September 23rd, 2016 is National Dogs in Politics Day.

National Dogs in Politics Day– because few things scream “America!” louder than a big, fluffy dog clad in a suit and striped neck-tie. Cat lovers of America, it’s time to “Feel the Bern(ese Mountain Dog).”

Dog’s have always been man’s best friend, even if that man is the President of the United States. From Obama’s Portuguese water dog, “Bo”, to Richard Nixon’s Irish setter, “Kim Timahoe”, countless furry-residents have spent their afternoons chasing tennis balls on the North and South lawns of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Ah, imagine a world governed by puppies– no wars, no arguments, no taxes. Dogs don’t lie to us, dogs don’t unfairly favor one group over another… Anyone else in favor of paw-litics?

Though the day’s title may suggest its dedication to pooches holding office, this national holiday originates back to Richard Nixon’s “Checkers Speech”, delivered on (you guessed it!) September 23rd, 1952. The speech addressed allegations of Nixon’s infamous mishandling of around $18,000 in campaign funds. Later mentioning the Nixon family’s black-and-white puppy named “Checkers”, the date came to be titled “National Checkers Day” (eventually adopting the alternative, “National Dogs in Politics Day”).

In the spirit of today (why aren’t we getting school off on National Dogs in Politics Day?), here some of our favorite photos of pets to have resided alongside the First Families of the United States (photo courtesy of The National Archives):

Bill Clinton talking a walk (?) with Socks the cat.

Amy Carter and Misty Malarky Ying Yang (perhaps the greatest name for a cat in American history).

Gerald Ford’s dog Liberty posing patriotically.

Bill Clinton’s dog Buddy demonstrating the proper “dog-paddle” technique.

Lydon B. Johnson and a basket of puppies.

George W. Bush and Barney.

Abraham Lincoln and Fido.