First Dogs: American Presidents and
Their Best Friends by Brooke Janis
American Presidents And Their Dogs
From Washingtons foxhound to Clintons Labrador--and every imaginable
breed in between--the presidential pooches have faithfully stood by their
masters through good times and bad, successfully endearing themselves
to millions of people along the way. In First Dogs: American Presidents
and Their Best Friends, Roy Rowan (correspondent for Life, Time, and
Fortune) and photojournalist Brooke Janis take an entertaining look at
presidential history from a dogs point of view. Highlighting the four-footed
goodwill ambassadors who have, over the years, not only humanized their
distinguished masters, but also played political roles--both in gaining votes
and boosting their bosses popularity--this lighthearted romp through
American history introduces such memorable characters as FDRs Scottie,
Fala, who attended the signing of the Atlantic Charter aboard the cruiser
Augusta; Millie, Bushs springer spaniel, who dictated her own bestselling
memoir; and Lincolns mongrel, Fido, who sadly suffered the same fate as
his master. Charming historic and contemporary photographs as well as

numerous line drawings accompany the engaging anecdotes, making this
a perfect choice for both dog and history lovers alike. Guaranteed to be
more fun than you can shake a stick at! --Stefanie Hargreaves
Personal Review: First Dogs: American Presidents and Their
Best Friends by Brooke Janis
Everything's up to date in White House dogdom now that Roy Rowan and
Brooke Janis have updated their celebrated history of American presidents'
canine pets. Prime examples of four-legged fealty to chief executives
(most of the time), beginning with George Washington's hunting hounds,
have been supplemented by George W. Bush's Scottish terrier Barney,
whom the 43rd president called "the son I never had," and the Obamas'
Bo. The incumbent presidential dog was the subject of an unprecedented
search. "At first," the authors wrote, the president "seemed to favor an
underdog. He mentioned the possibility of canvassing canine shelters for
a mixed breed or, as he put it, for a 'mutt like me.'"
Because of daughter Malia's allergies the Obamas narrowed the field to
non-shredders, a Labradoodle (part Labrador retriever, part poodle) and a
Portuguese water dog. "This has been tougher than finding a commerce
secretary," Obama said. If such humor seemed questionable to some, the
authors did not agree. "Let's face it, all the speculation provided a little
doggone fun at a somber period when it was badly needed." After the
Obamas decided on a Portuguese water dog--a strong, smart and loyal
breed that the American Kennel Club says can "swim all day"--Senator
Ted and Victoria Kennedy purchased a six-month-old brother of their
own"Portie" for Malia and her sister, Sasha. Originally named Amigo's
New Hope, the dog was sensibly rechristened Bo by the girls.
"Remember what Cal Coolidge said," the authors concluded: 'Any man
who does not like dogs,' and then he specifically added, 'and want them
about, First Dogs American Presidents and Their Best Friendsdoes not
deserve to be in the White House.'" Norm Ritter
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