The Shining Star - The White House's Favorites

"If you live in Washington and want a friend, a companion,

"At least get a dog."

President of the United States

Henry S. Truman

By each president who has ruled the White House

This book tells the full story of the beloved pets they raised.

It is described.

Since the founding of our country, our beloved pets have played an important role in our White House family. Pets can help us to relax and unwind during stressful times. Pets not only serve as good companions but also as entertaining companions.

And so, over 400 species of animals have become the best friends of our presidential family, from mice to bears to raccoons, from bats to goats. As diverse as our beloved pets are, each one has its own unique qualities.

Which bird has a habit of tugging at the President's ear but sings sweet songs to the First Lady?

Which pony would sneak into the White House elevator and ride to visit a sick child?

What has been the most famous animal at the Washington Zoo for nearly 40 years?

George Washington's term as the first president of the United States

1789 - 797 His pets

1 bird

36 dogs

4 donkeys

Many horses

Many, many

Nelson was George Washington's favorite horse. He was a chestnut-colored horse with a bold spirit like his master. Even when guns and cannons were firing on the battlefield, he would calmly obey his master's orders. In recognition of his service, after the Revolution, his master "rested him in the pastures of Mount Vernon." From that time on, no one was allowed to ride Nelson, nor was anyone allowed to ride him again.

The beautiful dogs named Swillip and Madam Morse were not only famous as Washington's favorites, but also received special recognition. After some time, Virginia hounds were bred by George Washington for the sport of fox hunting.

The Royal Gift was America's first domesticated donkey, a gift from the King of Spain to President Washington. After receiving the donkey, Washington sought out a female donkey to mate with. The goal was to breed the donkey and the female donkey so that they could produce more offspring. Washington had owned many donkeys after receiving three donkeys from a French officer during the Revolution.

        

Polly, a green parrot, is owned by the First Lady. First Lady Martha Washington spent 10 days teaching her parrot Polly to sing a French song. However, President Washington did not trust or love the bird. Polly and President Washington, the parrot, are said to have watched each other closely when they were in the same room, according to White House sources.

Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States

Period of service 1801 - 1819

His pets

3 birds

2 dogs

2 bears

9 horses

Dick, a black and white ground squirrel, was a favorite pet of President Jefferson. The ground squirrel would often perch on the president's shoulder and carefully observe and learn how to eat from the president's upper and lower lips.

The woodpecker has also been spotted singing in tune with the president's violin whenever he plays the violin, and often hums along. White House staff say Dick seems to enjoy doing this.

Even when the President went upstairs to sleep, Dick would jump up and down every time he took a step and then follow him.

Imagine a grizzly bear eating in your front yard. If you’re a bear lover, you’ll find it a sight to behold. In 1807, President Jefferson received two grizzly bear cubs as a gift from a Western explorer named Zebulon Pike. Jefferson raised the cubs in a cage on his front lawn. The lawn later became known as “Jefferson’s Bear Park.”

When winter arrived, Jefferson sent the two bears to a friend in Philadelphia, who took full-time care of them.