10. Rebecca the Raccoon (Calvin Coolidge)
In 1926, a Mississippi supporter sent President Calvin Coolidge a live raccoon intended for Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, the Coolidges adopted her as a pet, naming her Rebecca. Rebecca roamed freely in the White House, often seen on a leash during walks. She was known for her playful nature, even enjoying baths with soap. Rebecca’s antics delighted the press and the public, and she received a special embroidered collar inscribed with “White House Raccoon.” In 1929, as the Coolidges prepared to leave office, they donated Rebecca to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where she lived until her death. (history.com).
