Did you know? George Washington is considered the “father of the American foxhound,” and he bred more than 30 of his favorite type of canine. Richard Nixon saved his political career by delivering an impassioned address about his Cocker Spaniel named Checkers. And when Chelsea Clinton left home for college, her mom Hillary gifted her then-presidential father Bill with a chocolate Lab named Buddy to provide solace.
“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog!” former President Harry Truman famously said. Through 44 presidential administrations, this saying has rung true, and it has special resonance on Aug. 26 — National Dog Day.
Now in its 11th year, the special day commends the hard work of those dogs warming homes like the White House — where a pup known as “Feller” once provided comfort and companionship to Truman — while at the same time shining a light upon the vast number of canines still in need of being rescued.
Joseph Neese
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