Pet nation

First pets of the White House

Puppy love isn't all about cashmere and diamonds, in millions of homes all across America, pets are just part of the family -- and that includes the White House, which could very well be called the dog house.  Some 200 dogs have lived at this famous address, which may be why Harry Truman once said "if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

It's advice President Bush takes to heart

President Bush: “It's one of the few beings that you can talk to without somebody debating you all the time.”

The President has two canine confidants in his administration, the first lady's 7-month-old puppy Miss Beazley and his own steadfast companion, 4-year-old Barney. I met the First dogs, who are both Scottish terriers, and the first cat, India, in the Oval Office.

Roker: ”How is it having a cat with all these dogs?”

Laura Bush: “The cat immediately put Beasley into her place when she came with a few slaps.”

President Bush: “Hey Barney, you know Al? This is Al.”

Roker: “He's not very impressed.”

Barney has reason to play it cool. After all, how many dogs can say they've rubbed paws with world leaders or been saluted by marines?

Roker: “He's got the top security clearance, doesn't he?”

President Bush: “he does, Barney, plus he knows a lot about policy.”

Roker: “Really?”

President Bush: “Yeah.”

Roker: “He's a wonk.”

President Bush: “He's a wonk.”

Barney even stars in his own "Barney cam" videos, which are posted on the White House website to give fans a peek at the adventures of a First dog. But his most important role is President's best friend.

President Bush: “Barney is like, kind of like the son I never had.”

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The president's fondness for his pooch echoes that of Franklin Roosevelt, who was so attached to his Scottish Terrier, Fala, he's even memorialized with him. Claire McLean, who runs the presidential pet museum in Lothian, Md., says that kind of genuine animal love humanizes a commander-in-chief.

Mclean: “They have such power and such prestige. The fact that they love animals and have animals make the American people feel even more connected to them.”

In fact, only three of our 43 presidents have been pet-less: Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and Chester Alan Arthur. And from Calvin Coolidge's raccoon to Caroline Kennedy's pony, Macaroni, almost every kind of pet you can imagine has roamed these famous grounds.

Mclean: “We had wallabies, we had tigers. In fact, Van Buren had two tiger cubs that he fought Congress to keep.”

Don't expect any Tigers to show up in the Bush White House. India the cat is perfectly content playing the role of first feline, though unlike Beasley and Barney, she isn't one to romp on the South Lawn.

Every day, the President tries to steal 15 minutes outside, and he loves to get in a little putting relief with Barney.

Roker: “Now what's his handicap?”

President Bush: “Four paws.”

But being a world leader is no guarantee your dog will be in the mood to hit the links.

President Bush: “Come on Barn. Barney. This dog spent a lot of time in obedience school as you can tell. And we're asking for a refund. Forget golf.”

FREE VIDEO White House pets June 10: "Today" show anchor Al Roker interviews President Bush and the first lady about their pets. Today show

Soccer didn't go over so well either.

President Bush: “Notice how he immediately charges the ball.”

Yep, even at the White House, where the first dogs have free run of the most important red carpet in the nation, things aren't so different from other pet homes. With first twins Jenna and Barbara now college graduates, the pets even help fill the empty nest void.

Laura Bush: “Since the girls are gone, it's great to have the pets now.”

Roker: “How do the girls feel about the pets?”

Laura Bush: “They love them”

President Bush: “There's been a disconnect in our family between love and the willingness to actually feed the dogs.”

Roker: “That happens here?”

President Bush: “I'm afraid it does.”

Roker: “I can't believe it.”

President Bush: “If we had to rely upon the girls the dogs would be like totally starved!”

And if you're among the 78 percent of pet owners who confess to talking to your pet in a different voice, you've got company at this Washington address.

Roker: “Do you guys ever talk baby talk to the pets?”

Laura Bush: “I do to Beasley a lot.”

President Bush: “I will never admit it.”

Roker: “Does he talk baby talk?”

Laura Bush: “No, not really.”

President Bush: Well—“

Roker: “Uh-oh.”

President Bush: “Of course everybody talks baby talk to their pets.”

Roker: “Sixty-three percent of people admit to kissing their dogs.”

Laura Bush: “We kiss ours.”

Roker: “Yeah? You're a part of that group?”

President Bush: “I wouldn't say on a regular basis. But yeah, I've been there.” 

In fact, the President credits his pups with keeping him grounded.

President Bush: “They help me relax. There's something soothing about having a pet.”

Roker: “It's that unconditional love.”

President Bush: “It is unconditional love. And the pets give it back.”

So, it really doesn't matter who you are, whether it's the president having a tense day, or little Woody's mom Heather having a blue one, our pets seem to know exactly what we need.

Heather: “There's times where I don't want to get out of bed. And you're just like, all of a sudden your dog's licking your face. And it just snaps you out of it.”

Yes, we're crazy in love all right. From the very top down, we are one bona fide pet nation.