Laddie Boy

Laddie Boy was the first presidential pet to be covered by the White House press corps — a handsome Airedale terrier who had his own chair at cabinet meetings.

Warren G. Harding loved his Airedale terrier Laddie Boy more than almost anything. The dog was a gift from a friend, and he became a fixture of the Harding White House. Laddie Boy was famous for his intelligence, his good looks, and his habit of attending official events.

Laddie Boy had a custom-made chair at cabinet meetings, where he would sit quietly while the president discussed the nation's business. He was a regular in newspaper photographs, and for the first time, a presidential pet had a dedicated press correspondent — White House reporters would file stories about Laddie Boy's activities.

He was also a charitable dog. The president started a national campaign asking children to send their old tin toy soldiers to Laddie Boy. The toys were melted down and turned into coins that raised money for disabled veterans. Thousands of children participated.

When Harding died suddenly in 1923, Laddie Boy was heartbroken. He reportedly howled for days and refused to eat. The dog lived another six years, cared for by the Hardings' friends, but he was never the same. He was buried in a pet cemetery in New York, one of the most beloved dogs in presidential history.