Feller: The Unwanted Presidential Puppy and Where Is the Obamadog?
While watching tonight’s Presidential Address to Congress, it occured to me that I have heard no mention of the new Presidential Puppy, the Obamadog. As it turns out, this courageous canine doesn’t exist. Why has Barack Obama not kept his promise to his daughters? Where is the new White House Pet?
Harry S Truman, who never promised anyone a puppy, received one anyway as an unsolicited Christmas gift in 1947. A blonde Cocker Spaniel named Feller, that the Truman’s apparently didn’t want. They gave him to White House Physician Brigadier General Wallace Graham. Tiring of the publicity, Dr. Graham had Truman’s Naval Aide, Admiral James K. Foskett, take Feller to Shangri-La (now known as Camp David).
Feller was given to the chief-in-charge at Shrangi-La, Quartermaster George A. Poplin. Upon his transfer, He was told by Truman’s secretary to leave the dog there. Care of the dog was then passed to Damage Control Chief Ralph O. Loften, and then to Chief Boatswain Robert W. Lyle.
In 1953, while Chief Lyle was being transferred to Italy, he sought permission from Naval Aide Admiral Robert L. Dennison to take Feller. Permission was granted, provided that no mention be made that the dog once belonged to Truman. Robert gave Feller to his father, Archie Otis Lyle, who owned a farm just outside Greenfield, Ohio. There Feller lived for many happy years until he died of old age.
Topics: Barack Obama, Celebrity, Politics |
February 25th, 2009 at 3:09 am
Wow. I wondered about Obamadog, too- and I’ve never heard of Feller before- poor thing, being treated like an ugly orphan. That’s why people shouldn’t give animals as gifts.