New Kennedy Book "Dogs of Camelot" Reveals Never Before Published Photos and Stories

The Dogs of Camelot,  (Lyons Press) was published on May 15. 

   The book received a good review from Publisher's Weekly, (link below) and has been climbing the Amazon best sellers list in the category of Essays for Pets and Animal Care. But it is not just a book for dog lovers. Because JFK was such an ardent dog lover, the lives of his pets were intertwined with the history of his presidency. For example, before he made a decision on the Cuban Missile Crisis, he asked to see his favorite dog, Charlie, the Welsh terrier. After petting Charlie, JFK said, "I think it's time to make some decisions," and chose diplomacy. Also, Jacqueline Kennedy charmed Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev at a summit in Vienna in 1961 (at the height of the Cold War). Khrushchev then sent the Kennedys a puppy named Pushinka, whose mother was Strelka, the space dog. Pushinka and Charlie mated in a bit of a Cold War romance, and produced a litter of puppies that brought the total number of dogs in the Kennedy White House to nine. 

   I am going to send a follow-up email with some of our stunning and previously unpublished photos.

   My co-author and I are doing major book events at the JFK Hyannis Museum and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston in August. 

   Here is a bit more about our book: 

  I wrote this book with Dr. Margaret Reed, a nationally acclaimed animal training professional. I have attached the book jacket, and my publisher will also be sending you an email. We can also send you the galleys or a copy of the book, if you would like?

  Before that tragic day on November 22, 1963, the Kennedy years were filled with hope and promise. As the White House gardener put it, they were also filled with children and dogs. The Dogs of Camelot illuminates the inside story of the Kennedys’ lifelong love of dogs and the unparalleled canine corps they brought to the White House. The American public only saw glimpses of the many Kennedy pets because of the zealous way Jackie Kennedy guarded her family’s privacy. Through cooperation with the Kennedy Library, the authors have access to rare and previously unpublished photos and stories that present a fascinating new angle about the Kennedys that is deeply revealing about their character and compassion.

   The foreword for the book is written by Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent to JFK and Mrs. Kennedy. The book has received glowing endorsements from former U.S. Senator and CEO of the John F. Kennedy Library, Paul Kirk, and Nancy Tuckerman, former White House Social Secretary.