The 6 Most Adorable Dogs Who Lived in the White House

dog
President Reagan aboard the helicopter with his dog “Lucky” on his lap via Wikimedia Commons

#2 Lucky: Bouvier des Flandres – Ronald Reagan

The press secretary for First Lady Nancy Reagan, Sheila Tate, persuaded the 40th president, who served from 1981 to 1989, to buy a dog. She didn’t provide the Reagans with their dog, named Lucky, though.

The puppy was a gift from 6-year-old spina bifida patient Kristen Ellis, who serves as the March of Dimes poster child. In memory of her mom, Edith Luckett “Lucky” Davis, Mrs. Reagan gave the new dog that name.

Lucky, who eventually weighed a stunning 70 pounds, still saw herself as a lap dog and frequently hopped on the Republican president’s legs during trips in Marine One. In fact, after just a few flights aboard, she began to link the presidential chopper with visits to Camp David, her preferred location. The dog would eagerly run into the path of the helicopter whenever she saw it.

<12 3 45 ... 7>

Share:

Related Article

Watercolor illustration of a person and their dog gently touching foreheads in a warm, cozy living room.

7 Signs Your Pet Considers You Family

Discover the science behind pet bonding, from canine oxytocin loops to feline slow blinks, and learn how your dog or cat shows they view you as family.

A warm watercolor illustration of three different cuddly cats sleeping together in a cozy armchair next to a hot mug of tea.

11 Cat Breeds That Love Cuddling

Discover the 11 most affectionate cat breeds, from the warmth-seeking Sphynx to the floppy Ragdoll, and learn the science behind cuddly felines.

Watercolor illustration of a cozy living room with several cats sleeping in a box, kneading a blanket, and playing.

8 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

Discover the science and psychology behind common feline habits, from slow blinking to 3 AM zoomies, to better understand your cat’s body language.

A golden retriever rests its head on its owner's lap in a warm, sunlit living room, showcasing a quiet moment of trust.

8 Signs Your Dog Trusts You Completely

Discover the subtle behavioral cues and body language signs that prove your dog completely trusts you, from making soft eye contact to relaxed sleeping positions.