As Americans commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, presidential pets are being celebrated as well. The Library of Congress has compiled photos highlighting the many animals that have had the privilege of being a presidential pet.
A History of Presidential Pets
The White House has been home to more than 275 pets, according to the George W. Bush Library. America’s first president, George Washington, loved dogs and was an avid fox hunter, which led him to develop the American foxhound breed. His war horse was named Nelson.
Other notable presidential pets include John Quincy Adams’ pet alligator, Thomas Jefferson’s grizzly bear cubs, and Theodore Roosevelt’s menagerie of animals, including a small bear, multiple dogs, and a badger.
Many presidents and their families have had dogs, including the Fords, Nixons, Johnsons, Carters, Reagans, Bushes, Obamas, and Bidens. Only three presidents haven’t had pets at the White House: James Polk, Andrew Johnson, and Donald Trump.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, most Americans (62%) own a pet, and nearly all U.S. pet owners (97%) say their pets are part of their family.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
