The famous Scottie, Fala, President FDR’s constant companion
FDR, and Fala, a black Scottish terrier were constant constant companions, in the White House and out. Fala was given to FDR by his cousin, Margaret Suckley. FDR had wanted a puppy for years. He had pets before, but Fala was made special like no other pet could have been. He ate his meals in the President’s study, slept on a chair at the foot of his bed, and was present at the signing of “A Declaration by the United Nations,” a document where twenty-six nations at war with the axis declared unity and purpose. Fala only ate his meals served by FDR, and first, before other important guest or dignitaries were served.
The famous Fala with President FDR
Fala went on many trips with the President. In 1941, to the Atlantic Charter Conference held in Newfoundland, along with Prime Minister Winston Churchill present. In September 1942 and April 1943, went to Monterey, Mexico on inspection trips of the defense plants. In August and September 1943, went to the Quebec conference. In 1944, a trip to the Aleotian Island, where rumored he was left behind on one of the islands and tax payer dollars were use to have him retrieved by US destroyers. This rumor cause such a stir and was cause for the “Fala Speech” addressed to the Teamsters Union.
“Well, of course, I don’t resent attacks, and my family doesn’t resent attacks, but Fala does resent them. You know, Fala is Scotch, and being a Scottie, as soon as he learned that the Republican fiction writers in Congress and out had concocted a story that I had left him behind on the Aleutian Islands and had sent a destroyer back to find him–at a cost to the taxpayers of two or three, or eight or twenty million dollars–his Scotch soul was furious. He has not been the same dog since. I am accustomed to hearing malicious falsehoods about myself–such as that old, worm-eaten chestnut that I have represented myself as indispensable. But I think I have a right to resent, to object to libelous statements about my dog.” This was said by the President in the speech to the Teamsters Union, September, 23, 1944.
last week of December, 1941, signing a document, “A Declaration by the United Nations’…..
Fala alongside Eleanor Roosevelt
After the President’s death, he went on to live with Eleanor Roosevelt, but Fala never really forgot his master. If he heard the sirens of a police escort, his ears would perk and he expected to see his master.
When in the cottage, he would lay where he could see both entrances that the President would use.
In the end, he became very attached to Eleanor, but he never really forgot about his first master.
Fala died, April 5, 1952 and was buried two days later, near the President in the Rose Garden.
A movie made in 1944 about him living in Hyde Park is still very popular and can be seen if you visit the Roosevelt Museum and Library, in Hyde Park, New York.
Fala alongside with President FDR at the FDR Memorial in Washington DC
smiles : ) 
Kaley’s pup pals of the week — Max and Cody
Max and Cody, Sterling, VA
