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Dog Days

John Kennedy

Immigrant Dog As a present to Caroline Kennedy during the height of the cold war, Russian Premiere Khrushchev sent a gift of a dog to the White House. It was Pushinka, daughter of the first dog in space, Strelka. Before the dog was allowed to be given to the president's daughter, the army thoroughly searched and x-rayed the pooch while denying it was checking for "bugs" or a possible doomsday device.

Gerald Ford

Business Dog One night when the regular caretaker for his dog Liberty was unable to be at the White House, President Ford offered to take care of the family pet. He was told that Liberty usually needed to make a late night "business" trip to the South lawn. As scheduled, Ford and the dog left the White House without telling the secret service. As the duo strolled the grounds the service secured the White House second floor, as is done every night. Ford was unable to use the elevator or return to the private quarters until he alerted guards that he was locked out of the Mansion.

Barbara Bush

Ugly but Talented Dog A Washington reporter once referred to Millie, a spaniel owned by Barbara Bush, as the "Ugliest dog in the capital." With the help of the First Lady, Millie wrote, Millie's Book, a look at the White House through the eyes of the canine. It soon became a best-seller. Millie had puppies at the White House, one of which was adopted by George W. Bush. Spot Bush, pictured on the First Pets Home Page, now resides with the president at his mom's former home, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.