It's time for another cruciverbal cheat sheet. Now we're really going to the dogs.
The Obamas definitely missed an opportunity to immortalize their pooch in the squares of eternity: the two-letter Bo doesn't quite cut it in crosswords.
But... But... What about Old Yeller?
Ok, you got him. I've also added Magdalen's suggestion: Weenie hasn't yet been in an NYT puzzle AFAIK, but it may only be a matter of time.
A witty clue, but one that gives away the sad ending. A favorite animal movie from my childhood is The Incredible Journey (1963); it has dogs Luath and Bodger, but neither is crossworthy it seems.
I always think of "Sport" for Paul Bunyan's dog. The poor thing was severed in half by a wayward axe. After being sewn back together in the reverse fashion he had to run on two legs, when those tired he flipped himself over to run on the other two.
NPR Puzzle 09/20/09 -- Host Alien Hennas?
NPR Puzzle -- 09/13/09 -- Easy as Tarte Tatin?
NPR Puzzle -- Not as Divisive as All That?
NYT Monday 9/7/09 - Caught in the Net?