Devotion in bronze stands before you. This is the statue of Fala beside President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Fala is the only presidential pet honored this way. The statue captures a poignant glimpse into the life of a president and his beloved dog.
Fala, a Scottish Terrier, was born on April 7, 1940. He was initially named Big Boy. Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, Roosevelt’s cousin, gifted him to the president as an early Christmas present. Suckley trained Fala. She taught him to sit, roll over, and jump. Roosevelt then renamed him Murray the Outlaw of Falahill after a Scottish ancestor. This was later shortened to Fala.
Fala became Roosevelt’s constant companion. He traveled with the president everywhere. This included trips on ships and planes. They went to meetings, speeches, and engagements around the world. Fala was so famous that U.S. soldiers during World War II used his name as a password. This helped prevent German infiltration.
The public adored Fala. He was often photographed with Roosevelt. Fala even starred in an MGM documentary about a typical day in the White House. The film showed his playful antics and unwavering loyalty.
Fala’s fame reached its peak with Roosevelt’s “Fala Speech” on September 23, 1944. Republican leaders had criticized Roosevelt. They falsely claimed he sent a U.S. Navy destroyer to retrieve Fala from the Aleutian Islands at taxpayer expense. Roosevelt responded humorously. He said, “Well, of course I don’t resent attacks, and my family don’t resent attacks, but Fala does resent them.” The speech humanized Roosevelt. It also solidified Fala’s place in American hearts.
Fala’s devotion to Roosevelt was unwavering. After Roosevelt’s death in April 1945, Fala went to live with Eleanor Roosevelt. He lived at Hyde Park, New York. Fala never fully adjusted to his master’s absence. Eleanor often wrote about him in her column. She noted his constant vigil for Roosevelt’s return.
Fala passed away in 1952. He is buried next to Franklin and Eleanor at Hyde Park. Thousands of dog lovers visit his memorial each year. Fala’s legacy lives on.
The statues of Roosevelt and Fala were sculpted by Neil Estern. The depiction was inspired by photographs from the Yalta Conference. Senator Carl Levin requested Fala’s inclusion. He wanted to portray the human side of a great man.
Fala wasn’t just a pet. He was a symbol of loyalty, companionship, and the human side of leadership. The Howling Dog Statue here stands as a tribute to their bond. It reminds us of the simple joys and unwavering devotion that a dog can bring. The Howling Dog Statue immortalizes Fala’s legacy. It serves as a lasting reminder of the bond between a president and his best friend.