White Spaniel dog

July 24, 2024
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President George H.W. Bush's dog Millie, a springer spaniel, was the first presidential pet to write a book. In this photo, First Lady Barbara Bush reads a story to children with Millie.

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The English springer spaniel “wrote” Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush, which reached the top spot on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list in 1992.

In the book, Millie describes a day in her life living with President and Barbara Bush at the White House, including attending morning briefings and afternoon meetings in the Oval Office combined with short breaks for squirrel hunting.

President Bush plays with Millie and her puppies. Millie was also famous for the prominent mention the president gave her during his bid for re-election. “My dog Millie knows more about foreign affairs than these two bozos, ” Bush said, referring to his opponents Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

Named for Mildred Caldwell Kerr, a longtime friend of the Bushes, Millie has the distinction of being the mother of two other White House pets: Ranger (often called Bush’s favorite dog) and also President George W. Bush’s dog Spot.

Millie was portrayed in several TV shows during the 1990s, including Murphy Brown, Wings and Who’s the Boss. She also made a cameo appearance in an episode of The Simpsons.