Presidential pets serve many purposes. Past commanders in chief and military leaders often shared a unique relationship with their dogs that helped them through difficult times. President Obama even promised a dog to his daughters after he won the election in 2008, as a way of thanking them. Author Kathleen Kinsolving’s new book, "Dogs of War", reveals how important dogs were to military leaders and presidents during WWII. Kinsolving joins “Early Start” live from Washington D.C. with some surprising stories about these former White House pets and these leaders.
Kinsolving shares stories about how three dogs in particular were instrumental in helping defeat Hitler: Fala, President Roosevelt's Scottish Terrier, Willie, General Patton's Bull Terrier and Telek, General Eisenhower's Scottie.
For instance, Telek was with General Eisenhower when the Nazi's came to sign their surrender. Kinsolving writes in the book that Telek actually growled when the Germans walked in.
"I think dogs are very psychic. And certainly, he knew that the Nazis were trouble," Kinsolving says. "We owe everything to these wonderful dogs."