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Presidential Pets

Take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about White House pets from the past.

The Obamas' new pet is a 6-month old Portuguese Water Dog, which Malia and Sasha have named Bo.

The Obamas' new pet is a 6-month old Portuguese Water Dog, which Malia and Sasha have named Bo.

Pete Souza-The White House

The Obama family welcomes their new puppy on Saturday, who was given as a gift by Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.

The Obama family welcomes their new puppy on Saturday, who was given as a gift by Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.

Pete Souza-The White House

Former president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush carry their Scottish terriers Barney and Miss Beazley. Unlike most presidents who move to Washington with their pets, President-elect Barack Obama has yet to select one for his family.

Former president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush carry their Scottish terriers Barney and Miss Beazley. Unlike most presidents who move to Washington with their pets, President-elect Barack Obama has yet to select one for his family.

Lawrence Jackson-AP

President Bill Clinton had two pets while in office: cat Socks and Labrador retriever Buddy. They enjoy some time on the White House lawn with Clinton's nephew Tyler in October 2000.

President Bill Clinton had two pets while in office: cat Socks and Labrador retriever Buddy. They enjoy some time on the White House lawn with Clinton's nephew Tyler in October 2000.

White House Photo

In 1992, first lady Barbara Bush and President George H.W. Bush walk with Millie, a springer spaniel pup that gave birth to several baby Millies during her stay in Washington.

In 1992, first lady Barbara Bush and President George H.W. Bush walk with Millie, a springer spaniel pup that gave birth to several baby Millies during her stay in Washington.

J. Scott Applewhite-AP

Nancy Reagan cradles Rex, a King Charles spaniel, as she and former President Ronald Reagan walk along the White House lawn in December 1986.

Nancy Reagan cradles Rex, a King Charles spaniel, as she and former President Ronald Reagan walk along the White House lawn in December 1986.

Dennis Cook-AP

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter play with their dog Grits after returning to the White House from church in 1978. President Carter's daughter Amy also had a Siamese cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter play with their dog Grits after returning to the White House from church in 1978. President Carter's daughter Amy also had a Siamese cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang.

Associated Press

In 1974, President Gerald Ford and daughter Susan play with their dog Liberty. Golden retrievers like Liberty are known to be intelligent, loyal and very friendly.

In 1974, President Gerald Ford and daughter Susan play with their dog Liberty. Golden retrievers like Liberty are known to be intelligent, loyal and very friendly.

Associated Press

Former President Richard M. Nixon holds his family's black and white cocker spaniel Checkers in September 1952. While in office, Nixon also had a French poodle named Vicky, a Yorkshire terrier named Pasha and an Irish setter named King Timahoe.

Former President Richard M. Nixon holds his family's black and white cocker spaniel Checkers in September 1952. While in office, Nixon also had a French poodle named Vicky, a Yorkshire terrier named Pasha and an Irish setter named King Timahoe.

AP Wirephoto 1974

Former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, pose with their dog Yuki to mark their 38th wedding anniversary in November 1972.

Former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, pose with their dog Yuki to mark their 38th wedding anniversary in November 1972.

Associated Press

President John F. Kennedy greets children Caroline, John Jr. and their pony Macaroni outside the Oval Office in June 1962. Not one to be content with average pets, Caroline also had several ducks.

President John F. Kennedy greets children Caroline, John Jr. and their pony Macaroni outside the Oval Office in June 1962. Not one to be content with average pets, Caroline also had several ducks.

White House Historical Association

In March 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower's dog, Heidi, a seldom-photographed Weimaraner, peers curiously at photographers from behind the White house fence.

In March 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower's dog, Heidi, a seldom-photographed Weimaraner, peers curiously at photographers from behind the White house fence.

United Press

Feller, a 5-week-old cocker spaniel puppy sent to former President Harry Truman as a gift, poses beside his crate in December 1947. Feller's time as the first pet was short-lived after Truman decided to give him away to his physician.

Feller, a 5-week-old cocker spaniel puppy sent to former President Harry Truman as a gift, poses beside his crate in December 1947. Feller's time as the first pet was short-lived after Truman decided to give him away to his physician.

William J. Smith-Associated Press

Wheelchair-bound President Franklin Roosevelt holds his black Scottish terrier Fala while talking to Ruthie Bie, granddaughter of the caretakers of the Hill Top Cottage at his Hyde Park, N.Y., home in February 1941.

Wheelchair-bound President Franklin Roosevelt holds his black Scottish terrier Fala while talking to Ruthie Bie, granddaughter of the caretakers of the Hill Top Cottage at his Hyde Park, N.Y., home in February 1941.

Associated Press

Former President Herbert Hoover poses with his police dog, King Tut.

Former President Herbert Hoover poses with his police dog, King Tut.

Associated Press

Grace Coolidge and her husband, President Calvin Coolidge, pose with their dogs on the grounds of the Coolidge home in Northampton, Mass., in June 1930. Coolidge was known for having a variety of pets, including several birds, during his time in office.

Grace Coolidge and her husband, President Calvin Coolidge, pose with their dogs on the grounds of the Coolidge home in Northampton, Mass., in June 1930. Coolidge was known for having a variety of pets, including several birds, during his time in office.

Associated Press

President Grover Cleveland poses with his dog. Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms in the late 1800s.

President Grover Cleveland poses with his dog. Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms in the late 1800s.

Associated Press

President Andrew Jackson takes an extra horse with him as he heads for his inauguration in this 1829 depiction.

President Andrew Jackson takes an extra horse with him as he heads for his inauguration in this 1829 depiction.

Associated Press

Gallery Credits:
Producer, Photo Editor Anne C. Marley Text Editor Delece Smith-Barrow

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This Story The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash Article \| Who let the dog out? That's the Washington mystery du jour. The identity of the first puppy -- the one that the Washington press corps has been yelping about for months, the one President Obama has seemed to delight in dropping hints about -- leaked out yesterday. This despite White House efforts... Presidential Pets This Story Let's Talk About an Addition That Needs Vetting Article \| Mr. President-elect, we advise you to think carefully about the dog you promised to get when you move into the White House. Presidential Pets What Type of Dog Should the Obama Family Get? This Story A Shaggy-Dog Story: How Bo Wound Up With the Obamas Article \| Let's follow the trail. The Obama puppy trail. Why? Because it is our duty. The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash Presidential Pets		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		Related More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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