Major Franklin D. Roosevelt's Dog: America's Beloved Presidential Pet

Major Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog was a beloved fixture in the White House during his presidency. He was a German Shepherd named Major.

Major was a loyal companion to the president and his family, often accompanying them on walks around the White House grounds.

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Fala was born on April 7, 1940.

Roosevelt's distant cousin, Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, gave the dog to Roosevelt as an early Christmas gift.

As a puppy, Fala was given obedience training by Suckley, who taught him to sit, roll over, and jump.

His original name was Big Boy; Roosevelt renamed him Murray the Outlaw of Falahill after John Murray of Falahill, a famous Scottish ancestor.

This was later shortened to "Fala".

After a few weeks at the White House, Fala was taken to the hospital for intestinal problems.

Roosevelt discovered that Fala had found his way to the kitchen and was being overfed.

Roosevelt issued an order to the staff that Fala would henceforth be fed only by the president himself.

Check this out: Roosevelt Fala

Fala spent most of his time in the White House from November 10, 1940, until Roosevelt's death in April 1945.

He was relocated to the White House on November 10, 1940, and became a regular presence in the lives of the President and his staff.

Fala traveled extensively with Roosevelt, including trips to his homes in Hyde Park, New York, and Warm Springs, Georgia.

Fala even accompanied Roosevelt on his airplane, Sacred Cow, and in Ferdinand Magellan, the President's custom-made train car.

The President's dog was a popular figure among the American public, and he frequently received letters from people across the country.

Fala was a skilled traveler and was known to be on the deck of the ship during press filming of FDR's visit to Hawaii in 1944.

He was also an honorary private of the U.S. Army, having contributed $1 to the war effort for every day of the year and setting an example for others on the "home front".

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Fala is the only presidential pet to be honored with a statue, which can be found in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. He's also featured in other statues and exhibits around the country.

Fala's popularity extended beyond the White House walls, with the American public frequently sending him letters and attention. He even had his own short-subject film made by MGM in 1943, telling the story of the World War II home front from his perspective.

Fala's legacy lives on through his artifacts, which are on display at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY. You can see his collar, dog dish, and White House dog tags, among other items.

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Fala's legacy lives on in some amazing memorials. A statue of him beside Roosevelt is featured in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The memorial is a beautiful tribute to Fala's place in history, and it's a great spot to visit if you're in the area. Fala is the only presidential pet so honored, making his statue all the more special.

There are actually three statues of Fala in total. Another one is placed at Puerto Rico's "Paseo de los Presidentes" in San Juan, and a third is located at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY.

If you're interested in seeing more of Fala's memorabilia, be sure to check out the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY. Fala's collar, dog dish, White House dog tags, and other artifacts are on display there.

Here's a quick rundown of Fala's statues:

Fala, the Scottish Terrier, was a gift to President Franklin D. Roosevelt from his cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley. Fala went to live in the White House on November 10, 1940.

Fala was a beloved member of the Roosevelt family, and his popularity extended to the American public. People across the country wrote letters to Fala, and he even received a short-subject film treatment from MGM in 1943.

Fala was a frequent traveler with the President, accompanying him to his homes in Hyde Park, New York, and Warm Springs, Georgia. Fala's adventures with the President were well-documented, and his charm won over many hearts.

In 1944, Fala became the subject of a famous speech by President Roosevelt, in which he defended his loyal companion against Republican charges. The speech, known as the "Fala speech", was broadcast on the radio and became a defining moment in American politics.

Here are some notable memorials to Fala's legacy:

Fala's legacy extends beyond his time in the White House, serving as a reminder of the special bond between humans and animals. His story has captivated audiences for generations, and his place in American history is secure.