Buddy, the most unimpeachable figure in the Clinton Administration, is dead at age 4 1/2.
The former First Dog died Jan. 2 after being hit by a car on a busy street near the former President’s home in Chappaqua, New York. He reportedly was following someone leaving the Clinton residence.
A chocolate Labrador retriever, Buddy joined the White House family in December 1997 and immediately drew attention from the Washington, D.C. news corps.
Thousands of Americans suggested appropriate names—among them Big Mac, Impooch, Veto and Barkansas. The most popular choice was Hershey.
President Clinton eventually named his new best friend after another best friend, his late great-uncle Henry “Buddy” Grisham.
Buddy was neutered in 1998, prompting one comic to quip: “The White House dog has been fixed, the White House cat has been fixed. Two down and one to go.”
All dogs, including Buddy, go to Heaven. (6 JANUARY 2002)
