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Pets in the White House, Part Two: Johnson to Eisenhower

Stacy Mantle
President Coolidge with Tiger

This is Part Two of our series on pets in the White House. This article continues with President Andrew Johnson through Dwight D. Eisenhower (1865 – 1961). Find Presidential Pets – Part One and Presidential Pets, Part Three for a list of the newest pets in the White House!

Andrew Johnson 1865-1869

While he didn’t have too many pets in the White House, President Andrew Johnson was known to occasionally leave flour out for a family of mice playing in his room during the days of his impeachment, earning him the nickname “the friend of the mice.”

This unconventional approach to rodent control stands out in White House history.

Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877

A true “horseman’s horseman,” Ulysses S. Grant had a collection of beloved animals. In his stables, you could find:

Grant’s wife, Nellie, wasn’t without her own equine companions: Jennie and Mary, her cherished mares.

Beyond the horses, their pet family included:

Rutherford Hayes: 1877-1881

Beyond his political duties, President Hayes had a surprising assortment of pets in the White House:

Chester A. Arthur 1881-1885

There is no record that Chester had any pets during his term, but very little information exists about his administration, so we just can’t be sure.

Chester A. Arthur did not have any traditional pets like dogs, cats, or birds during his time in the White House. However, he was known to be very fond of horses. He did not own any personally, but he did enjoy using a pair of perfectly matched reddish-brown bays to pull his landau carriage. These horses were often described as “beautiful” and “perfectly matched,” and Arthur seemed to take pride in their appearance and elegance.

It’s worth noting that the definition of “pet” can be broad, and some might consider carriage horses companions of a sort. However, compared to many other presidents who had dogs, cats, birds, or even more unusual animals, Arthur’s lack of traditional pets stands out.

James Garfield 1881-1885

Garfield had a dog named Veto and his wife, Molly owned a mare named Kit.

His furry companions included:

There are also mentions of other animals belonging to the family, though details are scarce. These include:

Overall, Garfield’s pets seem to have been a source of enjoyment and companionship for the family during their short time in the White House. You can read about the Surprise Election and Political Murder of President James A Garfield in this fascinating book.

Grover Cleveland 1885-1889

Grover Cleveland, known for his non-consecutive terms as president (22nd and 24th), was quite the animal lover and had a menagerie of pets during his White House stays. Here’s a breakdown of their many pets:

Cleveland’s Dogs:

Other animals:

While not exactly “traditional” pets, the carriage horses used by the family deserve mention. They served a practical purpose while also offering opportunities for leisurely outings.

Benjamin Harrison 1889-1893

Harrison had a favorite animal named “Old Whiskers” who happened to be a goat. Whiskers was so much trouble that Harrison once had to chase the feisty animal down Pennsylvania Avenue when it escaped the White House grounds. He wasn’t all trouble, though. Old Whiskers was often hitched to a cart so that he could carry the Harrison grandchildren around the White House lawn.

Benjamin Harrison’s time in the White House was certainly not without furry (and not so furry) friends! Here’s a look at his animal companions:

Harrison’s Dogs:

Other animals:

Interestingly, some sources point to the possibility of horse ownership, but details are unclear. Carriage horses used by the family are not uncommon for presidents, though not considered “pets” in the traditional sense. Overall, Benjamin Harrison’s White House saw a lively collection of dogs, goats, opossums, and other animals, reflecting a love for pets and a somewhat untamed atmosphere compared to other presidencies.

William McKinley 1897-1901

A Mexican double-yellow-headed parrot made up McKinley’s menagerie. McKinley’s pet situation was relatively modest compared to some of his predecessors and successors. He focused on one main pet, Washington Post, with potentially a couple of additional animals not central to his household.

McKinley’s feathered friends:

Carriage horses: Though not considered traditional pets, presidents often used carriage horses for transportation. Whether McKinley owned or just regularly used such horses isn’t clearly documented. While not an extensive menagerie, William McKinley did have a unique pet in Washington Post the parrot, reflecting a preference for feathered companions during his White House residency.

Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909 Pets in the White House

Roosevelt was one of the biggest animal lovers of White House history. In fact, he owned the most pets of all the presidents with a count of 23! President John F. Kennedy resided in the White House with a total of only 20 animals. Both Presidents had a wide range of pets in the White House that included: dogs, birds, horses, ponies, hamsters, rabbits, pigs, snakes, guinea pigs and chickens.

Theodore Roosevelt was known for his love of animals and nature, and this certainly extended to his home life. Here’s a quick overview of his furry, feathered, and even scaly companions:

But, he wasn’t just a dog, cat, guinea pig, pony lover! The Roosevelts welcomed many other species into their home, including many exotics:

Theodore Roosevelt’s Bear Cub

Bear cub named Jonathan Edwards: The Roosevelt children did have a small bear cub named Jonathan Edwards, named after a famous theologian. He was gifted to Theodore Roosevelt Jr. in 1902 and described as “playful and good-natured” but also mischievous. Initially kept in a cage outdoors, the Roosevelts later allowed supervised playtime indoors. This famous bear was eventually donated to the Bronx Zoo due to concerns about safety and space when he grew larger.

In his book “The Green Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt in Appreciation of Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wild Places,” Roosevelt lists various animals received as gifts, including several bears, but doesn’t explicitly mention them living in the White House.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Hyena

He was a gift from Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia in 1904 and named Bill. Unlike the lion cub Joe, Bill did spend some time living in the White House, though not exactly as a “pet” in the traditional sense. We do know that he was a spotted hyena (sometimes mistakenly called a :laughing hyena: due to their vocalizations). Hyenas were often portrayed as cowardly and aggressive at the time, but accounts on Bill vary. Some sources say Roosevelt wasn’t overly fond of hyenas and found Bill unpleasant to be around. Others claim he grew fond of Bill, taught him tricks, and even allowed him to beg for scraps at the dinner table. It’s unclear exactly where Bill lived, but reports mention him residing in the White House grounds and a stable.

Details of his fate are murky, but it’s likely Bill stayed at the White House for a limited time before being relocated (potentially a zoo or private animal reserve). Bill’s presence was certainly unusual, and his exact treatment and fate remain somewhat a mystery. However, he adds another unique chapter to the story of the Roosevelt’s diverse and fascinating menagerie of White House residents.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Coyote

Although not often mentioned due to the lack of detailed information, Theodore Roosevelt and his family also briefly had a coyote as a temporary guest in the White House. The story of the coyote comes from Ira R. T. Smith, who worked in the White House mailroom for over 50 years and wrote a book about his experiences.

It’s unknown who sent the coyote as a gift or how it came into the President’s possession. Details about the coyote are scarce, not even including its name, but Smith described the coyote as “playful as a puppy,” seemingly causing more amusement than alarm. Unfortunately, information about the coyote’s stay beyond being playful is also lacking. It’s likely sent to the National Zoo, a common destination for the Roosevelts’ more “exotic” animal gifts.

While the mysterious coyote might not have left a lasting mark on historical records, it adds another layer to the Roosevelts’ reputation for embracing unique and diverse animal companions. Their menagerie undoubtedly brought excitement and unconventional charm to the White House during their presidency.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Mysterious Wildcat

The myterious wildcat of Theodore Roosevelt’s White House seems to be shrouded in mystery. Unlike the hyena or coyote, which appear in various historical accounts, information about the wildcat is almost non-existent.

There’s only one known mention of a wildcat being gifted to President Roosevelt in late 1903. Unfortunately, the type of wildcat (bobcat, cougar, etc.) is never specified. President Roosevelt, being familiar with wild animals and the challenges of domesticating them, immediately sent the wildcat to the National Zoological Park (now the Smithsonian National Zoo). The source mentions the wildcat as a gift from S.J. Nease, and Roosevelt acknowledged the gift while emphasizing the animal’s need for proper care at the zoo.

Based on this single mention, it seems the “wildcat” was more of a gift politely declined than a truly integrated pet in the White House. The lack of further information leaves room for speculation, but it’s safe to say the animal didn’t leave a significant mark on the Roosevelt presidency or White House history.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Lion

While we’re not sure if this is the same “wildcat” listed above (and it’s possible), we do know that Joe, the lion cub was gifted by Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia as a diplomatic gesture. However, upon arrival in the U.S., poor little Joe was in poor health due to the long journey and needed extensive care. While reports say Joe wasn’t particularly friendly, he never actually made it to the White House. After receiving medical attention, Joe was deemed unfit for domestic life and sent to the National Zoological Park, where he lived out his days.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Badger

Josiah, the badger seemed particularly fascinating. A little girl, who shouted the animal’s name to the President, had thrown Josiah the badger onto the Presidential train in 1903 as it traveled through Kansas. Although the badger was bottle-fed, he had a tendency to nip.

“Josiah, the young badger, is hailed with the wildest enthusiasm by the children and has passed an affectionate but passionate day with us. Fortunately, his temper seems proof.”

President Roosevelt wrote this in a letter to Senator Lodge dated June 6, 1903

Needless to say, the Roosevelt White House was certainly lively and far from your average presidential residence! Each animal had its own unique personality and story, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the time.

William Taft 1909-1913

While not nearly as diverse as Theodore Roosevelt’s menagerie, William Howard Taft’s animal companions added a unique charm to his White House experience, with Pauline the cow capturing the hearts of the public.

His most famous animal companion was a cow named Pauline Wayne. This beautiful black and white Holstein (known for their friendly and calm temperament) was gifted to Taft by a Wisconsin senator while he was Governor-General of the Philippines.

Paula Wayne lived on the white house grounds and provided fresh milk for the Taft family, becaming a celebrity, posing for photos and attracting crowds of visitors. After Pauline grew too old to produce milk, eplaced by another cow named Mooly Wolly. She was largely considered the last cow to reside in the White House.

Taft was also known to be fond of horses. He likely used carriages pulled by horses for transportation and may have owned riding horses personally, though details are scarce. There is also limited information about specific dogs, but reports mention at least one dog residing in the White House during Taft’s presidency.

Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921

President Woodrow Wilson had a herd of sheep during his White House years. During World War I, he allowed the sheep to graze on the White House lawn. This was part of the family’s war effort; with sheep keeping the grass trimmed, no manpower was needed for that job. When they were shorn, the sheep’s wool was auctioned to raise money for the Red Cross. While not as extensive as other presidents’ collections, his furry and feathered companions brought a unique charm to the White House:

Old Ike was one of his favorites. This tobacco-chewing ram was brought to graze on the White House lawn to reduce groundskeeping costs during World War I. He became a public figure, even appearing in cartoons and news articles.

Other animals he had included:

Wilson initially considered having a rooster for crowing at dawn, but the idea was dropped. We’re sure because his wife likely had some say in the matter. Overall, Woodrow Wilson’s menagerie reflected his diverse interests and love for animals. While not as extravagant as some presidents, his pets added a touch of personality and history to the White House.

Warren Harding 1921-1923

Laddie Boy, an Airedale was a famous pet of Warren Harding and he Old Boy, an English Bulldog.  Mrs. Florence Harding kept a number of canaries. But, they didn’t have many pets in the white house.

Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929

Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace, were renowned animal lovers. Instead of a fruit basket or bottle of wine, a voter in Mississippi once sent them a raccoon to be enjoyed as part of their Thanksgiving dinner. The Coolidge’s promptly named her Rebecca and proceeded to take her on walks, at the end of a leash, on the White House lawn.

President Coolidge was so enamored of the raccoon that he built her a special house and visited her every day. What’s more, when the White House was being renovated and the Coolidge family had to move out for a short time, the President was so worried that Rebecca would miss them that he had a limousine sent to pick her up from the White House.

Coolidge was an avid animal lover and also had a number of other pets, including:

Herbert Hoover 1929-1933

President Hoover wasn’t just a political leader, he was a real dog lover! His canine companions included a veritable pack of loyal friends, each with their own unique personality:

With such a diverse group of furry friends, these pets in the White House must have been a lively and heartwarming place during Hoover’s presidency. Each dog added their own special touch, reflecting the President’s multifaceted personality and his appreciation for companionship.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1933-1945

While Fala, the spirited Scottish Terrier, may be the most famous of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s canine companions, he was just one member of a remarkable pack that brought love and joy to the White House.

Immortalized in bronze alongside FDR at his Washington DC memorial, Fala captured hearts with his loyalty and playful antics. But he wasn’t the only pup to steal the show.

A Menagerie of Mutts:

These furry friends weren’t just pets; they were cherished members of the family, offering unconditional love and emotional support throughout FDR’s presidency. They even played a role in diplomacy, with Fala famously accompanying him on international trips.

While dogs were FDR’s clear favorites, other animals occasionally graced the White House, including a parrot and a pony. This diverse menagerie reminds us of the important role pets play in our lives, offering companionship, joy, and stress relief, even for presidents facing immense challenges.

Harry Truman 1945-1953

Truman was not known for his love of animals, so when a Missouri voter sent him a cocker spaniel, Truman called it Feller and left the animal to his own devices. Feller later earned the nickname, “Feller, the Unwanted Dog.”

In a final move that upset the nation, Truman decided he didn’t want to keep the dog after all, and gave the animal to his personal physician.

Alas, he did have other dogs, but not much is known about them:

Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953-1961

President Dwight D. Eisenhower wasn’t just a leader of nations; his White House saw two very different companions leave their mark.

Gabby the Vocal VIP: For those seeking avian company, Eisenhower had a parakeet named Gabby. This feathered resident flitted about the White House, filling its halls with cheerful chirps and the occasional whistle (rumored to be “Yankee Doodle Dandy”). Though sadly short-lived, Gabby found her final resting place in 1957 near the southwest corner of the executive mansion, a testament to her place in the presidential family’s heart.

Heidi: Eisenhower’s most famous animal companion was undoubtedly Heidi, his Weimaraner dog. Elegant and energetic, Heidi became a White House darling, capturing the public’s attention with her playful antics. Unfortunately, her enthusiasm also brought unintended consequences. Famously, Heidi once had an “accident” on a priceless rug valued at a staggering $20,000 in the 1950s! This luxurious faux pas, coupled with a tendency to jump on guests with muddy paws, ultimately led to Heidi’s “banishment” from the White House. But fear not, animal lovers! She wasn’t banished forever. Instead, Heidi found a happy ending, living out her days amongst the rolling hills of the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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