Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace were animal lovers. They owned several dogs, cats, canaries, and even a raccoon. They also received animals as gifts from other countries, which they often kept at the White House. Some, such as a black bear and wallaby, were sent to the National Zoo to be raised.

Calvin Coolidge’s favorite dog was a white collie named Rob Roy. He was prominently featured in First Lady Grace Coolidge’s official portrait, painted by Howard Chandler Christy in 1924. This painting still hangs in the White House China Room, which was decorated in a shade of red that matched her dress.

Rob Roy became ill with a stomach ailment in September 1928. He was taken to Walter Reed Hospital to be treated and died there days later. Rob Roy was said to have been buried at Aspin Hill Pet Cemetery.

UPDATE, January 16, 2020:  There are conflicting reports about where Rob Roy was buried.  The Washington Post reported, the year after his death, that Rob Roy was buried at Aspin Hill Pet Cemetery.¹  The Evening Star reported (in 1935) that he was buried at Walter Reed.²  After an exhaustive search of the cemetery records, I have been unable to find a record of his burial at Aspin Hill.

1. Coontz, Kathleen Read. “Who’s Who in the Canine World,” The Washington Post, April 28, 1929. pg. SM4.
2. Miller, James Nevin. “It’s All in a Dog’s Life at the White House,” The Evening Star, August 18, 1935. pg. F-3.