Obamas will adopt, rather than buy a dog

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Mercury News

Along with picking his Cabinet, finding just the right people for his White House staff and deciding what to do about two wars, President-elect Barack Obama has one other decision to make: Which dog to get for daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

In a way, the Obamas already have done the heavy lifting on that one.

After announcing they planned to buy a dog as a reward for their daughters being such good sports about the grueling campaign, animal rights and animal welfare groups started campaigns of their own — for the Obamas to adopt a shelter dog and not buy a dog from a breeder.

PETA's president sent them a letter. Best Friends Animal Society launched a petition drive on the Web site www.obamafamilydog.com that collected 50,000 signatures in just two weeks. The Humane Society of the United States made an appeal.

The American Kennel Club, the registry for pure bred dogs, supported the First Couple-elect's initial decision to buy a dog from a breeder. More than 42,000 Americans voted in AKC's poll to determine the right breed of dog. The winner: the poodle, chosen from five hypoallergenic breeds so as not to irritate Malia and Sasha Obama's allergies.

Then the news broke on Entertainment Tonight a little over a month ago: Michelle Obama announced the family would, indeed, adopt a rescue dog.

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_10908907?nclick_check=1

---

Edited to add...

I AM SO PROUD TO HAVE POSTED THIS NEWS....see my screen name ;)

[Muttocracy]

1. hey, nice user name :)

[durtee librul]

125. Bichon Frise is also non allergenic

I have 2, both from a rescue group called Small Paws Rescue out of OK. The other 2 dogs we have are lab/newfoundland mixes also from rescue and they all get along just great.

My bichons and my granddaughter are best of friends and the high energy level is perfect for kids, plus they are such cuddlers and lovers.

Had a poodle myself as a kid and I think while Zsa Zsa was a great dog, my bichons have her beat for wanting to be by you. Just my 2 cents worth.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

144. Small Paws is awesome

I get their email newsletter several times a week. I did some homevisits for them here in CT and am on their mailing list. Animal Planet aired a show on them recently. I missed it but hope it will be re-run.

Wouldn't it be neat if the Obamas adopted from them? They have had a lot of puppies available lately from the bitches they rescued from puppy mills. They also took in a pregnant stray with chemical burns recently.

[madaboutharry]

2. Well, I wouldn't think they would do anything

other than that.

[Warren Stupidity]

3. Dammit cant they stop doing everything right?

I am so in love with the Obama's it hurts.

[succubus.blues]

7. Me, too.

They are so perfect! :loveya:

[lcdnumber6]

52. me too, warren.

i'm so happy they are getting a mutt! the ones I've had in my life were the best pets in the world.

[qwlauren35]

65. It may not be a mutt.

It probably won't be a pedigreed dog with papers, but if his daughters have dog allergies, they will have to be pretty choosy about the breed.

[awoke_in_2003]

78. I love german shepherds...

but the best (and healthiest) dogs I have ever known were mutts. Added plus, mutts represent what we as Americans are- a conglomeration as opposed to a full breed.

on edit: myself, I have English, Scotch, Welsh, German, and French running around my family tree.

[4_TN_TITANS]

131. We've almost exclusively had mutts...

I think most of the time, they end up with the benefits of multiple breeds and seem to be smarter & hardier because of the genetic diversity. Last month Mrs. TN_TITAN brought home two new additions from the pound and they are fitting in perfectly.

[jules1962]

109. It was announced by David Schuster on MSNBC

that the Obamas' are getting a Labradoodle. This is a great hybrid. They are great for kids with allergies and they ususally have the temperment of a lab. I assume they will get this from a rescue since finding one in a shelter would prove harder. It's all good though. I know that all breeds are in shelters,even purebreeds.Yea!!!!

[ACTION BASTARD]

83. I think I'm finally learning to love again.

[tavalon]

112. Don't worry, he's picking Rahm Emmanuel as his Chief of Staff

He's going to govern from the middle which used to be the right. We'll have plenty of things in the next few years to piss us off. Let them be perfect right now, it's likely to be the last time.

[Warren Stupidity]

121. Yeah I know that.

It will wear off quickly. But for now, I'm basking in the warmth.

[trof]

122. PRECISELY my first thought.

[Dennis Donovan]

4. Excellent news!! I hope this inspires others to adopt rescue dogs as well!

Recommended!

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Wonderful decision.

[KamaAina]

6. Oh, the girls have allergies

so much for my brilliant plan: GET A CAT!!!!! :(

Among dogs, the Bichon Frise is said to be the most hypoallergenic. Not sure how namy of them turn up at shelters, though.

[Indenturedebtor]

38. Poodles are I think the most hypoallergenic.

We should all of us adopt puppies if we can. Lets start this whole thing off right by showing our solidarity with puppies and Obama!

[elleng]

40. Bedlington Terriers

are terrific! No shed, no allergies, sweet and smart.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=bedlington+terrier&um=1&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

46. Ragdoll cats are pretty hypoallergenic

They look like Himalayans with the size of a Maine Coon, and they don't shed, even though they have long hair.

[catrose]

67. Japanese bobtails

and Sphinxes are also hypoallergenic cats.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

71. But Sphinxes are scary looking

"RAACHHELL..."

[CoffeeCat]

128. Oh my gosh, my daughter wants a Sphinx cat...

She's only seven-years old, and she constantly asks me, "Can we get a bald cat, mommy....pleeeease?"

I think it's so cute! I think they're very strange looking, but I'm sure they're sweet. My daughter
is a real tender heart, and I think that she wants to love a cat that she perceives as being--in desperate
need of love.

We have two cats and she's always asking me if we can shave their fur, "So we can turn them into bald cats."

She's so funny.

[Duppers]

90. I do not know of one single person who is allergic to dogs who

is not hyper-allergic to cats. Not one.

I'm not bashing cats, just stating facts as I observe them.

[Zuiderelle]

130. I'm one. I wheeze and itch around some dogs, but have few problems with cats.

The ONLY issues I have with cats are if I rub my eyes after petting them, my eyes get red and itchy, but is easily resolved by flushing, and if they scratch me, I have a small allergic reaction at the source of the scratch that goes away within a half hour. Cats have NEVER made me sneeze, not one single breed, but a lot of dogs do.

[tavalon]

113. Poodles are good

and standard poodles are excellent. My guy is a rescued standard and he is just magnificent.

[Ferret Annica]

124. Many dogs and cats became homeless with increased economic woes

This makes good sense, and is commendable. though personally, I prefer ferrets.

[roody]

8. I'm sure they can find a shelter poodle. I adore poodles!

Have had two rescue poodles in my life.

[DogPoundPup]

10. I have a sheepadoodle...

rescued from my local pound...she is 1/2 sheep dog, 1/2 poodle....VERY GOOD DOG! Very smart and gentle...unfortunately, she is now in her very senior years.

[Sparky 1]

111. Challenging coat, yes?

Lots of brushing and haircuts?

[DogPoundPup]

134. Not so much...it's just a quick going over with a shedding brush

although ... I do trim the hair around her eyes when needed and around her feet to keep her neat.

I had no idea what she was when 'she picked me' when I went to the dog pound. She actually climbed over the metal fencing that was only about 4 1/2 ft. high to reach me 12 years ago. The vet at the time, thought whe was about 2 yrs. old when I took her in to get her checked. I live in a rural area and the pound here isn't as sophisticated in their set-up as what I imagine the larger areas are. She had had 13 puppies and 11 of them lived and there had already been adopted out. She was in such poor condition I couldn't help but bring her home with me. She was so mangy, but with love and good care, I get so many people tell me now how pretty she is when I take her out for a walk. They ask me what kind of dog she is and tell them she is a 'very good dog' and a dogpoundpup leaving the sheepadoodle out of the conversation. I only emphasize the dog pound thing in the hopes more people will consider adopting/rescuing those poor souls who have been abandoned.

[northernlights]

9. OMG, Now I truly love them!!!!

When I wrote last night that I hoped they'd get a "heinz-57 shelter pup" I never in a million years thought they actually would.

What a FABULOUS THING they are doing, saving a dog, hopefully inspiring others to do the same, and teaching their girls well!!!! :applause::applause::applause:

[bluestateguy]

11. That's despicable. I feel buyers remorse already.

Disgusting.

:sarcasm:

[Phoonzang]

17. LOL! nt

[dhill926]

20. there they go....

giving in to the radical animal rights lobby already....

:sarcasm:

[kestrel91316]

12. Well THANK YOU. I always hate how the president picks an expensive

dog of a particular breed, and then the breed gets popularized and run into the ground, and dogs get bought and dumped as unsuitable. Just like dalmations afterr Disney movies.

My personal bias is toward dogs with some labrador retriever genetics in them - labs improve everything they mix with, lol.

[Bette Noir]

99. Yeah, I've had some lab mixes that were /are pretty terrific dogs.

And labradoodles are hypoallergenic, if they're at least 3/4 poodle. Wouldn't find one in a shelter, though.

[alittlemoreleft]

13. I have a Boston Terrier rescue from the pound!

He's the best dog, he really is. I'm so glad they are thinking about going this route...I'm gad they're putting thought into it!

[uppityperson]

14. That link takes me to here...Found the way to get there...

https://secure.www.democraticunderground.com/registration/?rPage=login&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.democraticunderground.com%2Fdiscuss%2Fduboard.php%3Faz%3Dview_all%26address%3D102x3585932&eRightsSessionExpired=true&forced=true

This link takes me to your link which is the story. Odd.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10908907

[OmahaGTP]

15. I know it's just me, and disagree if you will

But it's kind of like not eating all the food on your plate. We have a serious problem in the world with animal overpopulation. One breed of animal's love is no different than another. I know I am preaching to the choir, but please adopt. It's the right thing to do. If your love for an animal is tied to the breed, then maybe you are in it for the wrong reasons.

[islandmkl]

25. almost every breed has a rescue organization...so selecting a breed doesn't alter the plan...

this guy is from springer rescue about 5 years ago...

[smiley]

36. Springers are IMO the best purebreeds out there.

Had one when I was a kid and he was very well trained and the best friend a boy could have. Now I have an adopted heinz 57 and he too is well trained and the best friend a 30 something year old grown boy could have....

but I sure do miss that springer...:cry:

[IndyOp]

126. Exactly! The Obama can still adopt a purebred poodle that has passed temperament

tests, lived in the home of a foster family, and been trained by a professional. If they adopt an adult dog from a rescue who is already potty trained and has a known, wonderful temperament it will be MUCH easier on the whole family.

:hi:

[Muttocracy]

140. yes - puppies are only puppies for a few months - I once told a shelter visitor

who asked "do you have any puppies?", "No, but we have what they turn into!" :)

[Daemonaquila]

100. Very true, with very limited exceptions

I totally agree for the most part, with some limited exceptions. I think there is room for a very LIMITED about of breeding to maintain the good qualities of certain kinds of animals. However, the way breeding is practiced now it's often about the money while allowing certain negative traits to be reinforced. Not good at all. Some of the best breeding I've seen done is by people who don't worry about papers and other such nonsense, and who give the animals away or charge minimally to people they know/trust. There's no profit involved, period.

I've got quite the menagerie of cats. While I would love a couple to be from certain breeds, that probably will never happen. I have more than I'd like, thanks to our way of getting them... hurt kittens from feral litters, dumped cats left along the creek, abused animals left behind when nearby tenants leave, etc. I wouldn't trade any of them, though. I kind of laugh at the idea of going to a shelter, though, to get an animal. If only! There are too many animals in need who just wander up to the back porch...

[ailsagirl]

16. Wonderful precedent for the president-elect to set.

Gobama!! (I have four adopted cats) :hi:

[shireen]

18. awww ... Michelle took my advice

I sent her a message via the Obama campaign website "contact" form, asking her to please consider a shelter dog.
I'm so glad she listened .... :P

[Oldtimeralso]

19. We Have an Adopted Jack Russell

She is a great little dog not much if any shedding, energetic,child friendly & from Iowa. Go Obama!

[Honeycombe8]

21. As the proud owner of rescue pups, I approve that message!!!!!! nt

[WA98070]

22. And which of you wants to accept responsibility when a dog of unknown temperament turns on one ....

of the girls.

Poundpups are not for young children. When selecting a puppy for children the life experiences of the pup which, along with DNA, establishes personality from the mother to the breeder. A poundpup is an unknown and should not go to someone not mature enough to understand the special needs.

[LeftyMom]

32. Breeder dogs can be erratic too. Often more so.

Because of inbreeding, low human contact or just because they're bred for physical conformity for breed standards rather than for soundness of mind.

Further, any reputable shelter or rescue organization will evaluate a dog prior to adoption for suitability for homes with children, homes with other dogs, homes with cats, etc. Many breeders only evaluate whether the check will bounce.

I'm glad they're not letting scaremongering nonsense like yours, which kills perfectly wonderful dogs by keeping them out of suitable homes, stop them from doing the right thing.

[adigal]

81. In the south, millions of healthy adoptable puppies are gassed

or euthanized by heart stick or needle each year, because A-holes don't spay/neuter and they just dump the pups at the shelter. Owner surrenders do NOT have to be held, so they go from the car to the gas chamber. Hundreds and hundreds each month in many southern shelters.

Gaston, North Carolina shelter kills 600 to 800 dogs and puppies a month. I just got three wonderful lab pups from there!

[adigal]

37. Pound puppies are FINE - they are there because some asshole,

usually in the south, did not spay or neuter their dog, and dumped the 6 week old pups at the pound. What is wrong with one of those puppies??? They are usually a mix, so they are not as driven as some unmanageable purebreed puppy.

I have brought up over 150 pound dogs/pups from the south since March, and they are the nicest, sweetest dogs I have ever met. And my brother's purebred, $1500 Golden Retriever attacked my son when he was eating a hamburger. He bit his hand, then his back, then his face. Good doggie, expensive Golden Retriever.

I never trust any dog with kids unsupervised. Period.

[WA98070]

41. Read any book on socializing a puppy and you'll see your asshole breeder probably raises assholes...

And the purebred Golden did not attack your son without a reason, most likely your brother.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

53. Doesn't that negate your original post?

Wait, is it the breeder or the brother?

[adigal]

79. My son had a hamburger in his hand, is that a good reason??

None of my pound dogs attack people with food in their hands. Oh, I should correct myself. They lick the kids to death when they have food.

[flvegan]

43. For you:

Now you have one.

What you've stated here is an absolute insult to the staff and volunteers of the many shelters and rescues across this country.

[WA98070]

47. No one should be insulted...a pound puppy is more unknown than a properly bred and socialized puppy.

There is no guarantee with any dog but what you don't know might hurt you.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

You want to never take a risk of getting bit by a dog?

Don't get one, from anywhere.

[flvegan]

62. Properly bred and socialized?

You're talking about a puppy between 8-12 weeks. Shit, you don't know it.

Most breeders are beyond unethical, and you actually have a better shot with a like puppy mutt than you are with your average backyard breeder.

[Kali]

45. oh please

puppy = NOT much life experience

get real most any young mutt will be FINE - it's the experience it gets from then on that will matter

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

50. Oh ffs -- your ignorance is showing

Coming from a breeder does not guarantee the temperment of the dog. All I need to do is look to the local dog park and see that. The place is filled with aggressive labs.

I've had one dog from a breeder in my life, and she was the only one that could be somewhat unpredictable. The rescued shepherd/pit was and the two rescued BC's are way more predictable.

[rebel with a cause]

63. Poodles are not recommended for children either.

There is in fact several pure breeds that are considered to high strung to have around children. Mixed breeds are considered in some circles as being the best dogs for kids, since they are more apt to be of easy temperament. Many pounds also test their dogs for temperament before they adopt them out anyway.

Anyway, I am sure the dog whisper, Cesar Millan, would be happy to train the new puppy for the Obama children.

[RollWithIt]

75. Nothing personal, but I strongly disagree with you on this....

Dogs are a product of their environment 99% of the time. Even fighting breeds have been shown to be wonderful when raised right.

[TahitiNut]

86. An important part of that 'environment' is the first 7 weeks with the litter and the bitch.

An enormous amount of the 'training' a new puppy receives is during that time ... and when it's "bad" it can create life-long issues. That's the crux of the problem. While a reputable breeder is not an absolute guarantee, it's the most important part of selecting a breeder, imho. It's LESS about lineage and MORE about how the puppies are raised and nurtured during that first critical seven weeks. That's the mistake most often made here on DU ... with the idiotically exclusive focus on 'blood lines' and AKC stuff. That's NOT why its wise to use a breeder. Not really at all.

[TahitiNut]

84. I generally agree with you. That's not to say, however, there's any guarantee either way.

Selecting a reputable breeder for a breed that actually displays the characteristics of aptitude and temperament desired for a family with young children in a high-profile environment like the White House is surely not a matter of just checking the yellow pages. (I personally have relied on the advice of veterinarians, show dog owners, field dog owners, and professionals.) Much of the advantage in doing so is the health and socialization of the puppies during the first seven (critical!) weeks of their life. The bitch and litter-mates offer the (essential) first 'training' that the new puppy receives. The breeder should be one that honors the integrity of the litter and, at the same time, offers plenty of human contact for the entire litter. (I'm disinclined to favor the sterile, factory-like kennel breeders, favoring instead the more dedicated folks with highly integrated facilities.)

The rescue dog is a good choice where there's high assurance of continuous, sane, responsible care and attention. It's not usually advised for a first dog where there are young children. No person should adopt a dog if they're not prepared to invest a great deal of time and attention continuously and regularly in training, socializing, and just plain loving the dog. They're NOT cats! They're NOT goldfish! A dog is a major commitment of time and attention, particularly in the 12-18 months. One cannot overstate the importance of nurturing the development of that new member of the family. Personally, my (ex-)wife and I invested at least 40 hours a week combined in time that was SOLELY focused on the dog ... her with low-level training and lots of TLC, and me mostly doing the formal obedience training and public socialization. Both of us obtained professional training ourselves in HOW to train the dog.

It was time well-spent. Bo was quite often the invitee to my friends' homes - and I was allowed to come along, too. Bo was 100% safe around children of all ages and all behaviors. Bo was a welcome companion even with dog-shy guests. Dog hair, of course, found its way almost everywhere ... but NOT on the furniture where people sat. (Grooming Bo was a daily chore for over 12 years ... with many emptied vacuum cleaner bags.)

My entire family has always been "dog people" ... and EVERYONE subscribed to the above duties. We've had dobermans, collies, great danes, labradors, irish setters, miniature schnauzers, rottweilers, Norwegian elkhounds, toy dachshounds, miniature poodles, and mutts ... either from breeders or rescue. Bo was a black lab ... and the best of the best.

[johnaries]

96. That's total bullshit. PoundPups are the best dogs you can get.

It's not their DNA, but how they are raised. And mixed breeds are the healthiest. I have had nothing but pound puppies and cardboard box puppies. They are also the most loyal. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I swear they somehow know you are saving them.

[Daemonaquila]

101. Oh, pooh

This is so incorrect. Pure bred dogs are just as bad, or worse, depending on the line and the breeder. I've been dealing with rescue animals of all sorts most of my adult life. The only ones I tend to worry about are the adults or near adults who have been already instilled with problem behaviors. Barring the occasional abnormal pup (which can happen with purebreds as well), shelter puppies make grand pets without any more behavioral issues than the purest-bred animal.

[cui bono]

102. That is just plain not true. What a sweeping generalization.

I've gotten almost all my dogs from pounds or off the street. Now I get them young so they bond with me. I've never had a problem with any of them, even the 2 seemingly pure pit bulls.

They do not have "special needs". They're no different from breeder's dogs. If anything they appreciate you more for giving them the love someone else couldn't. Are there bad apples? Of course, just like any other group of living beings. Purebreds have their problems too. Not to mention you have to research where you get your puppy from because a lot of breeders don't give a damn about the dogs, they just care about the profits so if you think you're getting a better dog just because it's from a breeder you better think again.

I'm sorry but that's just an ignorant, elitist load of crap. And if you were saying it about any specific group of people you would be called a bigot.

(I can't believe how much your post pissed me off.)

[bitchkitty]

110. That is so wrong.

A puppy that you get from a shelter is no more likely to turn on his owners than a purebred would be. I don't know where you get your information but it's just wrong.

[Chulanowa]

115. I will.

And if your screen name indicates your actual state / zip, we can meet at the Monkey Tree and you can slap the spit out of my mouth if it happens, how about that?

Every single dog I've had, from the time I was five to my current pooch, has been an adoptee. The first was some poor critter my dad found snared in the woods in North Carolina. Turned into a gorgeous Collie / Huskie mix. The next was a huge cur-type mongrel who appeared in our carport one evening and just wouldn't leave. Some asshole poisoned him. A few years later I adopted another mutt from Claws and Paws. While I had her I ended up picking up another... I can't really say "stray" here - I found this pit bull that someone had abandoned, I assume after losing a fight judging by how torn up he was. I wrapped him up, took him to the vet, and paid four hundred bucks for this wonderful blockheaded fool of a dog to not die in an alleyway. Perfectly well-adjusted despite the hell I'm certain he'd been through. My current dog is part of a litter abandoned by a coastie up in Alaska, and he's a perfectly perfect dog. Dumb, but a good dog.

Don't tell me dogs from the pound are something to be scared of.

[freestyle]

145. Shelters check temperament while determining adoptability.

Most dogs of questionable temperament would be either euthanized or offered for adoption only to individuals or couples who can devote significant attention to the dog. They would not go to families with young children.

When we adopted our dog from the shelter, he was six months old and his temperament had been well monitored by the shelter, as was true of all the animals there. Shelters have a great interest in creating good matches between the animals they are responsible for and the people who adopt them.

[StarryNite]

146. You obviously are clueless

when it comes to dogs.

[Patiod]

147. We got our Weimaraner from my aunt's 2 dogs

We knew both of the parents really well - they were calm easy-going animals - both well-behaved house pets....

...who produced an uncontrollable puppy that grew into an uncontrollable dog. We had good dogs before, and good dogs after, so it wasn't the training. Just a "bad seed" that bit one of my friends and pulled my mother's shoulder out of the socket.

Plus we had chosen a breed that needs to run - just because the two parent dogs were quiet housepets doesn't mean that Weimaraners are suitable for a medium suburban house on 1/3 acre of land.

[RavensChick]

23. Aw! That is so, so sweet!!

Now I know I'm gonna adopt a dog too (at least when I move to my new condo). I haven't had a pet for almost 25 years so I'm long overdue. For the Obamas to set a great example like that is priceless!

[Mabus]

29. When are you moving?

That will be one lucky puppy. You'll make a great mom. :hi: :hug:

[Phred42]

24. Classic !

[TaffyMoon]

26. Yes, he always gets it right!

From the Toronto Humane Society: vamos Barack Obama

[Breathe]

27. This is Wonderful news!

Thank you for posting it. You rock.

This could do so much to educate people about puppy mills and pet adoption. It makes me happy.

[Dumak]

28. would be great if they could make a national geographic

special on this. Have the obamas and cesar millan go to best friends animal sanctuary to select a good white house family dog.

[FloridaJudy]

30. I'm sure some shelter has a nice poodle mix

Almost all half-poodle dogs are hypoallergenic. And one avoids the uglier genetic problems common to pure-bred poodles: I've known several poodle breeders, and they lose an alarming percentage of each litter to congenital defects.

Poodles are smart, affectionate dogs. A healthy poodle mix rescue would be ideal for America's First Family.

[hedgehog]

72. I can tell you that the poodles I see today do not look like the poodles that

were around 50 years ago. the ones I see today look like a caricature of the dog my neighbors had. Every feature has been exaggerated by 50 years of breeding to form!

[Lorien]

106. Same with collies. It's grotesque. n/t

[Lorien]

105. Shelters have every common purebred dog(or cat) around. You'll find

hundreds of purebreds poodles up for adoption-along with labs, bostons, dalmatians, border collies, corgis, beagles...etc. etc. I've done pet rescue and I've placed several purebred, pedigreed dogs and cats...I even adopted a "purebred" bengal/ serval mix (savannah cat) and pom myself.

[bluemarkers]

31. Best Dog in the world

has got to be a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Our little guy passed away April 22 at age 12 1/2. we miss him every day. There are a few for rescue, but usually do have to come from a breeder. The breed would not do for allergy sufferers, plus they shed. The staff probably wouldn't like that too much. :) My staff didn't! :lol:

I am so looking forward to having a White House with children in it. :) I know they will get a great puppy too. Can't wait and thanks for the update!

[Dumak]

44. Reagan had one of those dogs while in the white house

It was a gift from william f buckley

[bluemarkers]

48. yes he did

but we got one anyway. :) besides, Ron jr and Chris endorsed Obama. :)

Cavs are great with children - but I can see The First Family with a bigger more energetic dog.


the best dog is the one you love

[Critters2]

57. They're genetic nightmares. Most have congenital heart defects,

that breeders pass on to future generations.

They should choose an older breed with a large and healthy gene pool. All the things the cav is not.

[bluemarkers]

74. you're tough

what a cold comment to me

I never said they should pick a cav. in fact I said they shouldn't. twice.

My dog had the heart murmur and did die from it. I'm very informed thank you very much. Maybe I miss my little guy....

jeeez

[Demit]

103. Since that poster didn't respond to you, let me:

I'm sorry you lost your little guy. Anybody who has ever lost a treasured pet knows how that feels. My Douglas (a Scottie) lived to be almost 16, and losing him was very sad. My solution, as far as that went, was to immediately get a new puppy to love. I ended up getting two, because there were two left from the litter and I couldn't bear how the other one looked at me when I was playing with the one I figured to get. I joked for awhile that it took two to replace Dougie.

I still think of him, and it's been years. That poster's name maybe says something about him or her—only caring about 'critters' if they're his or her own. My condolences. I hope you have good memories of your cav.

[TahitiNut]

116. Isn't it strange that folks who proclaim such love of dogs needing rescue ...

... can behave like the most hateful religious zealot towards "infidels"?? The abuse some heap upon others who don't share their zeal for a very unyielding belief makes it clear how they're not so very different from "fundies".

I love all dogs. I have a neighbor with a Cav ... an absolutely wonderful, friendly, playful dog. It's beyond heartbreaking to lose one's dog. I lost my best friend ("Bo") in 1989, a black lab aged 12, and it still hurts. After he died, there wasn't a day for many months that I didn't cry. I knew I'd be sad ... but it was far worse.

Peace. Remember the good stuff. There's more than enough.

[adigal]

33. Maybe they will adopt a dog from my dog rescue!!

I can get them a poodle!! Although I specialize in labs!

[MagicKenny]

34. After All, Every Dog Has Its Day...

...this is wonderful news - another heart-warming example of our fantastic new First Family's kindness.

[Dem2theMax]

35. I predicted this one to my family last night. I just knew President Obama would do this.

It's just like him. I LOVE this man. :loveya:

[glinda]

39. SOFT COATED WHEATEN WAS ALMOST AS MANY VOTES AS THE POODLE!

OH PLEASE LET IT BE A SOFT COATED WHEATEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NJPuggle]

42. Naturally, as per my nom d'internet...

I recommend they adopt a puggle. Softest, finest, snuggliest breed in the world.

[glinda]

108. Wheatens are non-allergenic though

[bitchkitty]

135. My beagle has been pestering me for

a puggle.

[NJPuggle]

149. They're...

... absolutely adorable... but I didn't know wheatens were non-allergenic. A wheaten would be a good choice if either of the girls has an allergy.

[bitchkitty]

150. Do they have a dog allergy? Obama doesn't seem

like the kind of man who would promise his kids a dog without being certain he could follow through.

My mom was allergic to cats, but not dogs. Maybe that's the case here.

[nam78_two]

49. Awwww

Thats awesome :)!

[RedSock]

51. he's off to a great start!!!!

As the proud daddy of five dogs over the last 20 years -- all of them from the street, the pound or a rescue group -- this is great news!!

Good work!

[MasonJar]

54. Good fo Michelle and the Obamas. I have 2 cats now and 2 dogs, all of which

either I or someone else has rescued. Thanks to the animal rights organizations for promoting this important step.

[intheflow]

55. The two best dogs I ever knew were pound pups.

Ziggy and Bear



Both incredibly mellow and good natured, and loyal beyond the call of duty. I didn't have to train either of them very much, they're so smart they learned whatever I taught them instantly. Both mutts in exceptional health. (Well, until someone poisoned Zig.:cry:)

I would highly recommend a rescue dog to anyone. And of course the Obama family is a natural fit for a rescued dog, they've got the whole compassionate animal welfare/mutt as symbolic of our multicultural heritage angles down pat. :)

[NNadir]

56. I'm for a Presidential trip to the pound.

It would be a great symbol.

[customerserviceguy]

133. That would be nice

but chances are, there will be people out combing the rescue organizations for the "right" dog for the family. At least we'll see President Obama use better selection processes than Gramps used to find Gidget.

[Dukkha]

58. well I would've preferred another white house cat

but the girls want a puppy so be it.

[nam78_two]

61. Maybe they will get a kitty in a bit

That is for the second term :D!

[spindrifter]

59. No Dog Left Behind!!

We have rescued two dogs, both German Shorthairs. They have been the very best companions a family could ask for. We hope Malia and Sasha get a great rescue pup!

[Kalifornia.Kid]

60. OK...OK...OK... They will have a dog - what to NAME it?

How's about Sarah? or maybe Surge? ....

[prolesunited]

64. Easy

Hope

[Kalifornia.Kid]

66. Absolutely agree ... "Hope"

[stlsaxman]

70. or Spot.

Spot Obama.

[HomerRamone]

85. Checkers nt

[TahitiNut]

87. "Pali" or "Kahuna"

:shrug:

[slampoet]

127. Name it Senator.

[jaksavage]

142. George

keep it outdoors.

[GregW]

143. Humuhumunukunukuapua'a

A nice Hawaiian name :D - would be a bear to call in from the back yard!

[StarryNite]

68. Hooray!

I am so happy to hear this wonderful news! And so is our pound puppy Patty! I love all dogs but saving a rescue dog is a cause that is near and dear to my heart! :loveya:

[FedUpWithIt All]

69. I am glad to hear this. My kids were discussing breeds they might pick. I voted for a rescue. n/t

[Sheets of Easter]

73. I figured they would. That is very sweet.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

76. We had over 40 fosters through the house in the last 2 years.

This is a good decision on the First Families part.

David

[TankLV]

77. You all do know that there are rescue groups for all breeds of dogs, don't you?!

You can get a purebred from a Golden to a Weinereimer...a Lab to a Bulldog...

I can't believe people throw away pure breds, let alone mutts...

[AnnieBW]

80. Get a subscription to the Washington Times

Puppies need somewhere to pee before they're housebroken. The Slimes should do the trick.

[TahitiNut]

88. The Bush Family used the Presidential Daily Briefing for that.

:evilgrin:

[JDwho]

82. Setting an example for the rest of us. : )

[Hulk]

89. It's just one more tip of the hat to this "FIRST family"

When can we shove the asshole out the back door? God, do we HAVE TO let him stay there until January 20? Let's start a movement to evict him and his ilk!

[DeepModem Mom]

91. K&R, as my two handsome much-loved shelter-adopted cats nap nearby. nt

[DebbieCDC]

92. Dog lover and proud owner of 3 adopted muttsm here and I heartily approve the Obamas decision

(I also had 2 other mutts in past years that passed away of VERY old age).

Never had a problem with any of my adopted mutts, except for the Corgi who is a diva and drama queen. I think the Obama girls will find a wonderful pound dog to love and who will love them back many times over.

[bookman]

93. Terrific, Best Friends Animal Society...

..is a wonderful organization. My wife and I have volunteered there.

[johnaries]

94. Yes! I knew they would!

I didn't see the announcement, but I just knew that they would. Setting an example for the rest of the country.

[1Hippiechick]

95. Rescues are the BEST! I think they must come w/a 6th sense that you rescued them.

And you can't outlove and out-adore them. We have racetrack rescue greys, a rescue maltipoo, and a rescue lab. Our lab is just like the one in the pix in my signature line, except she's smaller. (And obviously she squats to pee. :)

[Daemonaquila]

104. Very true.

It's actually kind of an uncomfortable feeling with some of them. I've had some adult rescue cats who clearly exude gratitude in spades, and I feel bad about that. You just want them to feel like they've got a home for life, but they're very aware that the bad times could come again even though they're the most loving and trusting animals you'd ever meet.

[Initech]

97. Excellent. Rescue societies are always the way to go.

[Bette Noir]

98. Every dog I've ever had has been a rescue,

and most of them have been darn good dogs. I'd no sooner buy a dog than a boyfriend.

[robinlynne]

107. yeah! one beautiful life saved.

[Raine]

114. Poodles are wonderful dogs, I've had poodles for 30 years and all of them

have been rescues. :-)

[jcla]

117. They can go to many of the poodle or doodle rescue sites....

and get a dog that is socialized through fostering... they then have to keep socializing their dog... training themselves and the pup. I have had three rescue dogs.... only one was a puppy our hand reared lab mix. The other two were adults. While I won't suggest giving treats in a closed hand to an adult to start.. I have with food and am working to get our latest rescue adult as gentle a hand feeder as our old gentle labbie boy, Boo. Both Miss Sheena and Sadie were adults but both learned (and Sadie is still learning to gently take hard treats from a closed hand .. she learned in one day to like soft treats from the hand... that is patience and repetition) So you and your pound pup have to start out slow and learn... but learn they do!
All of our dogs are (or have been) great around children (even though we joke about Sadie's tail of death) we still watch our two when children are around. (mostly to keep them safe from the little pokers and proders and pullers... )

Fostering really helps dogs and pups... and the foster parents can tell a new adopter a lot about their puppy.
Then it is up to you to keep up the good work!

[Dems4me]

118. Rescue dogs make the best members of our families- I'm so pleased they chose that route. n/t

[madrchsod]

119. the chicago pound has a lot of dogs

and they can use the publicity he would give them....

[babydollhead]

120. I would be their dog

[wordpix]

123. as usual, the Obamas show class. My mom adopted a Shi Tsu from the pound

He doesn't shed and he's so cute! He's her baby in her senior years.

[electron_blue]

129. Oh good! I was hoping they would.

[snooper2]

132. Bichon Frise

We got one a year ago. It's true, these are one of the smartest of all breeds of dogs...

Max is amazing at what he can do... When he want's something real bad it's on the back legs with both paws flapping frantically in the air. He knew how to play catch "out of the box"- I just threw a tennis ball in the back yard one day and he got it and brought it back. He knows all his toys by name- "bad monkey" "noisy ball". Natural watch dog at about 5 month old- It's true, he did take some extra work to potty train- but he knows what "go potty" means now :)

This would be the perfect dog above all- except for the bad shedding, one very thick undercoat and a top coat that gets matted if you don't keep up with it.


Normal looking house Bichon


Ready for the show :)



History
The diminutive Bichon Frise (pronounced bee-shawn free-zay), a most charming member of the Non-Sporting classification of the American Kennel Club, is primarily a companion and show dog in today's society. The original purpose of this breed was not to chase game, flush birds, or herd animals--it is a domestic companion first and foremost.

Early Development
Like the Poodle and many of the other curly-coated dogs that originated in europe, the Bichon Frise is descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel. The name "bichon" is actually a contraction of "Barbichon," which is the diminutive form of "Barbet." While these early Water Spaniel types served as hardy workers--in the capacity of retrieving fowl from waters--the much smaller Bichon developed into a companion dog, rather than a hunter's dog.

Since the time of the Renaissance, the breed has been known as the Bichon Teneriffe, the name taken from the largest of the Canary Islands. Apparently, Spanish sailors brought this Mediterranean dog with them to the Canary Islands, where the exotic name "Teneriffe" became attached to it, and whence it was reimported into Europe as a pet for Italian and spanish noblemen. The early popularity of the breed is evident, for the French invaders of Italy in the 1500's brought many of the dogs home with them as war booty.

Under Francis I (1515-1547) the Bichon became established in the French royal court society. Its peak of popularity came, however under the reign of Henry III (1574-1589). the monarch, unhappy to be separated from his beloved dogs for any length of time during the day, fashioned a basket in which to hold them, and tied it around his neck with ribbons. Carrying the little white dogs thus, he would stroll about the imperial court and conduct his royal affairs with his favored pets always at his fingertips!

The ladies of the royal court entered into the spirit of the king's fancy adorning themselves with the small dogs--either clutched under an arm or wrapped in the folds of a gown or shawl. Treated almost as though they themselves were of royal blood, the royal court Bichons had loving atention lavished on them.

The Bichon in the Arts
Francisco de Goya in Spain, depicts a tiny Bichon with the Duchess of Alba, no taller than the hem of her gown. Fragonard depicts the Bichon on a settee next to his mistress leaning on a writing table. This painting was reproduced on a postage stamp in Yemen! They have been depicted in Porcelain. During the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870) the Bichon also was pampered inthe royal court.

Current Development
Toward the end of the 19th century, the little bichon was associated with traveling circuses and served as catchpennies for street beggars, somehow having fallen out of favor at the royal court. Queen Victoria preferred the Pekinese, and Queen Elizabeth II has been known to keep Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

The docility and love for its owner inherent in the Bichon was never lost, even when it began to mate with other types of dogs. These prized traits enabled it to become a seeing-eye dog in Britain. It also delighted many as a canine clown in roadshows, performing delightful tricks and routines for onlookers.

Despite the apparent fall from grace, the Bichon continued to captivate the hearts of those who came to know it. In a world torn by war and social conflict, the irrepressible "I love you" spirit of the bichon became as treasured by the working classes as it had formerly been adored by the nobility.

[glinda]

136. DAUGHTER WANTS A GOLDEN-DOODLE+++DON'T!++++GET WHEATEN TERIER

Obama's daughter wants a golden-doodle. This would be a huge mistake promoting DESIGNER dogs. When I saw the picture this morning of the type of dog she wants it looks exactly like a Wheaten Terrier. This would be the perfect TEMPERAMENT dog and totally non-allergenic dog for the Obamas. They are also the oldest Irish breed and as Obama is part Irish, this dog would be without a doubt, PERFECT for them. They absolutely love children, bark very little and are not chewers as well as have bladders of steel. No shedding at all. Totally great mellow, playful dogs. They do not age either.

[HuffleClaw]

137. a nice story

great news! perhaps this might raise the profile of this subject a tad.

[Javaman]

138. Obama gets it on so many levels. He actually listens. :) nt

[willing dwarf]

139. good thing they won't get a border collie

or it would herd the entire white house somewhere

[Myrina]

141. ... that actually might be a good thing ... for media types ...

... teach the dog to herd the Right Wing Pundits and useless papparazzo AWAY from the family ... :)

[TrogL]

148. What about Barney? Dubya may not want him in Paraguay