JUNE 20, 1930: WASHINGTON, DC

It was a hot and sunny day when Igloo found himself on the White House Lawn. He was just a half mile away from the candy store where Maris Boggs found him on that rainy day in January four and a half years ago.

But today, Igloo was attending a reception in honor of Byrd and his team, of which Igloo was a vital part. President Hoover, who became the president in 1929, had a passion for geology, and he was presenting Byrd with a medal for “the first attainment of the geographical South Pole and for distinguished contributions to world knowledge of Antarctica.” Byrd was also promoted to the rank of admiral. When Igloo met the president, he received a pat on the head.

“Great explorers … do not merely add to the sum of human knowledge,” said President Hoover. “But also they add immensely to the sum of human inspiration.”

A few days later, Igloo received a gold medal, too. The Tail Waggers’ Club, a humanitarian organization that only had dogs as members and strived “to make the lot of the dog a better one in this world,” presented one to Igloo for services rendered on the Antarctic expedition.

Since Byrd and Igloo had arrived back from the Antarctic, it had been a whirlwind of parades and receptions. It started with a ticker-tape parade in New York, followed by a midnight train ride to Washington, DC.

A few days after meeting the President, Byrd and Igloo went to their hometown of Boston for another ticker-tape parade to welcome them home. As soon as they got off the train, pandemonium broke out. Thousands of people crowded around them, trying to catch a glimpse. Soldiers, sailors, and the National Guard were needed to give Byrd and Igloo a military escort.

During the parade, the sun was shining brightly. Thirty airplanes flew overhead and there was a thirteen-gun salute. Sitting in the backseat of a convertible car, Byrd’s gold epaulets sparkled on his white uniform. As the car drove slowly down the streets of Boston, Byrd smiled and waved to the cheering crowds lining the sidewalks. Igloo sat with an air of importance on top of the back seat. He could hear the crowds shouting, “There’s Igloo!”

Later in the afternoon, they arrived at their home on 9 Brimmer Street. After receiving hugs and kisses from the family, Igloo made his way upstairs to the playroom. Inside a toy chest, he found his beloved toy goat. He clutched it in his mouth. Home sweet home.

After a summer family vacation in New Hampshire — where Igloo got sprayed by a skunk and pierced by a porcupine — Byrd and Igloo set off on a lecture tour.

Byrd was in demand. Everyone wanted to hear about his trip to the Antarctic. He gave lectures in nearly every state. And Igloo faithfully attended Byrd’s lectures. When the audience applauded, Igloo joined in and barked his appreciation.

When Byrd went to the numerous luncheons and banquets, Igloo went, too. Sometimes Igloo felt shy and hid under the table. But he could always be lured out to say hello if there was a sweet treat, especially cake.

Wherever Byrd went, Igloo went, too — even if he wasn’t invited. Igloo wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He was, after all, Byrd’s best friend.