Introduction
Franklin Roosevelt was one of the most influential presidents in the history of the United States. He served as the country’s chief executive during some of its most challenging times, including the Great Depression and World War II. However, in addition to his political accomplishments, Roosevelt is also remembered for his fondness for animals, particularly his Scottish terrier named Fala.
The Scottish terrier breed
Scottish terriers, also known as "Scotties," are a small breed of dog that originated in Scotland. They are known for their distinctive look, which includes a long beard, a bushy tail, and pointed ears. Scotties are valued for their loyalty and intelligence, and have become a popular breed among dog lovers around the world.
The Roosevelt family’s love for dogs
The Roosevelt family was well-known for their love of dogs, and over the years they owned a number of different breeds, including German shepherds, Irish setters, and Scottish terriers. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt both believed that dogs were an important part of their family, and they often brought their pets with them on trips and to public events.
Fala, the most famous presidential pet
Of all the pets that the Roosevelts owned, Fala was perhaps the most famous. He was a Scottish terrier that was given to the president as a gift in 1940 by a friend in Scotland. Fala quickly became an important member of the Roosevelt family, and was often seen by the president’s side during public appearances.
The story behind FDR’s decision to get a Scottish terrier
The story behind FDR’s decision to get a Scottish terrier is an interesting one. In 1940, Roosevelt traveled to Scotland to speak at a conference. While he was there, he met a man named Major George A. S. Patton Jr., who had a Scottish terrier named Willie. Roosevelt was so taken with Willie that he decided he wanted a Scottie of his own, and asked Patton to help him find one.
Choosing a name for the new addition to the family
When FDR’s new Scottish terrier arrived in the United States, the Roosevelts had to decide on a name for him. They eventually settled on the name "Fala," which was suggested by Eleanor Roosevelt. The name was inspired by a character from a Scottish folk tale that FDR had heard during his trip to Scotland.
Franklin Roosevelt’s fondness for Fala
Franklin Roosevelt became very attached to Fala, and the two were often seen playing together in the White House. In fact, Fala was so beloved that he even had his own chair in the president’s office. Roosevelt’s fondness for his pet was evident to everyone who knew him, and many people believe that Fala helped to lift the president’s spirits during some of the darkest days of his presidency.
Fala’s involvement in presidential affairs
Fala was more than just a beloved pet; he was also an important figure in presidential affairs. In 1944, during one of Roosevelt’s speeches, a rumor began to circulate that Fala had been left behind on a recent trip to the Aleutian Islands and that the Navy had been sent to retrieve him. Roosevelt used this rumor as an opportunity to mock his political opponents, saying that they were more concerned about Fala than they were about the important issues facing the country.
The legacy of Fala’s name
Fala’s name has become synonymous with the Roosevelt presidency, and has been used to refer to the era of American politics that he presided over. In addition, there are a number of different landmarks and institutions that have been named after Fala, including a park in New York City and a pet-friendly hotel in Washington D.C.
Other presidential pets and their names
Fala was not the only presidential pet to capture the hearts of the American people. Over the years, a number of different pets have lived in the White House, including dogs, cats, birds, and even a raccoon. Some of the most famous presidential pets include Bo and Sunny, the Portuguese water dogs owned by Barack Obama, and Socks, the cat owned by Bill Clinton.
Conclusion
Franklin Roosevelt’s love for his Scottish terrier, Fala, was just one of the many ways that he connected with the American people. Fala’s name has become a symbol of the Roosevelt presidency, and his legacy continues to inspire dog lovers around the world.
