Special Residents in Whi te House - Pets have long kept our Presidents company. From George Washington's1 horse to Bill Clinton's dog and cat, these unelected White House residents have been among the most popular members of America's First Families. In addition to his love for animals, President Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, was known for his giving spirit. He allowed his sons, Tad and Willie, to keep as many pets as they wished. The result was a menagerie2 that included rabbits, turkeys, horses, and even two goats, Nanny and Nanko. In fact, Nanny and Nanko even rode with President Lincoln in the Presidential carriage. One special animal in the Lincoln White House was Jack the turkey. Jack originally was on the Lincolns' dinner menu, but Tad became fond of the bird and pleaded with his father to spare Jack's life3. President Lincoln relented, and Jack became part of the Presidential household.4 On Election Day5 1864, while the Civil War raged close to Washington, D.C., a special booth was placed on the White