Pets in the White House Past and Present

Over the years, many of our presidents have enjoyed the company of a variety of pets while serving their country. At times, the White House seemed to be almost a zoo, depending on which President was in office! This list of presidential pets offers a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of this country's highest elected official. Part One of a series, this article covers the years from 2007 back to 1963

George Bush, our current President owns at this writing two Scottish Terriers named Barney and Miss Beazley, as well as a cat named India. Nicknamed "Willie", the cat's name was given in honor of Texas baseball player Ruben Sierra, also known as "El Indio". When he first became President, he owned an English Springer Spaniel named Spotty, offspring of his parent's dog, Millie. Spotty is the official White House Tour Dog.

Bill Clinton enjoyed the antics of a black and white tuxedo cat named Socks while in office. Socks was quite popular in the media during Clinton's term of office. President Clinton also owned a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Buddy, who could frequently be seen on the evening news accompanying his owner to the Presidential helicopter. Hillary Clinton put together and published a book of letters that children had written to Socks and Buddy. Buddy was killed by a car in 2001 in front of his New York home.

George H.W. Bush owned an English Springer Spaniel called Millie. Millie is one of the very few dogs to have "written" a book. Titled "Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush", it became a non-fiction best-seller. Millie had a litter of six puppies in 1989, and a male pup named Ranger became the president's personal dog.

Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy owned Lucky, a Bouvier des Flandres, and Rex, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Lucky grew too big and rambunctious to live at the White House, and was sent to the Reagan ranch to live after being replaced by the smaller Rex.