by Kasandra Kessell

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

US presidential families have often been known for their generosity to animals, and many have cared for more than just a few. Presidential pets have made their way into the hearts of many Americans and onto the White House lawn, usually about four times a day. A few of them have even earned their own keep.

Bush's springer spaniel wrote a book that outsold the president's memoirs, and " Fala ", Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Scottish terrier had a best seller. " Socks", the Clinton family cat even had her own fan club.

Being a maid at the White House during Abraham Lincoln's administration must have been a daunting task each day after he allowed his goats, " Nanny " and " Nanko " to run freely through the halls.

Calvin Coolidge and Theodore Roosevelt had so many animals that it must have taken an entire staff to care for them, and the term " teddy bear " was inspired by Teddy Roosevelt when he spared a bear's life.

James Garfield had a dog named " Veto ", Lyndon Johnson had two beagles that he named " Him " and " Her ", and James Buchanan was the only president to own an eagle.

All of these animals have enjoyed the presidential spoils including photo shoots, media attention, and a personal chef in some cases. Except for one that is, an orange-striped ploy-dactyl cat named " Ernie ", owned by the George W. Bush family is the only known presidential pet to have been booted out of the White House for bad behavior. Not to worry though, " Ernie " now resides in California with a very loving family and holds no grudges towards the Bush family as far as we know.

President-elect Barack Obama will soon choose a canine companion as well for his two young daughters. He is currently undecided between a labradoodle and a Portuguese water dog. Whatever his decision may be, he has vowed to adopt the newest member of his family from a rescue organization. Rumor has it that this may be the first presidential pooch to be fitted with armor.

The Presidential Pet Museum located in Williamsburg, VA. was founded in 1999 for the purpose of preserving information and items relating to the history of Presidential Pets. The museum is open to the public with over 500 artifacts on display and is funded by private individuals and donations. To see more information on this museum, go to http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com.

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