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President - Personal Dog ("Liberty")
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4520810
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President - Personal Dog ("Liberty")
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The original documents are located in Box 48, folder "President - Personal Dog
("Liberty")" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 48 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Preor
Personal
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 4, 1975
Dear Mr. Greene:
Donald Rumsfeld has asked me to thank you for your
very generous offer to give the First Family a portrait
of Liberty, the President's dog.
While your thoughtfulness is most appreciated, it is
the President's policy not to accept such gifts. I am
sure that you will understand the basis for this policy
and can assure you that it is in no way intended to
reflect upon either yourself or the work of Mr. Davis.
Sincerely,
Philip WV Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Allan Greene
61 Horatio Street
New York, New York 10014
FORD is LIBRARY OERALD
Greeney
allan
1/28/75
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ken:
Hero 15 I "gift" offer.
Kindly suggest raply
behalf of Don R. that
for mo to send in
reflects our probable
policy In P. this regard
3 GERALD LIBRARY
January 21, 1975
Mr. Donald Rumsfeld
White House Chief of Staff
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Rumsfeld:
Watching the Eyewitness Newscast the other day here in New York, We saw
a news item regarding the President's dog, and the celebration of its
birthday.
It was most interesting, and a wonderful thought developed, and that is why
I am writing this letter to you.
I represent an Animal Portrait Photographer, Don Davis. His style is unique
and beautiful. His is the only type of its kind. Attached is some background
information regarding Mr. Davis.
We would like very much to have Mr. Davis photograph the President's Dog, in
honor of her birthday, as a gift to the First Family.
We would be most happy to come to Washington, if it meets with everyones
approval. The portrait could be ready within three weeks of the sitting,
and would make a wonderful gift to the First Family.
Thank you for your kind consideration,
:-
FORD
Very truly yours,
Cellan Greene
GERALD
ALLAN GREENE
61 HORATIO STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10014
(212)989-2820
Pres. Personal
"Liberty"
February 18, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
NANCY HOWE
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN
When the First Family thinks of finding a
husband for Liberty, they have this
proposal from a would-be swain named Shane.
PBuchen: sk 2/18/75
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
UNITED STATES ASSOCIATES
VOLNEY F. MORIN. INC.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
HARLEAN M. carroll
LONDON
EMILIO T. gurrola
LAW CORPORATION
MELBOURNE
VOLNEY F. MORIN
MEXICO CITY
JAMES B. RIVES
TOKYO
SANDRA S. SAWYER
February 5, 1975
OF COUNSEL
HAROLD A. SHIRCLIFFE
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
A
Washington, D.C.
Dear Phil:
It wasn't until I read last Sunday's newspaper that I learned
that Liberty was a female. This information came in connection
with the current stories here on the West Coast as to whether
Liberty should or should not have the company of a sister from
her litter.
R
I have a better idea. Liberty should have the company of a fine
American male Golden Retriever.
In our house we have Shane. Shane is registered; his genealogy
and background are impeccable. While he has won first prize in
Obedience School, we have not shown him so he has no prizes as
a show dog. Nonetheless, take it from me, he is a beauty.
Some quiet moment you might hand this letter to Jerry. And, if
he would like Shane to visit Liberty in the White House to sew
up the California vote, I'll foot the round trip airplane bill.
Kindest regards.
A
Sincerely
VFM:mp
Volney F. Morin
P.S. Would Liberty like a picture of Shane? He is a year and
one half old.
LISA GERALD FORD
Pres. Personal
THE WHITE HOUSE
Day-Lerty
WASHINGTON
July 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF wf
Phil, could you give me a quick reading on this? It would
appear to be a worthwhile project. As you see, there is
a time problem, so we need to move on it as soon as possible.
Many thanks.
FORD is 038870 LIBRARY
JIM WEAVER
4TH DISTRICT OREGON
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
1723 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
COMMITTEES:
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
AGRICULTURE
(202) 225-6416
INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS
Congress of the United States
DISTRICT OFFICE:
FEDERAL BUILDING
House of Representatives
211 EAST 7TH AVENUE
EUGENE, OREGON 97401
Mashington, D.C. 20515
(503) 687-6732
July 25, 1975
The Honorable Max Frieders JUL 28 1975
Assistant to the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. Friedersdorf:
I am writing to you on behalf of a community of
2,000 people in my district in Southwest Oregon. The
town, Eagle Point, near Medford, has been raising money
for several years to build 6 Little League fields for
boys and girls, and 2 Babe Ruth diamonds.
As a special Bicentennial project, the youngsters
will hold a baseball Marathon August 8-10 in an effort
to earn the remainder of the $75,000 needed to qualify
for federal matching funds to complete the fields.
Since President Ford's dog Liberty is being bred
in nearby Medford, he has acquired a great deal of
popularity among the youngsters there. They have
asked for a dozen (12) baseballs autographed by Mr.
Ford to auction during the marathon.
Won't you please help us fill their request?
I believe this project, to give over 600 kids a place
to play ball, is very noble. I will buy the baseballs.
Sincerely,
Jim Weaver
JIM WEAVER
Member of Congress
JW/mw
CC: Ed Zander, President, Upper Rogue Baseball Complex
ALD
LIBRA
President-
Personal
Friday 8/29/75
Liberty
7:55 Nell Yates said Mrs. Friberg had called re
Presidential consent for the books about Liberty.
(Attached is a copy of the previous; my log doesn't
show that it was sent to anyone on the staff, but
I assume Barry would be working on #????)
Nell said someone needs to be in touch with Mrs. Friberg.
LIBRARY GERALD : FORD
Pres - Personal
Liberty
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Buchen:
This could be a troublesome
one.
d think the President did
give a tentative OK ON Mrs.
Friberg's project 1 but it was
quite some time go and the
matter was very loose.
who lult you assign this
to will want to get same details
Atten
F8R0 & LIBRARY 07V830
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
about the rature of her endravor.
d'll be qlad to passon a what
d bnow.
Terry
Goldens for honor
321 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, California 93950
July 15, 1975
President Gerald R. Ford
The White House
1400 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Ford,
You will remember last winter, your verbal approval of my work on children's educational
books by Liberty. Since that time and during much work these last six (6) months, I
have presented a final form of five (5) books to my publisher. Understandably, he has
stated that he cannot proceed with the books without your written consent. We had hoped
to finalize illustrations and be well under way next week in order to meet school and
humane society demands in the fall.
I realize how terribly busy you are, but if you would have a moment to send a brief letter
to me stating your approval of my writing the books as soon as possible, it would be
deeply appreciated.
Please give Liberty at pet for me. I think of her so often and wish I'd gotten more film
of her while I was there. My children speak of her constantly after her last visit with
us while we were still in Alexandria - for her veterinarian check up before her season.
We all love her, not just because she belongs to you, but because she is a very special and
loving dog in her own right.
"
I enclose a brief outline of the form the books will take. It will be wonderful for
Liberty to educate children - for their own future as well as the welfare of all animals.
Susan. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. My best regards to Mrs. Ford and
Best wishes,
GERALD B. 0803
Auis FOR HONOR
Avis Swanson Friberg
enc.
Formulation of Children's Books: Educational
I "LIBERTY COMES TO THE WHITE HOUSE"
Features: a. Miracle of birth (gestation, birth, first critical 7 days of life)
b. Growing up (properdiet, socialization, baby training and manners)
c. Preparation for new home life (meeting the Nations First Family, learning
her new role and respensibility of her
position, winning many friends)
II "LIBERTY GOES TO SCHOOL"
a. Dog Obedience Workshop with Amior Handlers ages 7 through 12
b. Health Care
C. Proper Exercise and Diet
d. Internal and External Parasite Control
e. Safety and First Aid Measures
f. Responsibility to Neighborsand Community
g. Animal Control Ordinances
h. Basic Obedience Commands
III "LIBERTY VISITS HER FRIENDS AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY"
a. Types of animals at animal protection societies
b. Birth statistics
c. Threat of unwanted and uneontrolled pets
d. Work ofHumane people
8. Costs of our families the humane society services
f. Health menace of uncontralled pets
1. pollution
2. destruction
g. How young volunteers can help
IV
"LIBERTY VISITS THE HANDICAPPED"
FORD
a. Demonstrations of Liberty's acquired knowledge
1. Ability in obedience
GERALD
LISARYA
2. Conveying the gifts of animal love
3. Showing commen-bond between teacher/physician and handicapped or
underpriviledged.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
A-2
The Washington Star
Tuesday, September 2, 1975
Names / Faces
It Was Bound To Happen
In this age of permissive-
ness and expected affairs,
talk of pregnancy was
bound to sweep the White
House and while Mrs. Ford
has so far remained silent,
President Ford has. reluc-
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
Liberty
September 16, 1975
Dear Mrs. Friberg:
In behalf of the President, I wish to thank you
very much for your recent inquiries requesting
consent to publish a series of children's
educational books about Liberty. I regret very
much the delay in responding to your letter.
I trust you will understand that the President
cannot take any action which could reasonably be
construed as an endorsement of a particular
commercial endeavor or as an endeavor in which he
or the First Family is in anyway involved. On
the other hand, Liberty's name and likeness are
generally considered to be in the public domain
and are available for appropriate use without
special approval by the White House. You are
thus free to proceed with these books as long
as they do not indicate in any way that the
President or the First Family is connected with
this project, has endorsed it, or has contributed
to or approved the subject matter or the contents.
With the President's best wishes for your success.
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Avis Swanson Friberg
Goldens for Honor
321 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, California 93950
bcc: Terry O'Donnell
8.
FORD
David Kennerly
HALD
LIBRAR
THE WHITE House
WASHINGTON
Ge sure Dave
Kennerly sels
this and
approves Before
it goes.
P cleared him
B. FO,
GERALD
PERALD
Y
Friday 8/29/75
7:55 Nell Yates said Mrs. Friberg had called re
Presidential consent for the books about Liberty.
(Attached is a copy of the previous; my log doesn't
show that it was sent to anyone on the staff, but
I assume Barry would be working on it? it????)
Nell said someone needs to be in touch with Mrs. Friberg.
LISTAN GROP
Pres - personal
Liberty
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Buchess:
This could be a troublesome
one.
d think the President did
give a tentative OK ON Mrs.
Friler's project, but it was
find some time go and the
mail was very loose.
who ever you assign this
to will want to get same details
AMENDIT GERAED 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
about the rature of lun endravor.
2'll be qlad to passon a what
2 bnow.
Terry T
E B. FORD
Goldens
honor
321 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, California 93950
July 15, 1975
President Gerald R. Ford
The White House
1400 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Ford,
You will remember last winter, your verbal approval of my work on children's educational
books by Liberty. Since that time and during much work these last six (6) months, I
have presented a final form 11 five (5) books to my publisher. Understandably, he has
stated that he cannot proceed with the books without your written consent. We had hoped
to finalize illustrations and 3 well under way next week in order to meet school and
humane society demands in the fall.
I realize how terribly busy you are, but if you would have a moment to send a brief letter
to me stating your approval 01 my writing the books as soon as possible, it would be
deeply appreciated.
Please give Liberty 2 pat for me. I think of her so often and wish I'd gotten more film
of her while I was there. My children speak of her constantly after her last visit with
us while we were still in Alexandria - for her veterinarian check up before her season.
We all love her, not just because she belongs to you, but because she is a very special and
loving dog in her own right.
I enclose a brief outline of the form the books will take. It will be wonderful for
Liberty to educate children - for their own future as well as the welfare of all animals.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. My best regards to Mrs. Ford and
Susan.
Best wishes,
Anis GOLDENS FOR HONOR
GERALD
LIGARA
Avis Swanson Friberg
enc.
Formulation of Children's Books:
Educational
"LIBERTY COMES TO THE WHITE HOUSE"
Features: a. Miracle of birth (gestation, birth, first critical 7 days of life)
b. Growing up (properdist, socialization, baby training and manners)
c. Preparation for new home life (meeting the Nations First Family, learning
her new role and respensibility of her
position, winning many friends)
II "LIBERTY GOES TO SCHOOL"
a. Dog Obedience Workshop with Amior Handlers ages 7 through 12
b. Health Care
Co. Proper Exercise and Diet
d. Internal and External Parasite Control
e. Safety and First Aid Measures
f. Responsibility to Neighborsand Community
g. Animal Control Ordinances
h. Basic Obedience Commands
III "LIBERTY VISITS HER FRIENDS AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY"
a. Types of animals at animal protection societies
b. Birth statistics
c. Threat of unwanted and meontrolled pets
d. Work ofHumane people
8. Costs of our families = humane society services
f. Health menace of uncontralled pets
1. pollution
2. destruction
g. How young volunteers can help
IV
"LIBERTY VISITS THE HANDICAPPED"
2. Demonstrations of Liberty's acquired knowledge
1. Ability in obedience
2. Conveying the gifts of animal love
3. Showing CORRECT Food between teacher/physician and underpriviledged. handicappedcor
LIBR