Famous and furry
IN the United States, whenever there is a new president moving into the White House, sometimes the spotlight also shines on their pets who have the privilege of roaming the grounds.
Bo and Sunny
Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, was known as the First Dog of the United States during Barack Obama’s administration. The dog was a gift from Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and his wife Victoria, to Obama’s daughters Malia and Sasha. Bo moved to the White House in 2009. It was not unusual for Bo to go on family vacations with the Obamas to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Sunny, also a Portuguese Water Dog, joined Bo at the White House four years later. She was so named due to to her cheerful disposition. Obama once made a donation to the Humane Society of the United States, in Sunny’s name.
Portuguese Water Dogs are known to be strong swimmers, have a high level of energy, are very intelligent and teachable. This breed are “working dogs”, and perform jobs such as guarding property, pulling sleds, and rescuing people and objects from water.
Buddy
Buddy (Aug 7, 1997 – Jan 2, 2002) was one of two pets owned by the Clinton family; the other was a cat named Socks. Buddy, a male chocolate-coloured Labrador retriever, has appeared with Bill Clinton in many photographs.
Former First Lady Hillary has written a book called Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters To The First Pets. In it, she shares her experiences and pictures of her family and pets. She’s truly a dog lover who has spoken out about puppy mills.
Labrador retrievers are popular because of their kind, easygoing and gentle nature. They are good with people of all ages, which makes them suitable as family pets. Also, this breed is often trained to assist the blind and be a companion animal to the autistic.
Rex
Ronald and Nancy Reagan were clearly animal lovers, and always had dogs – before, during and after Ronald took office.
Rex arrived in the White House on Dec 6, 1985, as a Christmas present from the former US president to his dear wife.
The White House was Rex’s home until Reagan’s term as president ended; then they all moved to their new home in Los Angeles.
Rex (Dec 16, 1984 – Aug 31, 1998) was a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
The Washington Children’s Museum once treated Rex to a lavishly decorated colonial-style dog house.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels have been described as loving, playful, fearless and adaptable. Because they are sociable, they cannot go for many hours being alone; they need the company of another dog or a human.
In the movies
Some dogs have proven that they have acting chops – think of movies like Rin Tin Tin, Marley & Me, Eight Below, Snow Dogs, Hotel For Dogs, and so on. And then there are dogs that have made such a huge impact on people’s lives that films are made about them. Let’s check a few of them out. Uggie
This furry, four-legged Jack Russell terrier was rescued by animal trainer Omar Von Muller from being sent to a dog pound.
Uggie became part of a canine talent show and starred in commercials before venturing into films. Von Muller and Uggie’s persistent hard work and efforts paid off when Uggie was acknowledged for his acting skills in movies such as The Artist and Water For Elephants.
For his marvellous performances, the smart and adorable Uggie received the Palm Dog Award 2011, and the 2012 Golden Collar Award.
Uggie has also graced magazine covers. And Uggie – My Story isa memoir which he co-wrote with Wendy Holden.
Brigitte
This French bulldog went for an audition for the TV series Modern Family – without any training, just running around the room, doing her doggie antics – and got the part just 15 minutes later. Talk about a natural flair for acting!
The icing on the cake was when Brigitte bagged the Golden Collar Award for Best Dog in a Television Series.
Record-breakers
Jiff
Jiff is one talented dog, and a world record-breaker, too! This Pomeranian has his name in the Guinness World Records 2015 for being the fastest dog to run 10m on its back legs (6.56 seconds) and the fastest to run 5m on its front legs (7.76 seconds). Also, this adorable dog has a few moments in the limelight when it appears towards the end of Katy Perry’s Dark Horse music video.
Millie
Another Guinness World Record title holder is Millie the Chihuahua. Reason? She is the smallest living dog on the record. This dog stands at only 9.65cm, small enough to perch inside the palm of your hand!