A light-hearted moment at the Elysée Palace was captured on video when French President Emmanuel Macron’s dog, Nemo, urinated on a fireplace during a meeting with junior ministers. The footage, recorded by French TV station TF1, shows the black Labrador-Griffon mix relieving himself in the background as Macron engages in discussion. Junior ecology minister Brune Poirson reacts with surprise, prompting laughter, while Macron jokingly calls Nemo’s action “quite exceptional” and blames the ministers for triggering “unusual behaviour” in his dog. Adopted in August from an animal rescue centre for €250, Nemo continues the French presidential tradition of owning a "first dog." However, presidential pets have a history of mischief. Nicolas Sarkozy’s dogs reportedly damaged valuable furniture at the palace, requiring costly repairs, while Jacques Chirac’s Maltese, Sumo, became aggressive after leaving the Elysée, possibly distressed by the loss of its large garden. Though these incidents may seem minor, they offer a glimpse into the personal side of presidential life and provide comic relief in otherwise formal settings. Nemo’s brief interruption adds to the long-standing tradition of presidential pets occasionally stealing the spotlight and serves as a reminder that even in places of power, unexpected—and amusing—moments can happen.