Following in alphabetical order are the lists of names along with a brief history of each.
- A - ADMIRAL WAGS - This cocker spaniel wore two stars on his collar to designate his rank. So, how does a dog get such a title? Well, Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman had given the dog to his son. However, when the boy went away to boarding school, he found the dog accompanying him on tours of duty. They became attached. In fact, Admiral Wags was remembered in the heat of battle. In May 1942, the Lexington, an American aircraft carrier had just taken part in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The Admiral gave orders to abandon ship, then remembered his dog who had scampered off during this dangerous time. Making his way through the smoke, he found his pet and they had a quick but loving reunion. A life jacket was placed on the dog, and he was taken to safely. The Admiral was the last man off the ship, and both would receive awards for their heroism. A World War II organization of dog lovers, the Tailwagg Club of America, awarded Wags a special medal.
AFFIRMED - Considered among the top 100 racehorses of the 20th century. Affirmed was foaled in 1975.
ALBA - This albino rabbit was created by French genetic researchers for artist Eduardo Kac. In regular light, this albino doe appears like any other rabbit. But, when placed under a black light, her eyes, whiskers and fur glow an unworldly green. When illuminated by blue light, her entire body glows bright green. Kac is an assistant professor of art and technology at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. She was created at the National Institute of Agronomic Research.
Scientists used a process called zygote microinjection. A fluorescent protein was plucked from a species of fluorescent jellyfish called Aequorea Victoria. They then modified the gene to make its glowing properties more powerful. The EGFG (enhanced green fluorescent gene) was then inserted into a fertilized rabbit egg that grew into Alba. She was born in February 2000 in Jouy-en-Joses, France.
ALGONQUIN - Life at the White House may have been a bit on the wild side during the time President Theodore Roosevelt whose more interesting pets included a black bear, badger, squirrel and more. Algonquin was his children's favorite pet. The calico pony never failed to cheer up the six Roosevelt children. In fact when Archie Roosevelt got the measles and had to stay upstairs on the second floor, his brothers sent their buddy Algonquin up to visit him via the elevator! It seems that after that, Algonquin may have become the only elevator hopping horse in the White House.
ALL ALONE - This pigeon was a Dickin Medal winner in February 1946. He was recognized for delivering an important message in one day over a distance of 400 miles, while serving in August, 1943.
