First Dog

In this light-hearted and educational look at the history of presidential dogs through the eyes of a canine, three stray dogs aspire to become the First Dog of the White House. For the past six years, Snubby, Scout, and Scholar have made a makeshift home for themselves at the Fort Totten Trash Transfer Station in Washington, D.C. An English Bulldog, Snubby is gruff ,with wrinkles and lip flaps, while the Springer Spaniel, Scout, remains perky and happy-go-lucky no matter what the situation. The intellect of the trio is Scholar, a mutt of mixed background. One day, they read in the Washington Post that Bo, the First Dog, became the celebrated center of attention during the 2011 Christmas celebrations at the White House. With the upcoming election, they decide they all want a crack at becoming First Dog. Pixie, a toy poodle who was taken in by the trash manager after she was abducted from her family and left in the streets, has access to a computer, and they research the history of past presidential dogs. Snubby continues being grumpy, especially when his work schedule prevents him from seeing the spring cherry blossoms on the Mall. Best of all, Pixie's friends discover her original family from which she became separated, and she plots to convince her parents to adopt Scout, with whom she has fallen in love. Snubby and Scholar soon learn that President Obama is gathering all the past and present presidential candidates to a Let's Come Together dinner at the White House. When the two dogs show up at the event, Snubby peers through the gate and asks, "Who's the guy the Prez is talking to that looks like me?" Scholar tells him it is Newt Gingrich. Later that night, Newt saunters up to Snubby and pets him, recognizing their similarities. At the prestigious event, First Dog Bo lands himself in a dangerous situation. Knowing they can't let a fellow canine get hurt, Scholar and Snubby rush in to save the day. Thanks to their courageous act, Scholar and Snubby open doors to a whole new world. The furry heroes may even find themselves in loving homes as a result!The facts are all straight in this thoroughly-researched but imaginative look at the role of dogs in prominent political families during an election year. Linda Kay Begley's First Dog will delight readers of all ages with its tender acts of canine kindness and lessons of perseverance.