anyone can become President, any canine can become First Dog. This might even inspire more Americans to get their new pet from a shelter!

Ami Moore The Chicago Dog Expert

www.chicagodogcoach.com
www.dogwhispererchicago.com