Obama’s Puppy Pledge
Got puppy? The election is over, and thankfully so are all the commercials, and we have our President- Elect Barack Obama.
Now the question is will he keep his pledge to his girls to get a puppy, and if so, what kind?
As the whole world heard last night during his victory speech in Grant Park, Mr. Obama declared that his girls had “earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.”
But as with most campaign promises, fulfilling this one may not be as simple as it sounds.
In July I posted Your Vote Can Make A Difference and the controversy began, should the dog come from a shelter or a breeder. The American Kennel Club quickly identified a list of five possible “pure” breeds that the Obama’s could buy from a pet store or breeder.
Best Friends’ Animal Society has a different thought…”With millions of homeless pets still being killed in shelters every year, they’re proposing that the Obama’s NOT buy a dog - instead, that they adopt their next dog from a shelter or rescue group.”
On Sept. 30, during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Obama’s gave a few more details.
“We’re going to adopt a dog, I think,” said Mrs. Obama.
Mr. Obama then put in: “A rescue dog.”
The news sped around the dog portion of the blogosphere. Many readers were thrilled, seeing this as a sign that the Obama’s were taking a populist approach. Many also assumed that the Obama’s were getting a dog from a shelter, although they did not exactly say that.
On November 5th the Humane Society issued a statement based on Obama’s speech.
Most presidents in recent times have had pets, and as the next president Barack Obama can set a tremendous example for the rest of Americans by adopting a homeless animal.
The Humane Society of the United States looks forward to working with President Obama and watching his children bond with the newest member of their family.”
The Obama’s are looking to adopt their new addition in the spring, because then they would be settled. So Dogsters, do you think they will:
1. Adopt a rescue from a shelter
2. Adopt a purebred from a breeder
3. Adopt a purebred rescue from a shelter
4. Get the puppy as a gift, like the Clinton’s
Give me a bark and let me know what you think.
I hope they will go to an animal shelter. So if he does like he said that is what he will do. Lets all keep our fingers, or rather, paws , crossed.
I would LOVE for them to choose the breed that is best for their family and then adopt from a breed rescue. This would be great exposure for breed-specific rescue! Nothing against mutts but when the majority of mainstream America thinks rescue, they think mutt or pit bulls. Breed specific rescue is a great option for those who research breeds and choose one that they find appealing. I actually a Bichon Frise would be a great choice, as would a poodle, Shetland Sheepdog or if they prefer a larger dog, maybe an Irish Setter. Oh! Or a retired Greyhound would be awesome! Michelle Obama has said earlier this year that they will be adopting a rescue. Let’s just hope they get it right and aren’t duped by some “Rescue” pet shop.
I hope they will go to a shelter, also, to adopt a homeless dog (or puppy). All of us here know the love and gratitude a rescue gives back to its forever family. Gosh, I know the new first family has so many decisions ahead of them–they are going to need advice on some of them. Here’s hoping they will listen to the millions of us who have a rescued dog and who can truly say it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
Why are they getting a dog in the first place when both girls are allergic? That’s setting the dog chosen up to fail in placement.
I’ve read magazine articles that indicate Mr. Obama likes to look at all the angles when he makes decisions. To me this indicates that the family will make a careful decision regarding breed or non-breed so that the new pooch will fit the family’s lifestyle and needs.
A Bichon would be hypoallergenic and would be an excellent choice!
They can adopt a dog that the girls wouldn’t be allergic to…. I hope they adopt a dog and save a life!
I could be wrong, but I see the Obamas adopting from a shelter/rescue. He seems to want to help the less privilged. Now as a purebred, I just cannot see it. I think it will a mix breed. I hope I am right. They seem like down to earth people, the type who would adopt an ophran from a shelter/rescue.
They are homeless dogs of all kinds out there. I am for sure they could find a homeless hypoallergenic pup. I feel if they were to by from a puppy store, that would be setting a bad example. I know all breeders are not bad, but to set the best example a shelter pup would be best. Not to mention saving a life as well.
rescue puppy! they are the best
The news media is saying they’ve fallen for the designer breed labradoodle. So I would bet they are going to be buying from a backyard breeder or puppy mill.
Oh, definitely a shelter dog….PAWLEASE!!!! Obama’s girls are so lovely and thoughtful that it seems it wouldn’t be hard at all to talk them into choosing a shelter dog if President Obama (man, does THAT sound GREAT!) explains how many homeless pups need help. We bet on a shelter dog for the Obama family and hope we’re right!
I wish they could adopt an adult dog. A medium or small size breed rescued from the streets or better yet from a puppy mill so the issue of puppy mills is addressed.
With one of the girls’ allergic, a Bichon would be a good choice AND there are numerous Bichon rescues affiliated with the National Breed Club listed at http://www.bichonrescue.org.
(of course, WE would pick either a Golden Retriever or English Bulldog, natch!)
Ohhh I found this link, its about the White house pets.
http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/index.htm
Not very many mutts
Chihuahuas dont shed a lot! *Wink*
Please adopt a dog!
SHELTER DOG
Although it seems one of his daughters has her heart set on a Labradoodle, I’m sure she would love ANY puppy and that would let Obama keep his promise of adopting a shelter dog. There are also alot of “Breed” rescues…perhaps a Labradoodle (or Labradoodle mix) could be found. Preferably, I would like to see them adopt a black dog….because of the “Black Dog Syndrome”, black dogs are the first to be euthanized and the last to be adopted. A black shelter dog….perhaps a Black Lab or Black Lab mix would bring attention to both issues.
I say adopt a rescue, either purebreed from a breed-specific rescue, or just from the shelter. I think that Bonnie has a great idea about adopting a black dog also, because that would definately bring attention to the problem facing black dogs (and cats). The Obamas might not even be aware of the problem themselves!
Hopefully they adopt! :b:
Adopt a dog, well I suspect they’ll be the ones adopted. I have three rescue dogs and although I tell myself I chose them I think it’s the other way around. All three have tested my patience and preserverance. One was a passive submissive and he would pee everywhere and anywhere out of fear for the first three months I had him. No longer an issue he is now six years old. Another rescue started having siezures not long after I got her as an adult dog and with no history the vet couldn’t pinpoint the cause. We eventually got the siezures under controll with the proper medication and she has been siezure free now for years she turned twelve this year. My lab shepard mix was a puppy from a litter where the mother dog had been beat to death by the owner. She was sweetest yellow puppy with a golden disposition to match and while she had some flaws because of her mix breed extra dew claw and such overall she was healthy and she will be fourteen in December. I thank God everyday for giving me each one of them and I don’t regret the fact that none of them was perfect since I have yet to meet anyone who is. Good luck President Obama I sure you’ll find the right dog!
1. Adopt a rescue from a shelter.
They should adopt the dog that is “the one” for all of them. Breed, mixed breed, it’s what’s in their hearts(and the pups) thats right.
I think they will adopt a purebred or designer dog from a breeder. I can’t imagine this family having time for a dog that might have issues like a shelter dog could have, I truly think, like someone said above, that would be setting the dog up for failure. Whatever they decide, I truly hope it works out for all. Kids and dogs, they just go together.
I think that they will get a rescue dog - and probably a poodle or golden-doodle.
I am also sure they will go to a shelterand buy a golden retriever!! I don’t know why I say that I feel like they belong to a golden retriever!! hehehe we’ll see!
Without a doubt, rescuing a homeless dog from a shelter. This would be in step with those who can, helping the less fortunate. Something that all of us as Americans need to be doing, especially in the current economic climate.
We should interpret this as perhaps the very first pledge as the new President elect to us. His first promise to the nation as our new leader. To get the girls a puppy!
How cool is that?
I agree totally with Doc Westfield i also like his website ! Alot of good stuff on there!! Thanks Doc!!
Rescue a dog the best option…..
There are alot of White German Shepherd dogs for adoption on Petfinder.com. We have a rescue and he is very intelligent, loving, playful, and keeps an eye out for us. Adoption of the White German shepherd would show the breed as a very loving and intelligent breed. But still, they should adopt the dog that adopts them. As Neo adopted us and he rescued us.
A rescue dog is definitely the best option. I read on another page that getting a puppy would be the best option for the Obama’s because of the hectic lifestyle of the White House. A puppy would have an easier time adjusting to the White House.
Make it a homeless shelter dog….save a deserving animal!!!!
Shelter baby, rescue pup.
I hope that the Obamas will get a shelter dog or inform people about the existence of purebreed rescue leagues and get a dog from one of them.
I think the IDEAL dog would be a parti-colored Standard Poodle. Totally hypoallergenic, totally cute - and not permitted into dog shows per the AKC regulations.
Adopt a Poodle
And I hope the girls will cut a public service announcement about the evils of puppy mills and the joy of rescue!
NEVER BUY A DOG!
I am very disappointed in the Presidents puppy pic.
He should have set an example and gotten a rescue dog. so what if he has millions to spend on a full breed.
We have millions of pups looking for a good home.
booo Mr. Obama.