Presidential dogs touched our hearts too

Growing up in Minnesota my family always had a dog. This week after watching the touching scene of Sully, the faithful service dog of President George H.W. Bush, guard the casket of the former president in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, I am reminded how important a pet can be to a family. Even a presidential family.

As Americans, we have grown up seeing dogs in the White House. There was Millie (George H.W. Bush), Buddy (Bill Clinton), Barney (George W. Bush) and Bo and Sunny (Barack Obama). There were even some cats.

In 1984, I remember asking Lee Hart, wife of then presidential candidate Gary Hart, if elected would they have a dog in the White House? Her quick answer was 'Yes.”

Today, I have another question. Why doesn't President Donald Trump have a dog? From what I understand, he is the first president in 150 years not to have a pet in the White House. Maybe a fluffy little Bichon would soften his heart; or a playful and demanding Labrador would distract him from so much tweeting. On the other hand, maybe Donald Trump does not have the temperament to have a pet. Some say he does not have the temperament to be president. Sorry, there will be no cute little puppy with a big red bow under the White House Christmas tree this year. Good thing.

Barbara Hartle

Cedar Rapids