#4 Fala: Scottish Terrier – Franklin Roosevelt

FDR named the Scottish terrier puppy he received in 1940 Murray the Outlaw of Falahill after one of his Scottish ancestors. The president’s canine companion, Fala, often went on trips with him, joined him at major meetings, and slept next to his bed. As part of a World War II fundraising attempt, he was even given the title of honorary Army private.

Republicans attacked Roosevelt during his 1944 re-election campaign on the grounds that he had sent a military destroyer to pick up the First Dog after unintentionally leaving him in the Aleutian Islands. The purpose of this was to show the American taxpayers “where all of their money is going.”

After the president reacted in a speech during his campaign, the claim was shown to be untrue:  “These Republican leaders have not been content with attacks on me, or my wife, or on my sons. They now include my little dog, Fala. Well…, of course, I don’t resent attacks, but Fala does resent them… His Scotch soul was furious… He has not been the same dog since.”

The so-called Fala speech helped Roosevelt’s campaign get back on track during a tight fight against New York Governor Thomas Dewey, and he went on to win a historic fourth term in office. Fala passed away in 1952. This was seven years after the death of Roosevelt. The pup was buried at the president’s residence in Hyde Park, New York, next to him.