E is for English Bulldog and English Springer Spaniel
Warren G. Harding (1921-1923), George H. W. Bush (1989-1993) and George W. Bush (2001-2009).
English Bulldog
President Warren G. Harding’s English bulldog was named Old Boy, had a white coat and reportedly a celebrated lineage.

Old Boy with Laddie Boy (to be talked about on another day)
English Springer Spaniel
President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush loved their Millie; she is well known to everyone familiar with the early Bush years. Her book Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush hit the best seller list in 1992 and she was the mother of two other WH pets Ranger and Spot. Millie died in 1997 at the age of 12.

Millie – as well as the previous 2 photos
Ranger (named for the Texas Rangers) was originally a gift to one of his grandsons but after the puppy started to grow, Bush decided he wanted the puppy back. The two became practically inseparable. He was such a lovable pup that the White House staff loved him back – with lots of treats – and Ranger quickly became fat. Bush sent out a memo requesting that all treat-giving to Ranger be stopped. Ranger was only 4 when he died. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1994 and the difficult decision of being euthanized was made.

Millie and puppies

Ranger (lying down) and Millie

Ranger

I love this memo!!!
President George W. Bush brought Spot, another of Millie’s puppies back to the WH. He wasn’t as famous as their Scottish terriers (under letter “T”). Spot Fetcher was named for Texas Rangers’ shortstop, Scott Fletcher. He often accompanied Bush into the Oval Office and other important meetings because he was well behaved and dignified. As he aged he started having strokes and was euthanized in 2004 at the age of 14.
George W. Bush seemed to have a sense of humour! I like the photo of Millie with her pups and the laughing one of Barbara with the children and Millie. 🙂
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My favorite is the one with Barbara talking to Millie at the table – with Millie looking like “Oh, please… Really?”
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I’ll catch up on your other posts – the presidential dogs are interesting! 🙂
Have a lovely weekend. 🐻
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Another excellent post! How sad about Ranger. There sure were a lot of photos of Millie. Keep up the good work Toby. Penny and I are most impressed.XO
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Thank you so much!!
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That memo is the best!
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I know! I laughed out loud at that one!!
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we total lee loves bullies….de food servizz gurlz familee haz had a bullie ore 5 over de course oh manee yeerz….
& ranger…just sayin….we due knot think ya lookz fat at all !!! 🙂 ♥♥♥
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I’ve always wanted an English Bulldog!! I couldn’t find any photos of a fat Ranger. Maybe Bush had them all shredded.
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Love the memo ! Purrs
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Yep – it was a favorite!
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We had a DNA test on our dog and it found she’s mostly spaniel. I swear she looks more like a Springer Spaniel than any other type.
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
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I’ve always loved springer spaniels!!
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I remember when Millie had her pups!!!
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I tried to find her book but it wasn’t in our local library!
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Ha! We just had an English Springer Spaniel on Dakota’s blog on Tuesday 🙂 DakotasDen
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And he is gorgeous!!
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I grew up with English Springer Spaniels. They are wonderful dogs and full of personality.
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I love them too!
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The mom remembers Millie and her puppies.
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I remember Millie, too!!
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