🏛️ The Presidential Pup's Tale
🎪 First Celebrity Dog
Laddie Boy became the first celebrity presidential pet, receiving unprecedented media attention. Newspapers wrote about his daily life, and he was photographed more than some cabinet members!
🪑 Cabinet Meetings
He had his own hand-carved chair and attended cabinet meetings like any other government official. Imagine policy discussions with a distinguished Airedale in attendance!
🎭 Presidential Host
When President and Mrs. Harding couldn't attend the 1923 White House Easter Egg Roll, Laddie Boy "took over" hosting duties and represented the First Family with dignity.
📰 Media Darling
President Harding himself would write letters to newspapers "from" Laddie Boy's perspective, giving the nation insights into White House life from a dog's point of view.
🏆 Bronze Legacy
After Harding's death, 19,134 newsboys collected pennies to create a bronze statue of Laddie Boy, now part of the Smithsonian Institution's collection.
💎 Golden Collar
Laddie Boy wore a unique collar fashioned from Alaskan gold nuggets, befitting his status as America's first official "First Dog."
