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The Forest Scout

The Student News Site of Lake Forest High School

The Forest Scout

The Student News Site of Lake Forest High School

The Forest Scout

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In Honor of Dogs in Politics

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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.

 

In Honor of Dogs in Politics 2
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

 

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 Honor of Dogs in Politics 1
Photo courtesy of National Archives and Records

 

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.

In Honor of Dogs in Politics

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

A woman standing in front of a door

Gerald Ford’s dog Liberty posing patriotically.

A dog sitting in front of a building

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

A fountain in the water

Lydon B. Johnson and a basket of puppies.

A group of men sitting at a table with food

George W. Bush and Barney.

In Honor of Dogs in Politics 3

Abraham Lincoln and Fido.

A man in a suit and tie sitting down

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About the Contributor
Erika Marchant, Author
Erika Marchant is a senior at Lake Forest High School, participating actively in the school's orchestra, as well as the cross country and track teams.
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