Millie (dog)

Millie
Species Canis lupus familiaris
Breed English Springer Spaniel
Sex Female
Born January 12, 1985
Died May 19, 1997 (aged 12)
Nation from American
Known for pet of the First Family of the United States
Predecessor Rex
Successor Buddy
Owner George H. W. Bush
Offspring Ranger, Spot Fetcher
Appearance Brown and white fur

Mildred "Millie" Kerr Bush[1] (January 12, 1985 – May 19, 1997) was the pet English Springer Spaniel of Barbara and George H. W. Bush. She was named for Mildred Caldwell Kerr, a long-time friend of the Bushes, which is also the name of Kerr's granddaughter, Millie Kerr.

Millie was referred to as "the most famous dog in White House history."[2] Bush mentioned her in a speech during his 1992 bid for re-election, saying “My dog Millie knows more about foreign affairs than these two bozos” in reference to opposition candidates Bill Clinton and Al Gore.[3]

Millie is credited as the author of Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush[4] which reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller nonfiction list.[5] In 1989, Millie gave birth to a litter of six puppies with the assistance of U.S. Army veterinarian Stephen Caldwell, including Spot Fetcher and Ranger, who became President George H. W. Bush's dog. Ranger died of cancer in May 1993. Spot would later become another presidential pet when George W. Bush moved into the White House.

Millie was portrayed in an episode of Murphy Brown as well as an episode of Wings and Who's The Boss. Millie made also a cameo appearance in The Simpsons episode "Two Bad Neighbors" in a scene where the former President Bush is jogging with some of his new neighbors.

Millie died of pneumonia in 1997 at age 12.

A dog park in Houston, Texas is named after Millie.

See also

References

  1. http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0207/articles/020711a.htm
  2. "My Millie is a Famous Dog, Too". The Roanoke Times. 1991-06-01. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
  3. Gelb, Leslie H (November 1, 1992). "Foreign Affairs; George, Bill and Millie". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2010-04-05. Retrieved 2010-03-28.
  4. (Paperback: ISBN 0-688-11913-1)
  5. "September 30, 1990 Non-Fiction" (PDF). The New York Times Best Seller List. Hawes. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
Honorary titles
Preceded by
Rex
(Ronald Reagan's
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
White House pet dog
January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
Succeeded by
Buddy
(Bill Clinton's
Labrador retriever)