First Pet is a collection of words and photographs documenting U.S. presidents and their pets. Drawn from the AP's voluminous photo library and its online photo archive of more than seven million images, "the best of the best" and memorialize the special relationship of presidents and their pets over the years.

In her introduction to the book, Claire McLean, founder and director of the Presidential Pet Museum, notes that:

"Our presidents show goodness of heart during their private and personal moments with the animals with which they have bonded."

She adds, "If you doubt that White House pets have a powerful impact on the public, consider that the American Kennel Club's surges in breed registration closely track the types of breeds in the White House."

Whether iconic or unknown, all these photographs share a fascination with the first family's pets. From FDR and his Scottie Fala, to Richard Nixon and his cocker spaniel Checkers, to the Clinton's cat Socks, as well as some of the more obscure pets the White House has hosted such as sheep, goats, raccoons and even hummingbirds, this album highlights our presidents and their pets in a way that appeals to animal lovers, regardless of party affiliation.

Available at all chain and independent bookstores and all internet booksellers. Get the book at Barnes & Noble or get an autographed copy by Claire McLean.

First Pet by The Associated Press with an Introduction by Claire McLean; Nonfiction; $15.00; ISBN: 978-0-9841927-0

For more information, email John Monteleone at mtlion@me.com or JMontel738@aol.com