Political Animals: Politicians And Their Dogs

In September 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was forced to defend the honor of his beloved dog, Fala, garnering widespread media attention. Roosevelt’s statement would not be the first time, or the last, that a politician had a prominent pet.

Former Wisconsin Gov. Walter Goodland (1943-1947) and his wife Madge had a collie named Tippy. During World War II, the Goodlands sold Tippy’s puppies to raise money for the Red Cross. Before becoming governor, the Goodlands spent their days on the family farm. Each evening, Walter would sit by the fireplace in his favorite chair with Tippy by his side.

The collie made it into several photos of the governor, including one with presidential candidate Wendell Willkie during his 1944 campaign visit to Wisconsin.

In both of these examples, and countless others, animals are used to manage a politician’s image. A dog or a cat can make someone seem relatable. Pets also offer photo opportunities and levity.

Roosevelt’s defense of Fala came on Sept. 23, 1944. The dog had come under attack by Republicans who claimed Roosevelt had left Fala behind on a visit to the Aleutian Islands. They accused the president of sending a Navy destroyer to retrieve his dog, costing taxpayers $20 million. Roosevelt rejected the claims and argued the attacks against his dog were a distraction.

Other prominent political pets include a large German shepherd that campaigned for former Milwaukee Mayor Carl Zeidler in the 1930s. The La Follettes also had dogs, including one named Scotchie. Goodland’s successor, Gov. Oscar Rennebohm included his dog in family photos, and former Gov. Vernon Thomson’s (1957-1959) dog doesn’t appear to enjoy the spotlight. In the 1960s, a cat was even found wandering the Wisconsin Assembly.

Sept. 23, is also the day that 1952 vice presidential candidate Richard Nixon mentioned his cocker spaniel, Checkers — the dog had been a gifted to his daughters from a supporter.

Due to the convergence of Roosevelt and Nixon’s dog speeches, not to mention other political pets like former Presidents Barak Obama’s dog Bo, and Lyndon Johnson’s beagles Him and Her, some have dubbed Sept. 23, “Dogs in Politics Day.”