Lincoln's Dog Fido

[LincolnMan]

(03-21-2013 09:24 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(03-21-2013 08:48 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Since it has been acknowledged by so many that Lincoln loved animals, I wonder what the thinking was that resulted in leaving Fido behind.

Bill, the most detailed article I have seen on this is the one by Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt in the February 15, 1954, issue of Life magazine. I'll try to sum up briefly. Apparently Fido's behavior began to change after the May 18 nomination of Lincoln by the Republican Party. Suddenly there was a lot more noise and activity in Springfield including lots of new visitors and well-wishers to the Lincoln home. The was a big change for Fido. The author describes how Fido would hide under the sofa trembling as if a thunderstorm were hitting.

After the November election I am guessing that Fido's skittishness made Lincoln wonder how the dog would handle the change in lifestyle that would naturally occur with the move to the Executive Mansion. Yes, the train ride was a factor, but I think Lincoln also worried that all the activity, new faces, etc. in the White House would frighten Fido.

This had to be one tough decision. Dorothy Kunhardt describes how Tad pleaded, "I could take care of him, Pa." In other books, I have read that Willie joined Tad in the fervent request to take Fido to Washington.

The author does not say Mary was involved in the final decision; she says it was Abe's decision to leave Fido behind with another family (the Roll family). Like Gene, the quote from Mary in the article Linda found was new to me. I have written the author seeking his source; if he responds, I will post his source.

That's a wonderful story! Thanks Roger.