NATIONAL CHECKERS DAY AND DOGS IN POLITICS DAY
On September 23, National Checkers Day (which is also known as Dogs in Politics Day) recognizes Political Pooches or Candidate Canines, First Fidos, or Revolutionary Rovers.
#NationalCheckersDay
More dogs than presidents have lived in the White House. While this day marks the day in history that Checkers the dog stole the spotlight, many other powerful pooches found their way to center stage.
For example, while President Carter was winning the election, his first First Dog was being born. The Border Collie only lived with the First Family for a short time, however.
Another White House canine by the name of Murry the Outlaw of Falahill (Fala for short) created quite a stir. The well-traveled Scottish Terrier of President Franklin D. Roosevelt was notorious for taking off. After one trip with FDR to the Aleutian Islands, rumors suggested the President forgot his pet. According to the talk, the President sent the Navy back to recover Fala. The story spread and became fodder for political debate during the next election.
National Checkers Day FAQs
What U.S. presidents did not have dogs or pets?
Only three presidents, James K. Polk, Andrew Johnson, and Donald Trump, did not have presidential pets while in office.
What president had worms as a pet?
The President with the most unusual pets was undoubtedly John Quincy Adams, who kept silkworms; he also kept an alligator in a toilet and brought it out to terrify guests on occasion.
Who had the most pets in the White House?
President Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office in 1901, accompanied by six children and more animals than the White House had ever seen.