Weegie was a Norwegian Elkhound whose full name was Ronnie Av Glitre. But originally, Weegie had been named “Norway” and “Norrie” as a nickname – it was Hoover’s granddaughter Peggy Anne who coined the name Weegie, and it stuck.
In February of 1931 Weegie was gifted to President Hoover by the American Elkhound Association to help with the loss of King Tut; Hoover’s German shepherd. In 1932, Weegie was included in a Christmas card sent out by the Hoovers. In the photograph he is shown with Mrs. Hoover and his sibling Pat, the new “police dog” on the premises, and was said to be among the First Lady’s favorites.
Weegie stayed with the Hoovers throughout the Presidency, and retired with them to Palo Alto at the end of their term. Weegie, Pat, and President Hoover often took long walks together on the California property, something all three greatly enjoyed.
In 1941, he was given to Elizabeth Hanna, a friend of their family.
New York Times article to announce Weegie’s arrival at the White House: hoover-elkhound
