The Dogs of Camelot: Stories of the Kennedy Canines

by Margaret Reed, Joan Lownds

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 Camelotilluminates 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 Through cooperation with the Kennedy Library, the authors have access to rare and previously unpublished photos and stories that present a fascinating angle about the Kennedys that is deeply revealing about their character and compassion.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Animals, Dogs

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2018

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept was good, the delivery, not so much. I was hoping for more stories about the pets, not vet records and pictures where you could barely see the dog. Luckily, a short book.

[Lisa Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dogs of Camelot is a delightful book filled with photos of various members of the Kennedy family with their beloved dogs. No politics, no conspiracy theories, just a wonderful insight into how the Kennedys happened to have so many dogs (and other pets) in the White House, and the joy the animals brought into their lives. I have coauthored four books about the Kennedy years in the White House, and there are many stories here that I had never heard before.

Full disclosure, I have known Margaret Reed since I was ten years old. I lived next door to her from 1974 - 1978 and we rediscovered each other many years later through our mutual connection to the JFK Library.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

A novelty book at best. Lots of pictures of the Kennedy animals at the White House, not the best quality. Some of the stories are interesting but overall, I doubt they were worth creating the book. I think a person would only want this book if they were the kind of Kennedy fan that wants to own everything published about them. For myself I only bought it because - I picked it up for $1.95, I love dogs and I am interested enough in the Kennedys that I have read several books about them; some of which are very good and a few not so good.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful little book. I loved the stories of each beloved pooch of Camelot and there were so many wonderful photographs which helped make the stories really come alive. A great read for any dog lover and for those interested in the Camelot years.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting history of the dogs, cats, horses, birds, hamsters, and other pet of the Kennedy White House. Fun photos and stories of adoption. The information could be rather redundant but it’s a short, sweet book and read pretty quickly.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dog lover and a President Kennedy lover this book was great. Gives a lot of insight to his character from childhood on.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dogs and I really loved the stories about the Kennedy dogs. This was a quick, easy to read book with pictures! Great read.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

#109 of 120 books pledged to read during 2019

[Kenzie Mills]

This book was incredibly adorable. I love Pushinka. that dog is adorable. And Clipper was amazing. the perfect specimen of German Shepherd.

[Dolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! Just a feel good kind of book! I loved it!

[Sandybear76]

wow, the Kennedys had a lot of pets. some they got, some they were given.