Reflections On the New "First Puppy"

At PETA, our phones have been ringing off the hook after the president-elect brought up the Obamas' commitment to their children of bringing a new dog into their family.

Apparently, the thing his daughters want more than anything in the world is a puppy with whom they can share their love and compassion. I'm sure millions of Americans -- and others around the world who were watching this most-watched of presidential acceptance speeches -- can understand their feelings: The animals with whom we share our lives are valuable members of our families.

The question now for the Obamas, and this one is up to Michelle and their daughters as much as to Barack, is about who this new family member, the new "first puppy," will be. For anyone who cares about animals, the decision is not one to be taken lightly.

At PETA, we were immediately optimistic. On the campaign train, Senator Obama declared, "I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other. And it's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals." So we were sure that the Obamas would, as they have now pledged to do, adopt a homeless dog from an animal shelter or rescue group.

This decision is the right one in myriad ways. For one, they are saving an animal from being killed -- what a great way to begin the Obama presidency. Perhaps more importantly, the decision sends a message to the nation of concern for animals in shelters -- many will follow the Obamas' lead, saving many more animals from being euthanized in shelters. And of course, the decision characterizes the Obamas as compassionate, progressive, and champions for the true "underdogs."

There is no getting around the fact that buying a puppy from a breeder or pet store is a death sentence for a homeless shelter pup. Every year, millions of unique, friendly, smart, and affectionate animals who would make excellent companions are euthanized in our country's shelters simply because there aren't enough good homes for them.

Breeders and pet stores fuel this crisis by cranking out litter after litter of puppies and kittens who steal homes from animals in shelters, and who often go on to produce offspring of their own, if their guardians don't bother to have them spayed or neutered.

It's only fitting that our President-elect, who now faces the monumental task of rescuing a country in crisis, would begin by rescuing a lucky dog from the crisis that our nation's animals have been caught in for many years.

Like many of the problems our country faces, the companion animal overpopulation crisis is massive and at times overwhelming. But if we work together -- in this case, by adopting animals and always spaying and neutering -- it is a problem that yes we can fix.

There is hope, and change really can happen -- and I can't imagine a more fitting symbol of this than a Great American Melting-Pot Mutt, going from death row to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Follow Bruce Friedrich on Twitter: www.twitter.com/brucegfriedrich

Comments

[wrylass]

Just looked at a list of hypoallergenic dogs, and saw that Greyhounds are on the list! What a perfect choice this would be ... not only a tall slim elegant dog who would fit right into the family ;) but more importantly, what a great way to draw attention to the huge problem of dog racing, how the dogs are treated, and the huge number of dogs that desperately need to be rescued. I believe Massachusetts just outlawed dog racing--adopting a Greyhound could encourage many other states to do the same.

[wrylass]

I didn't know about the pledge, so I'm very pleased to hear this. Since they have specific hypoallergenic requirements, I hope this adoption will draw attention to breed rescues.

I have a favorite breed, and have volunteered with my local rescue for this breed. All my dogs are the same breed and gorgeous--people are always surprised to find out they're rescues. You can rescue any breed of dog you want. When you do, you may also be getting a shelter dog. Ours are probably about half and half--dogs we get from shelters, and owner/breeder surrenders and dogs from puppy mill raids. Yep ... you can rescue a puppy intercepted on the way to the pet shop. My most recent adoptee is my first puppy, and she is a puppy mill surrender.

I just can't imagine a good reason to go to a breeder or pet shop. As a bonus, rescues have more character & often come pre-trained.

[chelsea1969]

Granted, there are many wonderful animals available in shelters, and it would set a great example for the First Family to adopt one of them, but let's not demonize all breeders, please. Speaking as a breed enthusiast and an active supporter of our local animal welfare organization, I would like to make two points:

1. There are many reputable breeders who would, and rightfully so, consider it deeply insulting to be mentioned in the same breath as puppy mills. Any reputable (purebred) breeder has breed welfare, not money, in mind as their main consideration. They will insist on a dog's being returned to them if the adoption doesn't work out, and will spend a *lot* more time and effort vetting a prospective family than McCain spent on Palin. There's a lot of difference between this type of breeder and my bonehead neighbor whose pitbull bitch's puppies *did* end up in a shelter, or in abusive homes; and to accuse them of "cranking out litters" that "steal homes from animals in shelters" is the kind of sweeping generalization that, frankly, makes PETA sound ridiculous.

2. Shelter animals are not unilaterally the best option for everone. They can have behavioral and health issues that make them unsuitable for families with children. And if that family has done its research and determined on a puppy of a particular (hypoallergenic?) breed, they might have a better chance of finding it from a reputable breeder, than from a shelter.

[cdyuask]

As long as animals are euthanized due to overpopulation, no breeder is reputable.

[LauraF]

I am thrilled to hear the Obamas are pledging to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue group, as opposed to buying from a breeder. Thousands upon thousands of unwanted dogs, many of them purebreds, end up in shelters every year, and most do not find homes. As the saying goes "Don't Breed or Buy While Shelter Dogs Die".

[Mr Fishuncle]

Damn straight, Bruce. I hope the Obamas do the right thing!

btw- OK, so it wasn't ten points, but you still owe me a pint. =)

[fan4truth]

Shelter dogs are wonderful. We've met so many at the dog park who are the most loving animals ever. I wish they are able to find a doggy that works well with their family, with mom & dad working so hard to make this country better, spending time with a loving grandmother, and while the girls are away at school, a family dog that is a shelter dog would be a lovely addition to their household.

Mutts are the best!