"WHATS THIS WORLD COMING TO ANYHOW?"

 WHITE HOUSE COLLIE GETS INVITED TO JOIN COOLIDGES ON POTOMAC CRUISE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 10, 1925, The Sunday Star reports that the White House collie, 'Rob Roy'*, managed to get himself invited to join President and Mrs. Coolidge on a cruise down the Potomac on The Mayflower.

The Star says that yesterday afternoon, just as the Presidential limousine was about to depart, Rob Roy "trotted out to the car, placed his forefeet on the running board, and looked into Mrs. Coolidge's face."

For good measure, the dog "let out a pitiful and long drawn out whine."

Next thing you know, Rob Roy is "on board" the limo on his way to a cruise.

The Star says that 'Paul Pry,' the White House airedale who was left behind at the Executive Mansion, was most likely asking...

"What's this world coming to, anyhow?"

*Rob Roy (1922-1928) a white male collie who became President Coolidge's favorite pet.  The President said, "his especial delight was to ride with me in the boats when I went fishing."

SOURCE

"Foxy Collie Wins Mayflower Cruise by Simple Ruse," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Rob Roy

National Photo Company 

1924

Library of Congress

"HE WILL NEVER AGAIN GIVE HIS DOG AWAY"

GIVEN AWAY DOG RETURNS HOME HUNGRY & EXHAUSTED

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 26, 1922, the Evening Star reports that a Mr. George Simmons of 2210 14th Street here in the Nation's Capital found his pet collie*, recently given away to his mother-in-law, lying on his front door step.

The most amazing part of this front page story is that Mr. Simmons' mother-in-law lives in Philadelphia 139 miles away.

Apparently the collie didn't care much for the city of brotherly love so made an escape.  It took the dog four days to return to 2210 14th Street, Washington, D.C.

The poor animal was understandably exhausted from both the long journey and from hunger.  After a "big meal" and an "8 hour sleep," the canine is fine.

As for Mr. Simmons, he has vowed to "never again...give him away."

*The Collie is a herding dog originating in Scotland & Northern England.  They are medium in size, lightly built & have pointed snouts.  Collies are very smart & thrive on companionship and regular exercise.

SOURCE

"Dog, Given Away, Makes 139 Mile Trip Back Home," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 26, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Standing Collie

Photo by Karen Arnold

2014