Looks like Bo is in da house

[MiniMe]

[rateyes]

1. I'm glad. But, didn't Obama say that they were going to rescue a shelter dog??

[saltpoint]

2. The pup is a gift from Ted Kennedy.

Dogs of that breed are rare in shelters, and the pooch had to be a kind one of his daughters was not allergic to.

[havocmom]

3. Heard something about 'try' and the salient point that most shelter dogs are mutts, like him...

and that they do have to work with the fact of allergies when making the choice.

But, don't let the facts get in the way of enjoying whining about things.

[rateyes]

8. Number 1, I'm not whining. Number 2, we have 17 dogs in our home..

we rescue them as foster "parents", looking for good homes for them. Number 3, there are many dogs in shelters who are "hypo-allergenic"--do not shed. Number 4, Ted Kennedy, who obviously got the dog from a breeder (or, was the breeder) gave him the dog.

Again, I'm glad the kids have a dog. But, I'm not a supporter of dog breeders, and prefer that people rescue animals instead of supporting dog breeding (most of which is done in puppy mills.)

But, hey, if it makes you feel better to call me a whiner, don't let my experiences get in your way.

[nolabear]

22. So you want there to be no more dogs?

I despise puppy mills but if you don't believe in responsible breeders you have to favor either random breeding or no more dogs.

You're to be commended for rescuing, but let them have their dog.

[rateyes]

28. No more dogs? Are you kidding me?

Do you know how many dogs roam around without homes? There's always going to be dogs.

I already said I'm glad the girls have a dog. And, since the dog was already born, I'm glad it got a great home. Breeders, IMO, make the problem of homeless pets worse, not better.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

29. Thank you so much for your work.

:hug:

[rateyes]

31. Thank you.

It's an adventure, every day. Of those 17, 5 are what is considered "hypo-allergenic." There is no breed that doesn't shed. There are several that "lightly shed," and they are the ones that are considered "hypo-allergenic."

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

39. I have allergies to dog dander but lived very comfortably with 2 mini poodles and

later on an Irish Terrier.

The Obamas did limit the breeds because Pres. Obama didn't want a small "girlie" dog. There are many wonderful smaller breeds that are "hypo-allergenic". I think that a standard poodle (and they are available) would have been an excellent choice.

As I said in a previous post, they had the right to get any dog they wanted. I do wish that he didn't feel that he had to say they were considering a shelter dog. He didn't have to say anything at all. It's nice that they are donating to the ASPCA, but that's throwing money at the problem and not setting an example as to how to solve the problem on the ground.

BTW... I have 3 kitties now and although I am yearning for a dog, can't have one. If I ever can have another dog, it would certainly be a shelter/rescue dog.

[havocmom]

40. I did not disparage you, but rather your point of contention and outright misrepresentation

You DEFINITELY misrepresented what Obama said. Why? One guess is so you could whine that he did something you didn't want.

Glad you have lots of dogs. My family has long been into rescuing too, but then no allergies to pets so we didn't have to be so careful about the picks. But, what does that have to do with your misrepresenting what the man said? Not the first time I have noticed it happening.

edited for typo

[rateyes]

43. Hey, I support Obama. I'm glad he's our president. And, I haven't

misrepresented what he said. Here's a bunch of links for you to follow that will show you exactly what both Barack and Michelle said:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBS_enUS221US222&ei=IVjjSb--B4OEtwfy9biyDA&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=michelle+obama+entertainment+tonight+shelter+dog&spell=1

Michelle also said, on Entertainment Tonight, that they would definitely adopt a "rescue dog." Barack said that he preferred to adopt a "shelter dog." (And, don't give me that bit about shelter dogs not being hypoallergenic---there are millions of such dogs in shelters and in foster homes.)

Now, that we have cleared that up, please post a link to the "other times" you've seen me "misrepresent" what President Obama has said.

[TorchTheWitch]

76. puppy mills don't breed

They acquire pups from bad breeders. There is a difference between good breeders and bad ones. Good breeders first and foremost are interested in perfecting the breed of choice. They work at eliminating certain health problems and therefore only breed dogs with excellent health ratings and are careful not to overbreed or inbreed. They are scrupulously careful of who they sell to and insist on neutering which is spelled out in the sales contract. Buying from a good breeder means a much better chance of getting a more healthy dog physically and behaviorally.

Rescues or shelter dogs are not for everyone. Not knowing what you are getting can cost a lot in health and behavioral issues and the sadness of losing a beloved pet too soon because of it. Rescue dogs in particular have often suffered some form of abuse and will have special needs that not everyone is capable or willing to deal with.

There is nothing wrong with buying a dog from a good reputable breeder. Working at getting rid of puppy mills, pet stores and bad breeders is the answer along with neutering to curtail the mountain of unwanted and unhealthy and abused dogs we have.

[rateyes]

77. The "something wrong" is

saying you are going to rescue, and then not rescuing. And, IMO, breeders of all kinds make the problem worse, not better.

[Botany]

5. Obama is trying to get rid of all the nuclear weapons, stop global warming,

settle to wars, and get us out of world wide economic meltdown and people
want to complain he didn't get a shelter? Please BTW it was returned to the
breeder (responsible breeders do that) and made a dying man happy too.

BTW part II There is a big difference between a good breeder and a puppy mill.

[MiniMe]

6. The dog was purchased and then returned to the breeder

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30188436/

It starts at a doggie love shack on the bank of a creek in far western Pennsylvania and ends at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Along the way, the world's suddenly most famous puppy has had ups and downs. He has known rejection and the joy of newfound affection.

snip

Penny's blessed event took place at the Stern place Oct. 9: Ten — count 'em, 10! — puppies in one litter. The Sterns, whose operation is called Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs, give theme names to each of their litters, and being fans of then-candidate Barack Obama, they dubbed this one the Hope and Change Litter.

snip

Eventually he was placed with a woman in Washington, Stern said. She renamed him Charlie. Alas, it wasn't to be a happy home.

The woman — who has not been identified — has an older Portie, Martha Stern said, and that playful little scamp Charlie was getting on the other dog's nerves. Charlie thought the older dog might be his mommy, and even attempted to nurse, Stern said. Finally, early in March, the woman decided enough was enough.

Charlie needed to find a new home.

[merh]

9. give it a rest

my purebreds are rescues - they had other owners who couldn't handled them, couldn't deal with the puppy traits and just chained them up and ignored them. I rescued them from the families that couldn't handle them, didn't know how to deal with them as puppies and I gave them a new home.

Bo was Charlie, his first owners couldn't deal for whatever reason and returned him to the breeder, Ted Kennedy made arrangements for Charlie to be rescued (given a new home or rehomed) - the Obamas family gave Charlie/Bo that new home.

The puppy had been returned to the breeder by the family who had bought him. The lucky little guy is being "re-homed" to the Obamas via Senator Ted Kenndy, who will officially present the dog to the First Family.
http://www.examiner.com/x-1028-Pet-News-Examiner~y2009m4d13-Bo-Obama-First-Pup-Portuguese-Water-Dog-puppy-backstory-where-he-came-from

Many rescues are just like Charlie/Bo, for whatever reason the first owners couldn't handle them and either give them up to the pound or return them to the breeders.

Give it a rest.

[MiniMe]

14. Was too rambunctious for the previous owner's older dog

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30188436/

He was born in October, and was part of the Hope and Change litter. It's common for breeders to give theme names to litters.

[merh]

17. Gee, guess Charlie was rescued

if the first owners hadn't given him back to the breeder, they would have given him to the pound.

[MiniMe]

25. Doubtful that it would have gone to the pound with a good breeder

I work with a lab rescue, and I volunteered for the rescue at their lab specialty last week to sell merchandise to raise funds. There were lots of puppies there too. I was loving on one puppy who was about 3 months old and I told him to never come see me. Turned out the breeder was the person who had the dog there and she was rather snooty in her answer of "never, it is in my contract that all of the dogs I breed will come back to me" when she found out I was from the rescue. I'm glad it is in her contract, but she will never know for sure, and sometimes dogs run off and end up in the shelter. However, kudos to her for putting it in the contract. The rescue has a clause in the contract that everybody is made aware of that if you don't keep the dog it comes back to the rescue. However, we can never be sure, especially 5 years down the line.

[LisaL]

72. They had a contract with a breeder to give him back if he didn't

work out. The dog was never in any danger of going to the pound.

[merh]

33. As you say, you never know what happens to the dog once it

has been adopted by others, I would guess that the Sterns have the same clause in their contracts. From the article:

Eventually he was placed with a woman in Washington, Stern said. She renamed him Charlie. Alas, it wasn't to be a happy home.

The woman — who has not been identified — has an older Portie, Martha Stern said, and that playful little scamp Charlie was getting on the other dog's nerves. Charlie thought the older dog might be his mommy, and even attempted to nurse, Stern said. Finally, early in March, the woman decided enough was enough.

Charlie needed to find a new home.

Portie breeders tend to be a careful lot, and they insist on finding new homes for unwanted pups to assure they don't end up in shelters. Rejected by his first family, Charlie was about to set on a journey that took him to The First Family.

[rateyes]

19. I refer you to my response upthread. You are talking to a person

who fosters dogs. (We have 17 right now.) Bottom line is the dog was bred for profit. And, that breeder continues breeding them for profit. I wonder how much Ted paid for that little fella?

Thank you for rescuing your pure breed. I've done the same with Cocker Spaniels. I now have a Maltese in my home, rescued from a puppy mill that was raided by the police, who has been bred so many times she has no teeth. She had no hair when she came to us, and scabies. She as kept on the bottom of a pile of chicken-wire cages, and was the peed and pooped on by the dogs above her.

She now has a wonderful coat of hair, and eats food that is almost liquid. She had been nursed so many times, she had multiple tumors on her teats, that the rescue organization paid to have removed.

I made a simple statement. I thought Obama said they were going to going to get a shelter dog...or one from the humane society. Again, bottom line, this one came from a breeder who breeds for profit.

Meanwhile....

[merh]

30. All "breeders for profit" are not the same as puppy mills, you do know that don't you?

You also do realize that all "breeders for profit" are not to blame for the animals in the pound being forgotten, overlooked and left to be put down.

The animal shelters charge rehoming fees, they don't just give them away.

Charlie had a home, was returned and was adopted by the Obamas. The allergy issues made this the breed they wanted. You go do the research and find a Portie in an animal shelter, I'll make sure it is adopted. m'kay.

[rateyes]

36. The humane society for which we volunteer was doing an event a couple

of weeks ago in the city park where we live. A breeder came by and set up a booth right next to the humane society booth. They were trying to sell their dogs (Humane Society, which pays for ALL of the dogs food, health care, spaying/neutering, etc. requires $100.00 (enough to cover for the spaying/neutering). Guess what that breeder was asking for their pooches.

That breeder left about 10 minutes after he showed up. Several humane society workers got called "bitches" for the trouble of making sure that happened.

Yes, there are breeders who aren't "puppy mills." And, I still disagree with the practice. Again, IMO, they make the problem of homeless animals worse, not better.

If you don't rescue. At least, don't breed.

[merh]

38. I do rescue and I don't breed

I also understand why some people want a specific breed that is not found in the pound. Maybe that is your issue, you fail to understand the needs of others and you insist that they all be as "knowing" and "informed" as you.

The overpopulation in the shelters is not due to the breeders like Charlie's/Bo's breeders that is quite obvious. If those breeders were responsible you would have no problem finding Porties in shelters.

Like I said, find a Portie in a shelter and I will be sure to see that it is adopted or I will adopt it myself.

[sinkingfeeling]

59. "BO" came from one of the top Portie breeders in the country. There is nothing wrong with specific

purebred breeders. You seem to equate all purebreds with the tens of thousands of 'back yard' breeders who produce poor quality, but AKC papered puppies. Then there are the hundreds or thousands of puppy mills that should be shut down.

[rateyes]

41. Here's a list of "hypo-allergenic" breeds:

BTW, you do know there is no such thing as a dog that doesn't shed, don't you?

Affenpinscher
Airedale Terrier

American Hairless Terrier

Australian Terrier

Basenji

Bedlington Terrier

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

Bergamasco

Bichon Frise

Bichon/Yorkie

Bolognese

Border Terrier

Bouvier des Flanders

Brussels Griffon

Cairn Terrier

Cesky Terrier

Chacy Ranior

Chi-Poo

Chinese Crested (hairless)

Cockapoo

Coton De Tulear

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Doodleman Pinscher

Giant Schnauzer

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Hairless Khala

Havanese

Irish Terrier

Irish Water Spaniel

Italian Greyhound

Kerry Blue Terrier

Komondor

Labradoodle

Lagotto Romagnolo

Lakeland Terrier

Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)

Maltese

Malti-Poo

Manchester Terrier

Mi-Ki

Miniature Poodle

Miniature Schnauzer

Norfolk Terrier

Norwich Terrier

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Polish Owczarek Nizinny

Poos

Portuguese Water Dog

Puli

Schnoodle

Scottish Terrier (Scottie)

Sealyham Terrier

Shepadoodle

Shichon

Shih-Tzu

Silky Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Spanish Water Dog

Standard Poodle

Standard Schnauzer

Tibetan Terrier

Toy Poodle

Welsh Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Wirehaired Fox Terrier

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Xoloitzcuintle

Yorkshire Terrier

--------------------------

Google "humane society" or "pet adoption" and you can look from now until forever for those breeds. You'll find them. Thanks for finding a good home for at least one of them.

You can go to petfinder.com and do the same thing. There are purebreeds, and "mixes" of breeds where both breeds are hypoallerginic.

[merh]

68. I don't care about the list.

Stop with the nonsense, Uncle Teddy gave them a dog, the dog he likes. Get over it.

[scheming daemons]

12. Malia has dander allergies.... they had to get a breed that doesn't shed

Quit being an ass.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

18. The answer is the Obamas can get what ever dog they want. Citing Malia's allergies

is bogus because the rare Portuguese Water Dog isn't the only dog that is "hypo-allergenic". There are several suitable breeds and there are dogs of those breeds available in shelters and from rescue organizations.

[rateyes]

23. Thank you. nt

[merh]

42. As the article reflects, these breeders are responsible breeders

they are very protective of the litters and they make sure that the pups find a good home, not just a home. If, as in Charlie's/Bo's case, the first owner cannot deal with the pup the breeders make arrangements to get the dog back so they can find him a new home. The breeders are the rescue organization. Please, stop worrying about this, Bo has a new home.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

44. You missed my point in the post. I said that the Obamas could get (and did get)

any dog they wanted.

I was making the point that saying that there are no hypo-allergenic dogs available in shelters/rescues is a bogus defense of the Obamas decision.

[merh]

46. Find me a Portie in a shelter, any shelter, and I will make arrangements

to adopt him in the Obama's name.

[rateyes]

48. ...

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13456324

[merh]

55. Good, I love a challenge

Am working on it now :hi:

[rateyes]

62. Thank you. It needs a fenced in yard in which to run and play.

:hi:

[merh]

63. "It" there are two of them - didn't you read the material you linked?

All dogs need fenced in yards to play and be free in - see, I have problems with folks who buy dogs and keep them inside all the time, with no place to run and play - walking dogs is not a substitute for free romps.

We all have our concerns, don't we.

[rateyes]

65. Yeah. Two brothers. I should have said "they."

:hi:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

51. You still missed my point. Reread what I wrote.

[merh]

58. No, you miss the point

the Obama's wanted a breed - Uncle Teddy has been heavily involved and bought the dog for them - he and his wife freed them from task and took it upon themselves to find a "puppy" for the girls - they bought it, have made arrangements for the training and the "rescue" of this pup that was returned by its first owner.

Find something important to be worried about - the links of the shelter dogs that have been provided are older dogs and not pups. I personally prefer the older dogs as their puppy traits have waned and they are easier to train or already have been trained. But I'm not going to be upset or disappointed in the Obama's because they accepted Uncle Teddy's gift.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

60. And you still missed my point. I don't care if they bought the dog or if it was gifted to them

by the Pope. A pet is a serious and personal decision because it will hopefully be a member of a family for its lifetime and the fit is important.

My point is that there are posters that are claiming that there are no "hypo-allergenic" dogs available from shelters and rescue organizations in defense of the Obamas decision to accept Bo. They post as if they believe that PWD are the only breed available, which you know is not the truth.

I don't know how clearer I can get.

[merh]

61. Your point is to continue to judge the Obama's decision

or you wouldn't continue the nonsense.

The Obamas wanted a breed, Ted Kennedy is a friend and has the Porties, Ted Kennedy and his wife got the pup for the girls. End of story.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

66. I didn't judge at all and anyone reading this discourse will see. Period, end of story.

[merh]

67. yup - anyone who reads your posts can tell

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

52. In Washington, DC no less. Link

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13477448

[merh]

56. a mix and not a puppy - okay that one does

present a challenge for adoption purposes but let's see what can be done.

:hi:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

57. Good luck! She deserves a loving permanent home and blessings to you for trying!

:hi::hug:

[rateyes]

21. There are many dogs that don't shed that can be found in shelters

or foster homes. I'll stop being an ass, when you stop being one. Read upthread about what I do for dogs.

[peace13]

34. Why do people have children when there are so many in orphanages?

Now that is an important subject. Obama did not promise to a rescue dog. People who keep hounding this idea give rescue programs a bad name!!!!

[rateyes]

45. That's a damned good question, for sure. But, you contention

about the promise just isn't so:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBS_enUS221US222&ei=IVjjSb--B4OEtwfy9biyDA&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=michelle+obama+entertainment+tonight+shelter+dog&spell=1

Michelle, too, promised a "rescue dog." Her words, on Entertainment Tonight, not mine.

[tofurkey]

64. Last I checked...

they don't kill unadopted children in orphanages. Or breed humans for profit. As a general practice...

[peace13]

69. I so wish that there was one half this discussion on the killing of the Iraqis and our soldiers.

It is a disgrace that such a poutrage has occurred over one family getting a dog. Interpret the Obama comments however you wish.

[MorningGlow]

20. They wanted to

I can think of a dozen reasons why that would have been difficult, not the least of which was the small number of options for hypoallergenic dogs because of...Malia's (?) allergies. But they are giving a donation to the D.C. Humane Society instead. (See http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b118286_puppy_love_obamas_welcome_presidential.html?utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories )

[Raven]

4. I would be wary of a shelter dog. I have friends who have adopted

a shelter dog only to find out that the poor pup was terribly sick or very aggressive. If I had young children like the Obamas, I would do exactly what they did and get a rescue dog.

PS: After you flame me...I wonder where the pup sleeps.

[Botany]

7. I wonder where the pup sleeps.

I am willing to bet that the daughters will try to get Bo into their rooms.

[rateyes]

11. I'm not going to flame you. However, the dog isn't a "rescued"

dog. It was a dog born to a dog owned by a breeder.

[roody]

50. Bo Obama is not a rescue dog.

[MrsMatt]

70. I feel pretty much the same way and

since the Obamas have never owned a dog - EVER - it makes sense that they would take the advice of someone they liked and respected concerning the a specific breed. Teddy has had extensive experience with the breed, and many years of ownership. He'll be a wonderful resource for them to call on for dog questions.

If I ever adopted a dog (unlikely, as my husband doesn't care for them, and my daughter is allergic), I'd certainly consider the input of long-time dog owning friends.

[MiniMe]

10. Bo is part of the "Hope and Change" litter

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30188436/

[Tuesday Afternoon]

13. I love that picture. Thanks.

:)

[MiniMe]

16. Me too

:hi:

[northernlights]

15. great pic

I thought he was arriving Tuesday. Betcha they made up the date to sneak him in early and throw off the papparazzi. Smart move.

[Pirate Smile]

26. He isn't there yet. That pic is from the "secret meeting" a couple of weeks ago.

[MiniMe]

35. I thought he was coming tomorrow, but the date stamp on the pic is today

So now I'm now sure. I just know that I love that pic.

[Renew Deal]

24. Who is that a bust of?

Hamilton?

[TwilightGardener]

27. Cute picture!

[peace13]

32. Where were you yesterday. This has been hashed out 100 ways!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5440665

[Kahuna]

37. Awwwww. A Prez and his dog.... I'm getting all verklempt over here..

:cry:

[roody]

47. I am glad that this puppy has kindled so much interest

in the plight of dogs and cats. Please volunteer at your local shelter or give a little money.

[MiniMe]

49. To your local rescues too

Good post. I just liked the pic

[roody]

71. I have a four-day foster dog here.

Since it is spring break for me and the shelter is closed for three consecutive days due to budget cuts, this cute dog Jack gets a four-day party at my house. Most of the dogs get daily walks due to many wonderful volunteers, but county budget cuts now have the shelter closed Sun, Mon, and Tues and no volunteers allowed.

Here he is on petfinder.

http://petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A115133&LOCATION=MNDC&searchtype=ADOPT&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&rows=3&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal_long&fontface=times&fontsize=10&miles=200&shelterlist='MNDC'&atype=&where=type_DOG,gender_m,age_o
JACK - ID#A115133

My name is JACK.

I am a neutered male, white and red merle Jack (Parson's) Russell Terrier and Beagle.

The shelter thinks I am about 5 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Mar 28, 2009.

This information is 2 hours old.

[janx]

53. Wonderful! Where did you find this pic? n/t

[MiniMe]

54. MSNBC

I think it is on CNN too.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30188436/

[LisaL]

75. Quite an intriguing story I would say.

Kennedy apparently almost ended up buying this particular puppy, but the breeder suggested another one. So Kennedy's got this dog's full blooded sibling. The puppies go fast and cost 2,000 $.

[Toucano]

73. Did they go with "Bo" and not "Beau"? n-t

[InvisibleTouch]

74. Nice to see the dog finally arrived!

I don't care for the name they gave him - I tend to like two- and three-syllable names - but I guess it's from Barack Obama's initials. Hope he has a long and happy life with his new family!