The Obamas' Dog: The Pressing Post-Election Question

Among all the demands of interest groups placed upon the next president of the United States, the demand for a rescue puppy -- make that "a homeless animal'' -- in the new White House may stand out among the demands on the Top Dog..

President-elect Barack Obama, who had promised his two young daughters a puppy if the family won the White House, announced at his acceptance speech last night that he will be making good on that promise.

But that doesn't mean breeders should be sending their calling cards. Wayne Pacelle, president of The Humane Society of the United States, reminds the Obama family today that they previously have spoken of making that puppy a rescue puppy.

Now, that doesn't rule out AKC pedigrees -- many dogs of pure lineage end up at shelters. But it suggests that the first pooch may not look like Barney and Miss Beazley, the Bush family's little Scotties. Unless, of course, the local pound has a show-dog ready to go.

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Comments

[womanspirit]

I work for the world's largest no kill animal chelter, North Shore Animal League America - trust me - there are a good number of full bred dogs that end up in shelters - I have seen several poodles and other "hair" dogs which are perfect for his family. I personally have rescued 2 full bred dogs from the streets ( a Maltese and a toy Poodle) and that was before I worked in the field I am in now. The Animal Care and Control of NYC gets a lot of no hair full or mixed breed dogs that have the "hair" rather than "fur" all the time. I am sure there are shelters all over this country that could supply a nice selection of such dogs from which the family could make their choice.I believe they will have no problem finding what they need and want - a puppy that will love them and that they will adore.

[happyhybridhounds]

We choose to look at "Mutts' as having the best of all traits working together! There are fantastic hypoallergenic dogs ie: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, etc, that are amazing pets, great with kids (we know, we own a Labradoodle), and are available (like all other dog breeds, mutts included) at shelters. We have a website that celebrates these awesome dogs, and have a link on our Links page that will take you directly to a shelter that specializes in the "Hybrid Mutts" Of course if the shelters are not the way President Elect Obama decides to go, we have very responsible breeder information there on the Links page as well. Congratulations to the Obama family!

[PatsyT]

Rescue Dog Rescue Dog Rescue all the way... (jingle bells)

You can get a wonderful doggy or puppy from the breed rescue groups.

We just adopted a Basset Hound PUPPY from Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California

he is a total blast.

Just do some homework and you will find the best of both worlds!!

This would be a great message to the country!

[gates]

"HELLO" The Obama girls were promised a "PUPPY". Like the beauty of their family, they will be guided to the right "PUPPY" for them to LOVE and grow together with. I am delighted for their FAMILY.

[MyDogJack]

Please let them pick a rescue dog.
love,
a family of rescued dogs,
Sadie, the yellow lab
Daisy, the boxer/Lab
Jack, the Aussie Sheperd

all our friends deserve good homes- - - -PLEASE spay and neuter and oppose puppy mills and pet store sales of puppies.

[lizr]

Too bad Malia is allergic! that means it probably wont be a shelter dog, unless they can find a hypo allegenic one.

Meanwhile I LOVED him referring to himself as a MUTT!

because I am one too, and so are most Americans by this pt in time, I think.. and the longer your family has been here the better chance of that, of course.

[lizr]

I have two rescue dogs, 2 rescue cats, and I am SO GLAD he mentioned Shelters! Am opposed to puppy mills and even the whole idea of pedigrees as it contributes to the untimely death of so many beautiful animals. I'd never get one myself.

[cshlafer]

Rescue dog!
I have severe allergies to just about every kind of mammal, but have had no trouble with our 7-year-old Aussie Shepherd, whom we got from a good breeder as a puppy. Aussies shed a lot! The key has been the early establishment of two critical habits:
1. Hygiene. I wash my hands after EVERY contact with Cocoa, even after just a quick behind-the-ear rub! It's automatic by now.
2. A trip to a GOOD groomer every week. We were warned that this might be bad for her skin, but that's proven untrue; we've just kept our groomer from using perfumed shampoos and conditioners on her. We also vacuum carpets and furniture A LOT.
Scrupulous cleanliness has made a huge difference. Incidentally, short-haired breeds can cause just as bad an allergic reaction as long-haired ones. They shed just as much, if not more, dander. A good cleaning/grooming program would eliminate much of this problem in the case of short-haired dogs, too.
Of course, the Obamas should listen first and foremost to their pediatrician. All that hand-washing might be hard to maintain for a couple of lively, busy little girls. Though I'd bet the intensive vacuuming would be taken care of by White House staff... Just two cents' worth from one highly allergic dog lover.

[phab]

I think a poodle especially a standard poodle is an excellent choice. I have a beautiful standard from a shelter. She is gorgeous and the picture of health. Granted it isn't really a rescue. This isn't a dog that would have any trouble finding a home. She was a 6 week puppy and I was so fortunate. My point is this is Malia's dog. The dog she picks should be her dream. Dreams can be found in shelters. I go to the dog park regularily and see amazing dogs from shelters. I would hate to see everyone place expectations on the puppy pick and keep it from being what the girls want. I got my pug from a breader and my poodle and my mutt from a shelter. They are all great and I wouldn't change a thing.

[mamadeus]

I am trying to find a standard Poodle to adopt also. I have a beautiful Airedale Terrier and a cat that is from a shelter. The Obama family can check rescue organizations. Poodles and Airedales are very hypo-alergenic.

[zbearlady]

These children are absolutely beautiful...and I think having a pet will help to make their challenging transition into this big new world they are about to enter -much easier.

Obama inspired me to write this song/video for all our children -our future generations. For our animals, our earth, and our potential to wake up and heal and unify our world. I hope it inspires you -as Barack Obama has inspired me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gi3VNLhHq4

[mamadeus]

What a lovely song. You are the Joan Baez of HP. We love you.

[truespirit]

Zbearlady...this is a truly moving video. You made me cry! It is a perfect mixture of 'wake-up' call and inspireing message of hope. Thank you for giving us this gift. I will pass the link on to everyone I know!

[ChristianEcon.com]

Awesome...thank you.

[anney]

So moving. Thank you.

[trendier]

I personally have a labrador retreiver named Phoebe and she is the most sweetest and cutest dog. I can't wait to go see Marley & Me a movie about a Labrador retreiver.

[UWNBM]

I think choosing a breed that does well with kids is very important...a breed that has a tendency not to be skittish with kids is best...small dogs sometimes can be that way...I know that pits get a bad rep, but I think they are a bad choice for these girls, if they should decide on one...

My personal bias is for American Eskimo...I have a 2year old male and he is absolutely wonderful with kids...gentle, friendly and very affectionate with them...all the neighborhood kids flock to see him and play with him when I walk him. Only issue is they can be territorial with their toys or bedding, and if one of the girls was to bother it, could become a problem...

[trendier]

I would highly recomend a miniature schnauzer. They don't shed and are highly intelligent and full of personality. They can adopt one from a rescue shelter.

[spiffdeb]

All of the issues facing the country and this is what the mainstream media decides is newsworthy. oh wait...that and Sarah Palin's clothes..sheesh.

[nagor76]

I understand they want the moral high ground, but Michele has a $300k+ part time job. Was KMart the right choice for election night?

[UWNBM]

SNAP!

I did think her dress was unworhty of a future first lady...something simple but chic would have been...a nice beige or peach number with a string of pearls, and she would have rocked it.

[minkia]

Beige? Peach? Pearls? Gag me with a spoon! This isn't the church lady we are talking about here, she's in the 21st century. I thought the dress was o.k, not great but o.k

[NotMcCain]

The dress was awful but I admire her thinking--clearly, she didn't want it to be an expensive cliche dress, the kind of dress 99.9% of women would have chosen.

She wanted to show her originality and individuality. I think that's great!

[Sparty1]

I hope they do adopt a dog from a no-kill shelter. We adopted our sweet JavaBean from a no-kill shelter and she's the sweetest, most laid back beagle/Australian shepherd, you'd ever meet. I know, we don't know what she's actually mixed with because she's short to the ground with thick short hair, but hey that's what they told us at the shelter. I'd always adopt from a no-kill shelter instead of paying 1000's of dollars, unless I wanted to breed puppies.

[UWNBM]

Unfortunately, I made that mistake, but I still love my dog dearly, but I and many people I know are determined to get the puppy mill we bought from shut down...

[Myshkin57]

BREAKING NEWS!!! There may be TWO Obama dogs.