Fala the Dog FDRs Faithful Companion

Fala was a small, energetic, and lovable Scottish Terrier who became a beloved member of the Roosevelt family.

Fala was born in 1940 on the Aleutian Islands, where he was later to become famous for being a loyal companion to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Fala's journey to the White House began in 1941, when he was just a puppy, and he quickly captured the hearts of everyone in the Roosevelt household.

Fala's small size belied his big personality, and he was known for his intelligence, energy, and affectionate nature.

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Fala was born on April 7, 1940. He was a special gift, given to President Roosevelt by his cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, who later taught him how to behave and do tricks.

At first, Fala's name was Big Boy, but President Roosevelt renamed him "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor. This name was later shortened to Fala.

Fala was a quick learner and could sit up, roll over, and jump.

Fala was relocated into the White House on November 10, 1940, and spent most of his time there until Roosevelt's death during April 1945. He was a constant companion to the President and became an honorary private of the U.S. Army by "contributing" $1 to the war effort for every day of the year.

Fala loved to travel with the President on long and short trips by train, car, or boat. He even had his own airplane, Sacred Cow, and train car, Ferdinand Magellan. Fala was with Roosevelt at the Atlantic Charter Conference, Quebec, and met many famous visitors, including President Manuel Ávila Camacho of Mexico and General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz.

Every morning Fala had a bone that was brought up on the President's breakfast tray. He got a full dinner every night and was known to beg for food from the White House staff. Fala was so cute that the staff couldn't resist feeding him, but the President eventually directed them not to feed him extra food.

Fala's most impressive trick was curling his lip into a smile. He was the subject of a short series of political cartoons by Alan Foster titled Mr. Fala of the White House in 1943. Fala was also played by Whiskers in the 1943 romantic comedy Princess O'Rourke.

Here are some notable events Fala attended with the President:

FDR's love for Fala was undeniable. He often spoke about the little dog's loyalty and companionship.

Fala was a constant presence in FDR's life, accompanying him on many trips and events.

FDR's relationship with Fala was so strong that he even joked about the dog's importance in his campaign, saying "Fala is my partner, the Loyal companion, and the good friend."

Fala's life took a dramatic turn after President Roosevelt's death in 1945. He was no longer the center of attention, but he still had a special place in Eleanor Roosevelt's heart.

Eleanor Roosevelt took Fala in and they became inseparable companions. She often mentioned Fala in her newspaper column, "My Day", and wrote about him in her autobiography.

In 1945, Fala was hospitalized for a week after being attacked by Elliott Roosevelt's bull mastiff, Blaze. The attack left Fala with a slashed back and right eye.

Fala's health began to decline, and he eventually suffered from deafness. He was euthanized on April 5, 1952, two days before his twelfth birthday.

Here are some notable events in Fala's life after Roosevelt:

Fala's life after Roosevelt was marked by a quiet companionship with Eleanor Roosevelt. He still had a spark in him, but it was a different kind of life.

Fala is honored in several memorials across the country.

A statue of Fala beside Roosevelt is featured in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Fala's recognition is unique, as he is the only presidential pet to be honored with a statue in a presidential memorial.

Here are some notable locations where you can find Fala's statue and artifacts:

Fala's legacy lives on in various memorials across the country. He's the only presidential pet to be honored with a statue.

A statue of Fala beside Roosevelt is featured in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. This memorial is a special tribute to the president's life and legacy.

Fala's statue is also on display at Puerto Rico's "Paseo de los Presidentes" in San Juan. This is a great spot to visit if you're looking for a unique experience.

A third statue of Fala can be found at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY. This museum is a must-visit for history buffs.

You can also see some of Fala's personal belongings on display at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, including his collar, dog dish, and White House dog tags.

Fala, the Lovable Scottie, Won America's Hearts.

Fala was the beloved Scottish Terrier of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his loyalty and charm earned him a special place in American hearts.

Fala's Recognition Reached New Heights After Pearl Harbor.

Fala's popularity soared after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, when he became a symbol of American resilience.

Fala's Place in History Was Cemented by the Media.

Newspapers and magazines across the country featured Fala, showcasing his adorable face and endearing personality.

Fala's Loyalty and Devotion Were Unwavering.

Fala remained by Roosevelt's side until his death in 1945, and even after, his legacy continued to inspire Americans.

Fala was a Scottish terrier who lived in the White House with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940.

He was a beloved companion to the president and played in the grass outside the Oval Office.

Fala even got to attend important meetings with the president's advisors.

Fala's speech with President Roosevelt was a memorable event in American politics. It took place on September 23, 1944, in Washington, D.C.

The speech was broadcast by all U.S. radio networks and lasted for half an hour. Roosevelt used the opportunity to criticize his Republican opponents in Congress.

Fala, the president's loyal dog, was a central figure in the speech. Roosevelt playfully defended Fala against Republican charges that he had left the dog behind on the Aleutian Islands and sent a destroyer to retrieve him.

The charges were false, and Roosevelt cleverly turned them into a joke. Orson Welles, a campaign supporter, ad-libbed the joke, which became a highlight of the speech.

The audience loved it, with people laughing and cheering in response to the Fala bit. Even some Republican faces cracked a smile.

Here are some key facts about Fala's speech with President Roosevelt: