Obama Dog on The Huffington Post

Sybil, Former Downing Street Cat, Dead

2009-07-28T13:14:26Z

The British Chancellor's cat Sybil has died, according to BBC News.

The former Downing Street pet passed away after a short illness.

Sybil was a famed mouse-catcher on one of the most famous British properties for six months after moving to London with the Chancellor's family, but had moved out to find greater comfort beyond the city lights, according to BBC.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., President Clinton's beloved cat Socks was put to sleep in February 2009 after lengthy cancer treatments failed to cure the pet, reports CNN.

The Obama family recently welcomed the newest First Pet, Bo, a Portuguese water dog, to the White House.

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Gershon Hepner: Dog Days in the White House

2009-07-22T10:01:50Z

The pooch of FDR, called Fala,
made famous by his master's valor,
recalls the Labrador called Buddy
the Clintons owned, a fuddy-duddy
since it despised the cat called Socks
when not inside her litter box.

Obama's dog, designed for water
that's Portuguese, enjoys its quarter
inside the White House. Known as Bo,
it, like its master, likes to go
where no one bravely went before,
with barks Barack cannot ignore.
It knows that nobody throws stones
at dogs in White Houses, just bones,
and bark, which is as cheap as talk,
while giving lucky people, pork
rewarding them if they don't hog
Obama's time, unlike a dog
preparing for the rain to pour
with three feet on the ground, not four.

Inspired by an article in the NYT on July 17, 2007 by Ben Greenman, "The First Hundred (Dog) Days":

Before my arrival in the White House in April, I was not well known to the American people. Perhaps understandably, I was greeted with some suspicion. "Portuguese water dog" has a foreign sound to it. My hair covers my eyes, which can create the impression that I am not trustworthy. From the first, I took it upon myself not only to illustrate my own belief in clear thinking and accountability, but to give the American people a sense of what their lives would be like during my time in the White House. As I approach the milestone of my first 100 days in office, I want to reiterate some of my basic convictions.

Historically, my breed is used to herd fish in shallows or carry messages from ships to the nearby shore, and I have tried to show the American people that I will continue that tradition, both leading (the fish) and communicating (the messages). I have succeeded more than I have failed, but there have been lapses. Remember when I bit that reporter's microphone? I had a sudden urge to get that thing. I thought it was a fish. Even thinking about it now makes me jumpy. Another time the president almost tripped over my leash, and even though that wasn't technically my fault, I take full responsibility.

My time in the White House thus far has had one driving theme: we all share the same world. There have been those who have criticized my willingness to sniff in an exploratory manner around hostile breeds from foreign lands. But remember, we are all one species, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the mightiest mastiff. I have tried to practice this openness closer to home as well, by spending more time with Joe Biden's German shepherd puppy, despite our considerable difference in temperament and bite force.

The press likes to play a game where it compares my record with that of other presidential pets. I find that premature and unhelpful. Other presidential pets came to power in different times, and faced different challenges. Still, I would like to remark briefly upon the pet to whom I am most often compared. Fala came to Franklin Delano Roosevelt in November 1940, and quickly captured the national imagination. But Fala lived in a time when there was an understanding between the press and politicians, and many of his peccadilloes (his habit of eating garbage, his eye for the ladies) were simply overlooked. By comparison, consider the way that the news media scrutinized Buddy, the Clintons' Labrador. Before his untimely death by car accident in 2002, Buddy was persistently maligned by rumors that he did not get along with Socks the cat, as if that were his fault. (Cats, need I remind you, are jerks.) In the end, while it is all well and good to compare this dog with that dog, any honest and forthright White House pet must acknowledge that we are all standing in the long shadow cast by Dash, the brilliant, charming, perfect-tailed collie mix owned by President Benjamin Harrison's wife, Caroline. Dash responded to voice commands with great efficiency, never demonstrated undue unruliness and still found time to pursue his own interests. I use his example to remind myself that there is always room for improvement, and that we should never fail to aspire to perfection, even as we know that we cannot reach it. Excuse me: I must chase a ball.

O.K., I'm back. As we head into the second hundred days of my administration, I feel more pride and pleasure than ever at the prospect of serving the American people and finding ways to make this nation, and this planet, a better place for our children and our children's children. I am speaking metaphorically here, of course, as I am neutered. This has been a rewarding but difficult time for our nation, yet I remain confident of our prospects so long as I spend every day with at least three feet on the ground -- four is a little optimistic, if you know what I mean. Thank you.

Adia Colar: Treat Yourself as Well as You Treat Your Pet

2009-07-20T12:11:33Z

Ask yourself this question: "Do I treat myself as well as I treat my pet?"

(If you don't have a pet, pretend any animal, such as Bo Obama, belongs to you.)

I've occasionally thought about this when dealing with my dog. When I go into the kitchen, Shaka comes in as well, looking at me with his soft brown eyes, trying to convince me he's starving (even if he's just eaten). Sometimes I give in, but usually I remind myself that it's not the best thing. Maybe I would indulge him more if he didn't have elbow dysplasia but since he does, I have to think about his health and not overfeed him just because he entreats me with a pitiful look.

There's a parallel between my dog and myself. It might be a good idea, I've thought, to treat myself like I treat my dog. This has become even more important ever since I had surgery for arthritis. Although I learned that extra pounds put undue pressure on knees, I've almost defiantly added more weight because I wanted to appease my own puppy eyes rather than look at the big picture and eat accordingly.

So now I think, What's more important? Giving in to my every food craving or taking my health into account when I eat? Like my dog, just because I want to eat something doesn't mean I have to, particularly if I'm not even hungry. I might not want to work out, but if I want my knees to function properly, I have to do some kind of movement.

You can apply this to your own life as well. Strive to treat yourself as well as you treat your pet.
· Make sure to get enough sleep each night.
· Move your body so you don't become physically or mentally stir crazy.
· Ensure that you spend time around other people, but also carve out quiet time for yourself.
· Realize that, just as your pet shouldn't eat everything he sees, you probably shouldn't either.

The last thing I'm suggesting, though, is to go on a diet. Diets suck. Just as you wouldn't starve your pet, there's no reason to starve yourself. Maybe, though, when instinctively reaching for a second desert, you say, "Nah, I think I've already had enough". Perhaps when debating whether to buy a food product that only contains unnatural ingredients, you decide to pass on it. Maybe instead of mindlessly consuming everything you see, you really consider what you'd like to eat and then enjoy it.

In essence, let's consider our own welfare as we do our pets and treat ourselves at least as well as we treat them.

* If you treat yourself as well as you treat your pet, what would that entail?
* What things would you do differently?
* Most importantly: are you up for the challenge?
.

.

Bo Obama Gets Official White House Portrait

2009-06-19T09:14:24Z

This just in... the White House has released an official photo of "Bo," the first dog. He's the third member of the Obama family to get his portrait taken. Michelle and Barack Obama obviously have ones as well.

More from the White House.... see below for the photo. ABC News also has info on the portrait and a baseball card that the White House commissioned with Bo's likeness.

The official portrait of the Obama family dog, "Bo", a Portuguese water dog, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

This official White House photograph is being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way or used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.

Bo VIDEO: Obama Shows Off Dog's Handshake Trick

2009-06-02T08:12:10Z

President Obama opened up the White House to NBC News' Brian Williams, offering the anchor "unbelievable" access to his daily life. In this clip, Obama shows off his puppy Bo, growling with approval when the dog does a handshake trick.

Watch:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

See more clips from the special here.

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Ari Melber: President Obama: The Reality Show

2009-05-22T10:19:04Z

We are now living through the first reality-show presidency.

The trends began in the early 1990s, with 24-hour cable news and reality programming, and intensified in the past few years, with the rise of celebrity culture and micro-broadcasting technology.

This is the first administration, however, to fuse iterative, real-time lifestyle coverage with the star power of a true celebrity politician. The White House is deftly serving the huge public and media interest in President Barack Obama, not only as a leader and celebrity but also as a character in a fascinating story far beyond politics.

So far, it is working.

Historically, the most favorably viewed figure in any administration is the first lady, regardless of her husband's popularity. That is largely because first ladies avoid the political fray and are ritualistically presented as a warm, human presence in the White House. Take Laura Bush. She left the White House with a 67 percent favorable rating, according to a January CNN poll, more than double the ratings of her husband and his top officials.

So far, Obama is garnering the kind of coverage more traditionally associated with first ladies, partly because he is covered not only as a president immersed in policy but also as the star of an exciting reality show.

Sometimes the press takes the lead on the set.

This week, for example, while many wonks debated Obama's health care objectives, the media had other goals in mind. "It's the Weekend, So Obama Becomes a Soccer Dad," blared an AP headline, detailing Obama's cameo as soccer fan at his daughter's games. "At one point, after [his daughter's] team scored, the president shouted excitedly, 'Go ... go ... go ... goal,'" the article recounted. Television news programs also picked up the scene, playing loops of Obama, clad in a White Sox jacket, cheering on the sidelines.

Before soccer weekends, the press salivated over plot twists like the new vegetable garden at 1600 Pennsylvania and the arrival of Bo, the first family's puppy. Those lifestyle stories drew tons of attention. Bo netted over 3,200 hits on Google News in a single week, besting coverage for several members of Obama's Cabinet (including Tom Vilsack, Hilda Solis, Gary Locke and Ray LaHood). The Washington Post even sought an exclusive scoop on the puppy, though the paparazzi site TMZ.com got there first.

And the first family's vegetable garden was one of the biggest Obama-related stories of the week in March, according to Pew's Project for Excellence in Journalism, which measures topics in the national "newshole."

Then, from the other direction, White House aides provide a steady stream of apolitical scenes from Obama's life to the press and the public.

As the Los Angeles Times reported last month, both Obama staffers and celebrity news executives agree that celebrity-driven media coverage has reached a "new level" at the White House. To generate "personality-driven coverage," the article explained, White House press aides now give coveted access to celebrity outlets like E! and Us Weekly. (Imagine the photo spread: "They balance a budget, just like us!")

Beyond the media filter, the White House website has more reality-style scenes than ever before. Sports fans can find Obama's handwritten NCAA bracket picks, along with over 400 pictures of the president's daily routine on the official Flickr page, including shots of the President and Bo (at right). And the White House recently shifted those snapshots' copyright status to "public domain," to its credit, so anyone can download and use them.

This show would not be effective, of course, without a good subject. Obama won the presidency by running the first integrated three-screen campaign -- reaching people directly via Internet, cell phones and TV -- with an authentic, complex style that resonated for voters sick of dark, deceitful and divisive politics.

Michael Hirschorn, the pioneering reality television producer and Atlantic commentator, notes that candidate Obama won over people, especially young voters, by using the media to communicate with a contemporary "linguistic approach" that was "post-political in a traditional way." Hirschorn told me that Obama has continued to apply that style effectively in office, using the shifting media environment to share his "humanness."

It clearly isn't hurting.

Obama's approval ratings hold strong at about 65 percent, despite the bad economy and a series of tough issues in the spotlight, from bailouts to torture to health care. As a recent Gallup analysis concluded, Obama is not only "maintaining his 'honeymoon' approval ratings, but he seems to be improving on them."

The numbers would not be possible, obviously, unless people already backed Obama's leadership and agenda. For Americans who don't follow every policy address, however, the scenes of puppies and sports and gardening cast Obama in a positive quotidian light. After all, depressing news makes people want to change the channel. And that may be one more reason the media are working with the White House to change the news.

--
Ari Melber writes a column for Politico, where this first appeared. He twitters politics here.

Michael Henry Adams: Barack Obama, Here to Save the World?

2009-04-30T01:05:49Z

Is our first African American president something or what? Did you see him respond to the crowd and the crowd respond to him, at his latest town hall meeting? Like many others, from the very first time I heard him speak, I knew he was going places.

As a presidential hopeful, faultlessly arrayed in formal evening clothes, wearing an immaculate white tie and waistcoat both, Obama had certainly looked the part. He had successfully fought off the snarling, snarky assault of Hillary Clinton to emerge as the Democratic presidential contender and had already endured searing rants from an obviously angry and bellicose John McCain. "So what", I had wondered aloud," what in the hell, is he doing up there on a platform with that addled old man? "

The occasion was the gala annual Al Smith Dinner in New York, honoring the memory of the first Catholic to run for the presidency of the United States. These occasions are roasts that started out, in a quainter era, as 'stag' dinners. Their great feature is the sophomoric sport of inviting guests to poke gentle fun at themselves and the guests of honor. Now the honorees were the two men who would be President of the United States of America, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.

"He's a fool to consort and laugh with this man who has so insulted him and his record," I said to my TV set. Indeed, notwithstanding how superb he looked, I was convinced of it! However, then Obama said of himself,

Contrary to the rumors you may have
heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton,

sent here by my father Jo Ell to save the planet earth..."

What could I or anyone do but laugh? I did, and so did McCain; we laughed uproariously! It's rich, yet so droll, our future president's glib, assured way of disarming his opponents by satirizing his strong suits of cool, thoughtful deliberation. Recalling the confused but unswerving bluster of President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and Karl Rove, I might be laughing still, with wonderment and relief. But things are far too grim for that, thanks mostly to them.

Still imagining how much more awful things might be now, if our reasonable fears had been realized, and Obama hadn't been able to win, I still smile. It has only been a meager 100 days since Barack Obama took the oath of office, but as Arianna Huffington notes, "Sometimes 100 days feels like more than 100 days. This is one of those times. Obama's first 100 days have been among the most eventful in history."

When he praised billionaire-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, failed to make Paul Krugman Treasury Secretary and selected a HUD chief who had sanguinely suggested making a good portion of New York's scarce public housing private and market rate, one knew the President was not perfect, but then no one is. So polls say 69 percent of Americans approve of the job the Obama has undertaken and almost half feels he has us headed in the right direction! As for our First Lady, Michelle Obama, wow! Gone are all those concerns about her patriotism and nearly 80 percent polled think she's just fantastic.

Now then, certainly some let the Obamas pass because of their lovely daughters and cute, if nutty-acting dog. Some polled undoubtedly felt sympathetic, thinking of their own parents and in-laws and what it might be like to have one of them to live with! But, I ask you, there's got to be something more right, because Detroit is still in trouble, real estate values and 401Ks are suffering from fallen valuations and more people are losing jobs and houses every day, still! What can be the secret of President Obama's popularity in these difficult times then?

The answer is the confidence his confidence and qualified optimism inspires, the trust his direct and sincere manner engenders, and the hope that his assurance that we won't repeat any of the failed policies of the recent past, arouses in everyone who aspires to living in a better word. That, in a word is that, except for this, his name is Barack Hussein Obama. He was born on Krypton and sent to America to save the planet earth..."

DAWN SYLVIA-STASIEWICZ, Bo Obama, Trainer

2009-04-29T15:53:06Z

It has been more than two weeks since Bo Obama's press-packed debut. A photographer managed to get some more photos of the newest member of the Obama family on Friday and Monday while taking a walk with what some people thought was his trainer. Bo was actually with White House Horticulturist Dale Haney. Bo's trainer is Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, a woman described as "husky-voiced" by USA Today. Bo lived with Sylvia-Stasiewicz for weeks before his move to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Sylvia-Stasiewicz has trained some other high profile dogs. Her website has testimonials from Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Chuck Hagel. Can't wait to see the Obamas' testimonial on there!

Dawn,
Many thanks for all your assistance in the training of Splash & Sunny. Your hard work and expertise is seen in their behavior and Vicki and I are very grateful for all that you have done.

Best Wishes,
Senator Edward M. Kennedy

---
Dawn,

Lilibet and I appreciate all the good work that you have done with Figgie. Your training has helped discipline him and make his presence in the house much more enjoyable! Figgie thanks you. We all thank you.

Regards,
Senator Chuck Hagel

Check out a slideshow of Bo's latest photos.

Sophia Yin: Bo Obamas First 10 Days in Office. Why Having a Puppy in the White House May Be More Complicated Than Foreign Policy

2009-04-25T01:38:20Z

Bo and the First Family have just survived their first 10 days together in the White House. Now that the Obamas have gotten to know Bo, what do they say he's like?

"Kind of crazy," said Mrs. Obama to a group of youngsters visiting the White House yesterday on Take Your Kids to Work Day. She gave an example, "It was like 10 o'clock. Everyone was asleep and we hear all this barking and jumping around. The president and I came out and we thought somebody was out there. And it was just Bo. He was playing with his ball."

It seems that this statement has drawn as much criticism as a random statement Mrs. Obama might make about something truly important to the nation, such as foreign policy would. "They should have gotten a pound dog," says one commenter, as if shelter mutts are perfect pets. This type of commenter forgets that of the millions of dogs relinquished to shelters every year, most wouldn't be there if they were the perfect pet for their families. Overall, behavioral issues are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters, with one study revealing 28% of relinquishment due to behavior. Other responders to a Huffington Post article say Portuguese water dogs are too energetic. The term "crazy" is inappropriate. One person even says that the Obamas are "crappy dog owners" -- as evidenced by the fact that Bo has been seen pulling Mrs. Obama and the daughters when they walk him on leash.

As a veterinarian and animal behavior consultant, I say, "Back off. Give them a chance." Bo's just a puppy. If you've been around a healthy puppy recently or, for that matter, a young child, you know that they normally have lots of energy. Also, critics should know that even though this is the First Family's first dog, the Obamas have already done many things right.

What the Obamas Have Done Right with Bo.

They Selected an Older Puppy

The first good decision the Obamas made was getting an older puppy. While young puppies provide many precious moments, like infants and toddlers, they require an extraordinary amount of time, planning and energy -- usually much more than one predicts.

The inconvenience of having a young puppy starts with the potty training. For a few puppies, training is as easy as just keeping the pup on a regular eating, drinking and potty-outing schedule where he is taken out every several hours for several weeks. However, the majority of pups placed on such a lax, abbreviated potty training program remain only partially house-trained. They learn that outside is a good place to go but don't understand that inside is off limits. In fact they may even come inside after an extensive play or exercise period and then relieve themselves on your expensive carpet.

The full potty training protocol for young pups requires that at night your pup sleep in a pooch-palace or travel carrier big enough for him to lie down and turn around in, but not large enough for a bed plus bathroom. During the day it requires taking him out on leash at regular intervals and waiting patiently, silently, and relatively stationary, until he does his duty. If he doesn't, he goes right back into his carrier and you repeat the procedures 15 minutes later until he does go. As he finishes you reward him for a good job and let him have a play session.

Basically the goal is that the puppy learns that the only opportunity he has to potty is when you take him outside. At all other times he's either attached to you on leash so you can keep a close eye on him, in his palace which is too small to double as both potty and bed, or having a closely supervised play session where your eyes are glued to his every move so you can be sure to recognize any signs that he's ready to potty again. Every time you take him out and he does not potty, he goes back in crate for the 15 minutes and then you repeat the cycle again.

Usually after a week puppies know they should potty when they go outside but don't quite understand that they should not go inside. It takes several months of consistency before they make outside-only their habit.

If this potty training process sounds like a drag, you're right. The only thing more inconvenient than following this plan is having to randomly clean up after your dog in the house for the dog's entire life.

Bo Already Knows Where the White House Bathrooms Reside

It sounds as though Bo came potty trained. Initial reports were that he had not had an accident in the White House. He'll still need a strict potty training routine in his new spacious home for several more weeks to months though. Even adult dogs frequently need to be retrained somewhat in every new home they visit so they understand where the new bathrooms are and sometime to signal when they want to go out. This training may only require a day.

Bo Has a Gregarious Personality

A presidential pooch has to be friendly to all people, confident in new environments, and polite in public -- both around people and dogs. These are characteristics that need to be cultivated starting well before 12 weeks of age. This early learning is so important that The American Veterinary Society (AVSAB) Position Statement on Puppy Socialization recommends that owners take their puppies to socialization class starting as close to 8 weeks of age as possible.

Says Kathy Meyer, President of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB),

"Puppies go through a sensitive period for socialization where they are primed to learn that unfamiliar people, environments, objects, and animals are safe. During this time they can also easily learn how to interact with other animals appropriately."

Those puppies whose owners do not make enough of a daily effort to get them completely comfortable with these things often end up with a dog whose default setting is to be fearful of new things. They can even learn to protect themselves by becoming aggressive with strangers and unfamiliar dogs. In fact, aggression due to fear is the number one problem seen by veterinary behaviorists and Ph.D. behaviorists.

So far it looks like Bo has been had the right experiences. He seems to seek attention from unfamiliar people and seems relaxed and comfortable even with all the cameras aimed at him. This is in contrast to Barney, the Bush's Scottish terrier, who had a reputation for being aloof and snippy with non-family members -- two neon signs that a dog may be suffering from fear.

The Presidential Family Still Has Some Work to Do

Socialization Must Continue For a Year or More

Bo will need continued socialization. He'll need appropriate supervised play with other puppies and adult dogs and to meet new people who reward him with things he likes for politely. Says Meyer, "He should be exposed in a gradual non-frightening way to all the types of things he'll be expected to cope with as an adult."

That means regular visits to new locations to see different sights and sounds, including getting used to elevators, traffic, sirens, planes, and even helicopters. Since he'll need to be trimmed and groomed regularly, he'll need to continue to learn that these and other medical or husbandry procedures are fun.

The next year is extremely important because dogs go through a fear period during 6 months to over a year, when perceived scary experiences can have a dramatic, lasting affect. By continuing to give the pup positive experiences such as treats, kibble, a toy or pat on the head (assuming he shows signs that he finds these rewarding), the Obamas can help prevent later fears from developing.

The Obamas and All of Bo's Caretakers Will Have to Learn the Rules

As the First Dog, of course Bo will need to know how to be on his best behavior. He has received private tutoring from the trainer of Senator Ted Kennedy's dogs. For the training to transfer to the White House, the Obamas and all of Bo's caretakers will need to continue his lessons.

Realize that it's easy for dogs to learn sit, down, come and heel. These things can often all be taught in just 15 minutes. For these behaviors to become a habit in Bo's daily life rather than just a trick, the people in his life must all band together to deliver the same message -- that good behavior earns rewards and bad behaviors do not get reinforced.

Dogs catch on quickly because they only need to do whatever gains them rewards. It's the people who take months and sometimes years to learn, because they have to recognize everything they do that effectively rewards good behavior and accidentally rewards undesirable behaviors. That way they can behave appropriately around Bo every time they interact with him rather than inadvertently rewarding the wrong things. This is one reason why dog owners generally should continue taking their dogs to dog class for the first year or more.

The Obama Approach to Training Must Match Their Approach to Governing

It's also important which approach the Obamas take regarding training. As a president who focuses on listening rather than conquering both allies and foes, Mr. Obama will want to use an equally nuanced approach to dealing with Bo. No choke chain, pinch collar, electronic collars, alpha rolls or other methods that focus on punishing bad behaviors and dominating the dog.

Such corrections, even when done in a quiet, assertive, calm manner, are still inappropriate, especially in public -- similar to spanking a child. They send the wrong message, and are not easy for youngsters Sasha and Malia's age to perform. Additionally, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (www.AVSABonline.org) has cautioned against their inappropriate use in their position statements and guidelines on the use of dominance theory and punishment in animal behavior modification.

While Bo will need rules and guidelines for behavior, his training will need to focus on a kinder, more scientific approach. His family will need to realize that every interaction they have with him is a training session and that they must communicate the rules by rewarding him as he performs the desirable behaviors and removing or preventing rewards for bad behavior. Then they'll need to stick to their plan until good behavior is a habit for Bo.

Portuguese water dogs can be trained to
be calm if the humans know how to reward calm behavior
and avoid rewarding hyper behavior.

Is It Starting to Sound as Complicated as Foreign Policy?

No doubt, the Presidential Family has a lot of work to do with the First Dog, Bo. Given their track record of making calculated and thoughtful decisions, I'm betting even if Bo has a long way to go right now, they'll do all the right things for Bo and he'll be one of the best First Dogs ever. And, of course, he'll be a great friend to Sasha and Malia.

Michelle Obama: Bo Is A "Crazy" Dog

2009-04-23T12:35:02Z

WASHINGTON — First dog Bo is a "kind of crazy" puppy who likes to chew on people's feet, Michelle Obama told children visiting the White House on Thursday.

The first lady is spending a lot of time walking and training the 6-month-old Portuguese water dog who became a member of the president's family last week.

Bo's Predecessors: Presidential Pets In History (SLIDESHOW)

2009-04-17T08:00:06Z

Four-legged friends are a time-honored White House tradition. President Taft had a cow. FDR had his terrier Fala. The Kennedys gave young Caroline a pony she named Macaroni. Lyndon Johnson had dogs named His and Her. Nixon had Checkers, the Fords had Liberty, the Clintons had Buddy the lab and Socks the cat, and the Bushes had Barney and Miss Beazley. Now the Obamas have Bo.

Here's a look back at at the most recent presidential pets:

*Follow Huffington Post Style on Twitter and become a fan of Huffington Post Style on Facebook*

Does Bo Know How Famous He Is?

2009-04-16T13:42:51Z

These questions are intriguing enough when applied to household pets -- do they know why they're not allowed on the couch? That we are coming home again? That the houseguests do not like to be sniffed and jumped on? -- but downright trippy when it comes to dogs like Bo. All of a sudden, photographers shoulder one another aside to snap his picture, and the president of the United States scampers behind him.

Does Bo wonder, in whatever way he might be capable, what all the fuss is about? Does he know he's the most famous dog in the world?

Commander In Leash, Book Stars BO OBAMA

2009-04-16T08:28:58Z

He has already been the subject of obsessive news media coverage, and now he will be the subject of a children's book. Bo the Portuguese water dog who recently became the first presidential pet in the Obama White House, is the star of "Bo, America's Commander in Leash," expected in stores by the end of the month. Mascot Books, a small independent publisher in Herndon, Va., specializing in titles based on university and school mascots, is rushing the book out to capitalize on the fervor surrounding the Obamas' new dog.

Does Bo Know He's Top Dog?

2009-04-15T19:42:12Z

Sooner or later, someone is going to ask Bo, the 6-month-old Portuguese water dog who moved into the White House this week, if he knows the answer to a simple question: Who's a good boy?

The question will of course be rhetorical, since Bo, whose raison d'être is to be furry and sweet, has significantly fewer performance expectations than his master. But it will by no means be idle, at least not to the psychologists, neuroscientists, philosophers and kissy-face dog owners who for centuries have pondered the mysteries of canine consciousness. What, they ask, does a creature that lives to chew shoes and chase tennis balls really know about himself and his surroundings?

PUPPY BO'S COMPETITION: World Leaders' Pets (SLIDESHOW, POLL)

2009-04-15T11:37:49Z

The Obamas finally debuted the newest addition to their family, a (possibly gay) Portuguese water dog named Bo. The highly anticipated first dog joins other first and royal pets around the world. Here is a slideshow of some other world leaders enjoying quality time with their animals.

Which world leader do you think has the best pet?

Know of any other world leaders' pets? Leave suggestions in the comment section below.

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Bo Obama: America's First Openly Gay White House Dog (VIDEO)

2009-04-15T07:50:04Z

America can't stop talking about Bo Obama, the 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, the Obamas gave to their daughters. He was a gift from the Kennedy family, and came pre-trained: Bo already sits, shakes, rolls over and Twitters.

The Daily Show, after a week off for the holidays, returned last night and got in on the Bo coverage, announcing that he is in fact the first (openly) gay White House dog.

WATCH:

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Road to the Doghouse - Bo Obama

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Christina Bellantoni: VIDEO: Up Close and Personal With Bo Obama

2009-04-15T02:13:57Z

First published at WashingtonTimes.com

I was at the White House to witness the arrival of the First Dog of the United States.

It was, predictably, a mad scramble as reporters got in position to get the best view.

It's a silly story, yes. But it's also one that translates into all languages and that every person I know has expressed interest in since Obama made his promise on Election Night that his daughters Malia and Sasha would get their dog.

With Bo at his feet, wagging his tail furiously, the president declared, "He's got star quality."

Bo already has his own “Big News” page on HuffingtonPost.com, and several people are “tweeting” in Bo's name on Twitter. (Though this is the most active.)

For the record, it wasn't all fluff. I did shout a question at the dog, who declined to comment.

Here's my story:

Bo Obama was ready for his close-up, and after strutting around the White House South Lawn Tuesday the world knows a lot more about the most famous dog in America.

The Portuguese water dog rivaled models on the red carpet with all the camera clicks and press attention he received during his rollout as the first family's pet.

Read the full story here.

And here's the video I put together after Bo's debut:

— Christina Bellantoni, White House correspondent,
The Washington Times

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TMZ: The Poop Behind The New First Dog

2009-04-14T19:34:19Z

We've already told you the Obama dog is a used pooch -- with a past! Here's the lowdown.

Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog whose original name was Charlie, was sold by a Texas breeder on December 8, 2008. The family that bought the dog paid $1,600.

Obama Dog Trainer: Bo Already "Sits, Shakes, Rolls Over"

2009-04-14T19:01:11Z

The puppy has already learned tricks, his trainer Dawn Sylvia says in the newest issue of Us Weekly, on stands tomorrow.

"He sits very well, he does down very well. He shakes, he rolls over," says the trainer, who has been working with him since March. "He knows his off command, which means don't touch. He understands wait."

Obama Dog Video: Bo Obama Shown Off By Obama Family (VIDEO)

2009-04-14T17:11:35Z

There was quite a crowd at the White House today to see the Obamas show off Bo, the new presidential puppy. Bo was on a leash handled by Michelle Obama, and the puppy showed some vigorous energy in front of the crowd of reporters.

President Obama made a few remarks, noting that Portuguese water dogs like tomatoes, and thus Michelle's garden was in danger. Sasha, the President's youngest daughter, pointed out that they would have to teach Bo to swim, a skill which apparently does not come naturally to Portuguese water dogs.

Overall, the First Family seemed quite pleased with their new dog.

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