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 The free event includes a patriotic-themed pet
parade with a prize package worth $125 provided by Scheels and the
Lincoln Presidential Library. Visitors can make toys for their cats
and dogs, get their faces painted, take a picture in our photo booth
and have their pet’s nails trimmed.
They’ll get to watch demonstrations of dogs doing search and rescue,
military work and agility trials. And they can meet Smokey, the
Jacksonville firehouse dog; Captain Canine from the Animal
Protective League; and Speedy, mascot for the Springfield Sliders.
Of course, they’ll also get to learn about presidential pets – a
list that goes far beyond cats and dogs. Lincoln, for instance, had
two goats, Nanny and Nanko, and Benjamin Harrison had one named Old
Whiskers.
 Other presidential critters include possums, mockingbirds, parrots,
bears, alligators, an elephant and a pygmy hippopotamus.
Pets in the White House runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday,
Sept. 12. A veterinarian will be on hand for emergencies. No animals
under 8 weeks old, and all pets must have proof of appropriate
shots. Further details at www.TenYearsLincoln.com.
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Pets in the White House is sponsored by the Animal Protective League, Myers
Mobile Animal Clinic, Wolf Veterinary Services, the Springfield Police, Joe
Blankenship Certified Dog Trainer, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is celebrating its 10th
anniversary with an incredible line-up of special events.
Two major exhibits are open now: “Undying Words: Lincoln 1858-1865” explores
some of Lincoln’s greatest speeches through documents and amazing artifacts, and
“With Firmness in the Right: Lincoln and the Jews” examines his relationship
with a minority group that was small but growing quickly during his presidency.
[Chris Wills, Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency]
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