Bo the dog with Obama Family - PHOTOS

[Tx4obama]

The Obama girls have named the new puppy Bo.

[LostInAnomie]

1. Awww... he's cute.

I just hope he's better behaved than Barney was.

[Skip Intro]

2. Great looking dog. A shelter pup?

[aquart]

4. Well, I heard he was returned by his previous owner.

[Tx4obama]

6. The three page story is on the front page of WashingtonPost dot com

Basically...
Teddy Kennedy got Bo from the breeder that he got his three puppies from.
Bo was originally named Charlie but the previous owners didn't want to keep him so they returned him to the kennel and then Teddy took decided to take Bo so he could be re-homed with the Obamas. Malia has allergies and it was hard to find a Portuguese Water Dog in a shelter. President Obama is going to make a donation to the SPCA.
Official debut for the new FDOTUS will be Tuesday.

[global1]

31. Obviously A Bribe By Kennedy & Big Insurance & Pharma To Prevent.......

Obama from going to a 'single source government funded' healthcare insurance system.

[babylonsister]

56. Hahaha! Yes, it is 'THAT' obvious!

:rofl: Thanks for the laugh!

[blondeatlast]

66. "Obama: Bribed by Kennedy with pedigreed pooch?"

Coming to a FAUX screen crawl near you complete with the all-important question mark.

Global1,

:thumbsup::rofl:

[BlueIris]

76. Aw. (And good name.) nt

[LisaL]

17. No he is not a shelter pup.

[DeschutesRiver]

103. While he wasn't picked up from a shelter

he was an unwanted dog that was lucky enough to have a breeder who would take him back. The puppy had a home, like thousands of shelter/rescue dogs likely did at one time, then the family didn't want him, and he is being rehomed from a breeder - could have just as easily been left at a shelter or a rescue.

I adopted a dog from a rescue - found as a stray, sent to the rescue and adopted out like Charlie to a family who decided after a week that they didn't want her (she kept escaping the back yard to chase birds all day on the adjoining golf course). Because the rescue had an agreement for the dog to be brought back to them if it didn't work out (much like this breeder, and they don't all do that), my girl was again put up for adoption and we have a great dog whose just had her one year anniversary here.

I feel this breeder does function as more than just a pump and dump breeder - the breeder also functions a shelter/rescue of their own dogs that are for whatever reason going to be disposed of by their owners. That is a rescue function to me - "Charlie" was just another unwanted dog before being rehomed with the Obamas. I don't think it matters who is doing the rescuing of unwanted dogs. Shelter dogs are more at risk, because usually shelters are kill zones and over crowded. But my girl came from an overburdened no kill rescue with a return if you aren't going to keep the dog policy. I am not at all picky about how an older, "no longer a cute little pup" kind of dog get rehomed.

Charlie didn't get a forever home first time out the gate, just like any rescue/shelter pooch. I know we aren't going to agree on this, but just wanted to put my point of view on it out there; I think the Obamas here, as in other areas, managed to find compromise - a hard to find type of hypo allergenic dog that their girls wanted (and that they probably have picked the Kennedy family's collective brains about regarding breed suitability for the family, which is good, because it ups the chances that the dog will be there forever), that had been given up and tossed out of the house by another family and was in need of being rehomed as a "used" dog which is not what breeders typically make their living doing.

I think they did a good thing.

[LisaL]

114. It's pretty standard for a breeder to take a dog or a cat back, if the

family doesn't want it. Most of the times it is written in a contract. In this case the dog was a young puppy which the breeder most likely could have easily re-sold.

[DeschutesRiver]

120. Well, our experiences re the breeders are bit different

I do personally know quite a few that do not take the dogs back, so it is not universal on this point. Likely the responsible ones do, and the ones who wish to pretend to be responsible do not, as they know they are breeding flawed dogs. Had friend who bought a pug, that by the time it reached one year old had every single disorder that the breed could have. Worse, of course she found out that so did all its litter mates, and the nasty breeder was already out taking orders for more upcoming "champion" litters. Using the same stud dog and moms that produced those flaws. Made me sick. And no, she does not take back animals under any circumstances. Yet people keep buying from her every year - what is up with that?

I heard that the Biden's dog breeder does not have a take back policy, have you heard whether that is true or not?

[LisaL]

124. I should have said "responsible breeders" would take a dog

or a cat back.
In fact it would be written in a contract. Of course if there is nothing wrong with the animal, the owner who returns it is not likely to get the money back.

[northernlights]

131. Biden's dog breeder is not a responsible breeder

that's been hashed to death in here. I doubt she takes dogs back, since she is a commercial breeder who sells hundreds of dogs per year. She's also been in trouble with the AKC in the past.

[northernlights]

128. that is *not* a shelter pup

Responsible, ethical breeders include return in their sales contracts. That does *not* make them shelters, or their dogs shelter pups. In fact, with some of the more rare breeds, they require neutering of non-show quality/breeding quality dogs (or cats) in the sales contract, and they will only sell show/breeding quality to other show people/breeders.

Bo was never in danger of ending up in a bad situation, and as a youngster of a desirable, expensive and relatively rare breed, was still quite saleable. If for some reason they hadn't been able to sell Bo (which was extremely unlikely, given the cuteness factor and desirability/rarity of the breed) he would have had a home with the breeder. Quality breeders can make that a requirement because they breed quality dogs that are highly desired and harder to get.

I have two shelter pups. My first puppy (law/chow/heinz 57) was pulled (by a local no-kill shelter) from a high-kill shelter in Arkansas, where he, his littermates, their moms, and several other dogs were about to be gassed due to lack of space. My second (total mutt) I had pulled from a high-kill shelter in Georgia, where he was scheduled to be gassed in 2 days due to no room at the shelter. Had either of them not been pulled when they were, they wouldn't be here today. *THAT* is a rescue dog, not an expensive, adorable, elite puppy.

My cat was a no-kill shelter surrender who's owners had to move to a no-pet apartment. I rescued my horse from starvation by a breeder going down the drain -- the humane society wasn't moving on him due to his "connections," although ultimately there were so many calls and complaints that they had to shut him down and take the rest of the horses.

[DeschutesRiver]

137. Will agree to disagree in spirit; but to clarify, I didn't say this dog came from a shelter

In case I made a muck of my thoughts, my point was that at the end of the day, the breeder is fulfilling the same purpose in this situation as would a shelter or rescue regarding an animal that was placed in a home, was discarded for some reason, and that needs to have another home found.

I am not focusing on the terminology we use for places that accept dogs that are in need of rehoming (and I am perfectly okay with anyone who wishes to focus otherwise). I am only focusing on the need to rehome ALL dogs that no longer have a home in which they previously lived and have now been discarded. It is just a different perspective on my part - I don't discriminate against the dog in the worst shape at the kill shelter, nor the adorable puppies brought in, nor the expensive adorable elite puppies who are tossed away just as easily by some people. To me, there is simply a sub human group of humans who buy or find dogs and when they don't work out, they discard them like an unsightly old pair of sneakers to a landfill. While the odds of the formerly elite adorable dog who has now been tossed away finding a home through the elite breeder may arguably be higher, that dog was discarded, that dog needed a home, and that dog has been placed. It was what I am calling a "used" dog that someone didn't want - and now it is now with someone who does want it. Goal achieved, and now repeat process.

As to those places that have animals in need of rehoming after a failure, be they shelters, rescues, a craigslist ad, strays I find or responsible breeders, my first priority as I stated for my own purposes would be to find an animal in a kill shelter, who faces the worst possible outcome. I have rescued 1 cat from a kill shelter, two cats left to fend for themselves when some irresponsible tenants moved and left them, and of course, my latest wonder dog from a rescue. I have also raised quite a few dogs from pups, bought from breeders. I've loved and enjoyed every one of them without reservation. I support and donate tons of stuff to our local humane society, which became a no kill shelter awhile back, and I want to see it stay that way, as does everyone else locally, so we do all we can in that regard.

My last dog's rescue was my first experience with a rescue and it was not a responsible rescue, rather one that left her in an such emaciated condition after having been there for 4 months that neither of us could believe our eyes, nor realize a dog could be in this condition and still be alive. When she arrived, I thought she had a terminal illness, as how could a dog be in this kind of severe starvation state having been in one person's rescue for over 4 months? I saw parts of that dog's anatomy that I never realized you could see. Except she is perfectly healthy, just freaking starved by that place. She put the weight on in such good order that it made me weep to realize that that was all she needed and that damned rescue didn't bother in 4 months (sorry to be exercised, but this is the nice version of what I'd really like to say). She was on the verge of death as surely as if she had been put into a kill shelter, and this was a "rescue" with a written take back agreement. So from my experience, merely having a take back agreement means squat regarding the contract enforcer's intentions. Responsible seems to mean different things to different people in the animal world, for sure.

I will say that from all I've seen, I have basically given up on changing human nature in this regard. Which is why I am limiting myself to focusing on a basic idea - whatever you call it, however it happens, I want the dog already here without a home, to be adopted and placed in a loving home. Just that. I don't give a fig how it happens.

[BlooInBloo]

18. Nope. Therefore you must hate him, and all human beings associated with him in any way...

Because that's what "true progressives" do.

[cherish44]

20. I'm calling PETA right now!!!!

They need to protest this horrible decision. PUPPY MILL!!!!!!!!!!

[BlooInBloo]

22. That's the spirit!

[Tx4obama]

26. It was not a puppy mill

The breeder breeds pedigree dogs that have won awards in dog shows.
It is not a puppy mill. It is the same place that VP Joe Biden got his three Portuguese Water Dogs.

[LisaL]

30. Isn't it Ted Kennedy who got Portuguese water dogs?

Joe Biden got a german shepard puppy. Also from a breeder. By the way I knew Obama wouldn't get the dog from a shelter when it was said the choice was a Portuguese water dog. Just not many of those in a shelter.

[northernlights]

37. Biden has german shephards

and his puppy came from a show operation that is a front for a commercial operation that sells hundreds of puppies per year. The breeder has been in trouble with the AKC in the past and has a spotty history.

It's Ted Kennedy who has gotten portuguese water dogs from this breeder in the past and arranged the deal.

[Skip Intro]

29. Froth much?

[Skip Intro]

28. WTF? Check yourself.

Why do you assign such emotion to me?

It would be better if the pet were a rescue dog, and I remember reading here a while back that Obama would adopt a shelter dog.

He didn't.

There are allergies involved. I understand that.

I guess my empathy with and sympathy for the "lower lifeforms" sitting on death row make me some whiny, wimpy liberal-progressive in your eyes.

Know what? I don't really give a fuck about your bullshit.

Take your ignorant, condescending attitude somewhere else.

[inna]

34. sense of humor/irony alert. nt

[PCIntern]

47. DUzy!!!

[northernlights]

36. no. And there is no indication

that they did anything serious to find a shelter pup.

He was returned to his big-name Texas breeder by the first purchaser. Ted Kennedy arranged the deal.

They are lovely dogs, but relatively rare and expensive. You won't find portuguese water dogs in shelters very often, if at all.

[LisaL]

44. It was clear to me they weren't going to find a Portuguese water dog

in a shelter. Maybe a labradoodle, which would be easier to find. He shouldn't have been saying they wanted to get a shelter dog.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

52. He didn't say that.

Where are you people getting this stuff from? They said they were going to TRY to find one that would suit them from a shelter, they there were complications due to Malia's allergies.

Unless someone brought in a registered hypo-allergenic dog of the right age, size AND temperament they weren't going to be able to adopt.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

70. He did say he would try and there are several "hypo-allergenic" popular breeds

that would be available at shelters and through rescue organizations, especially with the economy and the recent closing of puppy mills. I'm allergic and have had poodles and an Irish Terrier. Many terriers don't shed, Bichon's (popular and available at shelters) were good candidates too. Obama, himself, didn't want a small dog, which many of these dogs are. A standard poodle would have been a great pick. This little girl is available in TN
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13370997

[robinlynne]

78. WHat a sweetie!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

80. She looks precious!

But do you know if she's good with children, young enough to keep up with the physical demands of kids and of a temperament to deal with the masses of reporters that would be in her face on a daily basis? No? Neither do I.

My point is they had to weigh a lot of factors into their choice, which in the end was their choice to make. Which I don't doubt is the reason why he never outright promised to only get a shelter dog. He didn't want to be cornered into making a decision that might not suit his families needs.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

83. If you looked at the link it said she is good with everyone. Standard poodles tend

to have sunny, friendly dispositions and they are smart. From the looks of them, PWD are relatives of poodles.

And yes, as I said, he never promised outright, but with the decision of PWD he made it clear he wouldn't get a shelter dog.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

88. Yep, when they said what breed they were looking for...

It was obvious they weren't getting a shelter dog. THey rarely, if ever show up in a shelter.

I can't imagine the pressure they must live under when even so personal a decision as choosing the family pet has to be scrutinized and nit-picked by millions of people. However, it's not like they didn't know what they were getting into when he took the job.

[roody]

100. He promised the girls a puppy. I love poodles.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

112. I love poodles too. I had two minis and they were so loveable and

smart. If I could ever have another dog, it would probably be a poodle.

[Dappleganger]

108. SP's also have problems with hip dysplasia.

But I agree, personality-wise they are a good choice for a family pet. Unfortunately when you can't screen parents or grandparents of shelter dogs you could be in for a world of hurt. We had a golden who we adopted knowing she had dysplasia and the arthritis caused her a massive amount of pain later in life (she was on daily meds, although cancer is what killed her in the end). We were at a point of wondering if it was time to put her down and then Nature made that choice for us.

I had a friend in VA with four SP's, 3 out of 4 have had numerous (and expensive) hip surgeries. She owned a tack shop and took those sweeties with her every day. She kept their hair longer and they were gorgeous!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

122. Portuguese Water Dogs occassionally have hip dysplasia too.

http://www.dogster.com/breeds/portuguese_water_dog
Things You Should Know

Portuguese Water Dogs can live as long as 14 years. Generally healthy, some can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. In spite of their thick, wavy coats, Portuguese Water Dogs are fairly easy to groom, needing only regular brushing and clipping. They shed very little.

and at the same link -
Possible Health Concerns:

* GM1 storage disease
* Distichiasis
* Addison's Disease
* Hip dysplasia

Although my educated guess is that the breeder that they purchased their pup from probably doesn't have that problem with their line.


As to poodles with their hair longer? That's how I kept my mini poodles most of the time. I let my Irish Terrier go a little shaggy too.

[northernlights]

130. um, why did the dog need to be registered?

Check out petfinder.com. There are 10 "labradoodles" (including 2 puppymill babies surrendered by petstores) and "goldendoodles" available right now, aged 5 weeks to 1 year, and that's *just* from PA to points north and east.

At any given point and time there are "hypoallergenic" (i.e., low shed) labradoodles and goldendoodles desperate for homes all over the country.

Labradoodles were on their final "short list" and goldendoodles had been on the list early on. They qualified with size and cuteness factor. And they are always available.

Bottomline is I'm willing to bet that their elitist friends urged them to reconsider bringing in a shelter dog of "unknown lines" that might be less than perfect. And then arranged the "perfect" dog for them.

I've very disappointed at how easily they succombed to the pressure. But less surprised as the days go by.

[blondeatlast]

71. He said they would LIKE to get a shelter dog but needed a one that would not

aggravate the kid's allergies. To reasonably intelligent people, that rules out a mixed breed, unfortunately.

He never, ever, ever said they were getting a shelter dog. Period.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

75. And do you honestly believe there are no "hypo-allergenic" dogs available at shelters

and rescue organizations across the country? He wanted a PWD and there were only 2 mixed ones available on petfinders a few months ago BUT there are other breeds that would have been suitable in shelters and through rescue organizations.

[blondeatlast]

81. No, because I have a hypo obtained at a shelter--but that's beside the point.

He NEVER siad they absolutely were going to get a shelter dog, Period--and that is the only point I will argue.

FWIW, I have a rescued Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, the absolute joy of my life besides my son. She was obtained from the ASPCA who got her and her sister from the county pound, where they were likely onbtained from a closed puppy mill.

I got the cred--but the only cred that matters here is the POTUS's. And he didn't lie about his pet adoption intentions.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

84. Soft-coated wheatens are beautiful and there were a pair of 9 year old ones

that broke my heart that were up for adoption through a NYC shelter. They were shown on tv. Broke my heart because I really can't have a dog now, let alone 2.

BTW...please re-read the post of yours I responded to. If you read it again it can read that he couldn't get a hypo-allergenic dog through a shelter.

[LisaL]

110. When you have so many requirements of what a dog should be,

including a rare breed, a young puppy, etc, Obama should have never mentioned a shelter in a first place. It was not gonna happen. Why say you want one from a shelter?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

113. I agree. He never should have said anything.

[northernlights]

133. because they started out wanting a goldendoodle or labradoodle

I doubt they had ever heard of a PWD. I suspect somebody talked them out of a "shelter" dog and into a PWD.

[northernlights]

132. um, he said his *preference* was for a shelter dog

and added something about "a mutt like him." That the allergies complicated matters, but that they would be looking at shelter dogs.

There are *tons* of hypoallergenic crosses available at shelters, including labradoodles and goldendoodles, which had been their original choices before somebody suggested portuguese water dogs. I find it hard to believe, as total newbies to dog-ownership, that they'd stumbled across portuguese water dogs without somebody leading the way. They're pretty rare.

[LisaL]

144. Ted Kennedy got three of them. I think it's pretty clear who that

somebody is.

[northernlights]

134. to reasonably intelligent people who are also knowledgeable

1. that most certainly does *not* rule out a mixed breed. Labradoodles were specifically crossed with the intent of getting the lab's sweet nature and the poodle's hypoallergenic coat.

2. it also does not rule out a shelter dog. There are dozens of labradoodles and goldendoodles available at shelters. 10 under the age of 1 in the northeast alone, in petfinder, right now.

What ruled out a shelter dog was settling on a relatively rare purebred hypoallergenic dog, of all the more common hypoallergenic purebreds and crosses available right now.

[Dappleganger]

67. So fucking what?

How do you know they didn't 'seriously' look for a shelter dog--he has people to do that, you know!

IMO it's not anyone else's biz where or what kind of dog they get their children--they're the parents and they get to decide, not the nosy public.

[northernlights]

135. he made it the public's business when he announced it in public

and furthermore stated that his preference was for a shelter dog and referred to a mutt like him and mentioned that goldendoodles and labradoodles were their top choices.

Had "his people" seriously looked, they would have found tons of young goldendoodles and labradoodles in need of homes.

That's why I care and that's how I know. And that's why I'm disappointed. I'm glad the girls have a dog they've met and like. I wish they'd met a shelter puppy because they might have liked one just as much as the expensive, elitist, not at risk of being gassed to death puppy.

I am glad he's decided to give a donation to a shelter or humane society out of guilt. I hope it's a sizeable donation because right now the humane societies and shelters are getting desperate.

And the other reason I care is because it's just one of many times he's been persuaded to change from a position I supported to one I don't support.

[roody]

98. As a staunch supporter of shelter animals, I find this compromise

acceptable. I'm sure the donation is big and will help many animals.

[B o d i]

3. BO!!!! I wonder if they read DU?

I suggested Bodi as the new puppy's name here on DU in my first post, a couple of months ago.

(Hi Sasha and Malia if you're out there, no need to reply)

[Tx4obama]

10. According to the Washington Post

.... the girls named it Bo. Malia and Sasha chose the name, because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, a source said. (Get it? Bo . . . Diddley?)

[TahitiNut]

12. I'm gonna pretend they named him after my Labrador named 'Bo' ... it's an omen.

If their Bo is half as wonderful as my Bo was, they've got a lot of love and joy there.


LaMist Bojangles ("Bo") ... 1977-1989 ... R.I.P.

[vanboggie]

19. Aw....

Your Bo was magnificent, TahitiNut.

[driver8]

48. What a handsome boy!! n/t

[babylonsister]

58. Your 'Bo' looked like he rocked. Beautiful boy! nt

[smokey nj]

62. Your Bo looks like he was a GREAT kisser!

[TahitiNut]

65. Yep. I had to repeatedly tell him "NOT on the lips!"

:rofl:

He was a charmer. Friends would invite him over to visit and tell me I could come, too. He had "puppy-tude" his entire life. He wasn't allowed n the furniture. Period. (Except when he was alone and cold get away with it.) But we had a sheet -- a designer sheet with Kliban's Cats. When THAT was put on the bed, over the spread, then HE got to share the bed. He liked that. Big time.

[malaise]

38. Course they do

I recommended that they get a Portuguese water dog from day one. I even mentioned that Ted Kennedy had two.

[corpseratemedia]

40. the first thought i had when I saw that pic was "bo-bo"

what a cutie, even looks like "hey my owner is a really important guy!"

lol i mean without knowing the name yet

[Arugula Latte]

93. Remember when the PUMAs on here used to call Obama "BO"

And also "Barry"

[Political Tiger]

118. They still do. n/t

[condoleeza]

5. Great name, cute dog

I hope he makes his mark on the White House. And just why is it that every President's family has to have a dog? Just askin'.

[MADem]

9. Didn't the Carters have a cat? The Clintons had Socks...

and the Bushes had India the cat along with the two dogs.

Let's hope he doesn't make his "mark" on the fine furnishings! Keep him up in the residence, away from the good stuff!

[Skip Intro]

11. The Carters did have a cat....searching...found

the cat had an amazing name, as I recall, more searching...found

Amy Carter's cat was named: Misty Malarky Ying Yang

it's a fact

[MADem]

13. Ah yes, it's coming back to me now! nt

[MiniMe]

35. Bo = Barack Obama?

Hope he doesn't leave too many marks if you know what I mean.

[Elwood P Dowd]

7. Go Bo Go. Bo Jackson still lives in Chicago.

Bo is an Obama fan....Gibbs is an Auburn fan....Bo played at Auburn....Go Bo Go.

[Kerrytravelers]

8. What a cutie!!!!!

[Skip Intro]

14. In remeberance of Socks, I'll post the best pic ever of a presidential pet

I mean, gotta love that...

Then again, I'm a cat person.

[alarimer]

79. "When questioned by Helen Thomas, Socks was mum."

He repeatedly refused to take questions from the White House press corps. Must have been covering something up.

[Arugula Latte]

94. Beautiful photo! Socks kicks ass!

Yes, Socks is about a hundred times cuter than Bo, but Bo's pretty cute ... for a dog.

:P

[BlooInBloo]

15. Bo Knows Obama.

:P

[bluestateguy]

16. But, but I want to find something to whiiiiiiiiiiine about!! Waaaaahhh!!!

This is an outrage! A betrayal!

Kucinich in '12!

Waaaaaaahhhh!!!!

[tridim]

21. Banana fanna Bo'bama

:)

[Joe the Liberal]

23. Bo? as in "Barack Obama"? like his initials?

and the dog is black and white too, just like Obama! :D

[Tx4obama]

24. No as in Bo Diddley...

From the Washington Post:

.... the girls named it Bo. Malia and Sasha chose the name, because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, a source said. (Get it? Bo . . . Diddley?)

[calimary]

25. Awwww... how cute is that?!

:loveya:

[alphafemale]

27. I'm lovin' the leis!

I'm wondering if the girls did that or someone that prepped the pup for the the first greeting.

[Adelante]

32. That's a sweetie

He looks right at home, too :)

[SeattleGirl]

33. Oooooh, he is SOOOOOOO cute!

Pardon me, but I just have to say....


SQUEEEEEE!!!!


Cute doggie!

[Vinca]

39. OMG - this little guy is beyond cute!

I love that he's named after Michelle's father (and Bo Diddley).

[TorchTheWitch]

41. The look on his face makes me think of Moses

I don't know why really. Looks very wise with the little white goatee. He's cute.

[opihimoimoi]

42. Beautiful dog....:o)

:kick:

[ThatsMyBarack]

43. Aloha, Bo!

The flower-lei greeting is so cute! :loveya:

[Dangerously Amused]

45. I love my President, but I really wanted him to keep his promise to get a shelter dog.

There are many shelter dogs out there that would have been perfect for the family, and it would have been such a boost to so many homeless animals.

Oh well. :/

[LisaL]

46. I wouldn't have cared if he got the dog from a breeder, but

I don't like that he was saying they want to get a shelter dog, and then got a dog from a breeder.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

49. He never promised that.

I really do get tired of people making crap up just to find something to bitch about.

He said he wanted a shelter dog, but most were mutts like him. Due to the allergy issues they were limited to what they could have.

[LisaL]

50. It's a useless game of words.

Promise vs. said they want to get one from a shelter.
Have it your way, but I don't see much difference.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

53. See my reply to your other post above.

I agree it's a useless game of words, but not I'm referring to Obama.

[Dangerously Amused]

57. I don't "make crap up" to manufacture outrage, okay?

Both Barack and Michelle stated their intent was to get a shelter dog. They made a point of mentioning that when asked. It was widely reported, and very big news in the pet loving community. The reasonable expectation, therefore, was that when the Obama family adopted a dog, it would indeed be a dog from a shelter.


"Michelle Obama also indicated that the dog would come from a shelter..."
http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/thursday/news/ny-lspuppy065914277nov06,0,7744601.story

"Michelle Obama told Entertainment Tonight recently that the family would adopt a rescue dog..."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/10/obamas-to-adopt.html

"Michelle Obama pledged on Entertainment Tonight that when the family gets a dog -- Barack Obama promised one to his daughters once the campaign is over -- it will be a rescue dog from a shelter."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patt-morrison/wagging-the-rescue-dog-vo_b_132233.html

"Obama said the family would prefer to adopt a puppy from an animal rescue shelter."
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou081106_mh_obama_pet_dog.188aa86fd.html


So I didn't "make crap up just to find something to bitch about." You know what I get tired of? People making meritless and extremely ignorant personal attacks.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

59. Now actually read the links you provided and not just the headlines

I'll be waiting for you to provide the relevant quote.

edit: spelling.

[Dangerously Amused]

91. I made both of my arguments.

1. I do not "make crap up to have something to bitch about." That was a completely ignorant and needlessly bitchy comment for you to make, and I called you on it. Not surprising that you have no response to it and are attempting to avoid addressing that issue.

2. The quotes are precisely relevant to the stated intention of the Obama family to find a shelter dog.

I'll be waiting for you to provide some relevant debate skills.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

107. "I love my President, but I really wanted him to keep his promise to get a shelter dog."

You words, which are not true. You've yet to provide quotes to the contrary.

[Windy]

63. Seriously? OMG.... will some of you ever give up on your over the top outrage 100% of the time? nt

[blondeatlast]

77. In some people, pouting increases endorphin production. .

I swear; it's some people's daily workout instead of exercise. There's one of them in my family; it drives me nuts. We have to watch every word we say to prevent the poutburst.

[Dangerously Amused]

99. So sorry that I expressed an opinion that differs from yours.

I see that you were upset enough to post snark about it; I hope I didn't hurt your feeling too badly.

[Dangerously Amused]

89. Yeah, because that post was nothing but OVER THE TOP OUTRAGE,

which I make it a point to practice ONE HUNDERED PERCENT OF THE TIME.

Jesus f'ing Christ, hyperbole much? Have you ever read any of my other posts? Step out of your little box and learn some actual, constructive debating skills, okay?

[treestar]

90. LOL, I remember that now

When he called himself a mutt!

[DeschutesRiver]

109. I agree - I heard what he said

and it was as you described - he said they would try, because they understand the concept that there are tons of dogs that need homes other than just cute little 8 week old breeder pups.

And in the spirit of compromise, the Obamas did indeed get a dog who had lost his home. I am not on board with those who would split hairs about whether the 6 month old dog who is seeking a new home really "qualifies" for true "rehoming" status based upon who is rehoming him - bogus. I don't care if after losing his family, he comes to find the new one while at a shelter, a rescue, a breeder with a take back program, or a damned ad on craigslist prior to being kicked to one of those other options.

Cute 8 week old pup had a family who chose to abandon him - I am not going to kick them because they were at least responsible enough to see that he ended up back at the breeders for rehoming, instead of the kill shelter down the street. Nor am I going to say that any dog doesn't deserve a chance for a new home after losing his family, merely because the word used for the rehomer is "breeder" not "shelter".

I want dogs who've lost their homes and face an uncertain future or death, to find homes. I am an equal opportunity rehoming advocate for dogs who are in need (biggest emphasis is on those who are in kill shelters, but I want to see rehomes however they are achieved - one less rejected dog with a new home is simply a very good thing).

The Obamas have set an example that you don't need to get a brand spanking new in the box puppy from a breeder. This is really a broad example set of how you can even want certain things, like a particular breed, while still finding a rejected dog a home. Some people will take a risk on shelter dogs with uncertain histories - others might be unwilling, but might feel fine bout getting a returned dog from a breeder, so why not?

[northernlights]

139. I don't think it's splitting hairs

"I am not going to kick them because they were at least responsible enough to see that he ended up back at the breeders for rehoming, instead of the kill shelter down the street."

The Obama's didn't prevent Bo from ending up at a shelter. Bo was *never* at risk of ending up at a kill shelter (or any shelter) down the street. This is a high-end breeder -- they sell with return clauses in the sales contract. As in, you cannot rehome the dog if it doesn't work out -- $$-back return and we will re-sell.

The original buyers of Bo didn't "abandon" him. They had 2 elderly PWD's. One died, they got Bo to start over and keep their remaining dog company. She was upset by Bo and after 2 months, she was still upset by Bo. So they contacted the breeder to let him know they felt it was best to return Bo so she could spend her last months/years in peace.

These are "high-end" breeders of relatively rare, expensive dogs. You won't find their dogs in shelters or breed rescues. Some high-end breeders are so exclusive they will only sell to people they know, or people they'd like to know.

That said, I'm glad that they felt guilty enough that they are donating to a shelter or rescue.

[DeschutesRiver]

140. I am simply glad a discarded dog found a home.

I think we both want discarded dogs to find homes, yes?

We seem to disagree on terminology, here too on this issue. If that is the story about the original buyers, then yes, for me I consider that they did abandon that dog by returning it to the breeder after 2 months because it didn't work out. You can call it a good abandonment for good reasons, or a bad one, again to me that is spliting hairs that aren't necessary to the goal. You or I may care about the reasons that a dog is discarded, but I don't think the dog cares about the merits of why he was given away.

Dog needs home; dog gets home where it doesn't work out; dog needs new home. Obamas give him new home - you rotten bastards, you didn't pick a needy enough dog who needed a new home, just an elite dog that needed a home. I hope they are so weighted down by the guilt of providing this privileged dog a home that they donate to the shelters for the rest of their lives. I dunno - I said it, but I am just not feeling it yet, you know?

[northernlights]

141. we agree we want discarded dogs to have homes

But recognizing that a new puppy is upsetting the elderly dog instead of providing the anticipated companionship, contacting the breeder and arranging a new home in no way can be defined as discarded.

Discarded means thrown away like a piece of trash. Discarded is abandoning a puppy in the streets or woods to fend for him or herself. Or literally tossing in the trash. Or off a bridge. Or throwing out of a car onto the highway. Or dumping in the parking lot of the pound.

And what I wrote is the case. Bo's original buyers made an easy mistake to make -- they assumed the elderly dog would be lonely for her former companion, so got a new puppy to keep her company. They hadn't considered that a rambunctious puppy might instead upset her. Anybody can make that mistake, and it clearly was a mistake. Their hearts were in the right place both in getting Bo and then in arranging a better home for him through the breeder. The breeder contacted Ted Kennedy, who contacted the Obamas.

And *nobody* here called the Obamas rotten bastards. Those are entirely your words. People, including me, have expressed disappointment that the Obamas don't appear to have stayed true to their word, their expressed intent.

We are disappointed that they said they preferred to get a shelter dog, we know there are plenty of shelter dogs available that are hypoallergenic, kid-friendly and the exact type of mutts they said they preferred.

So cute as Bo is, we are saddened. They could have been a big help to many, many shelter dogs. I just hope that PWDs don't become the next target of puppy mills...

[DeschutesRiver]

142. Again, different perspectives and that isn't likely to change

I hear what your definition of discarded is and I still respectfully do not agree. I don't mind that you have a different interpretation of that word, either. I just don't agree that words matter in the same way that they do to you in this situation, that's all.

And yep, rotten bastards are my words, used to highlight how I interpret what I am hearing. I don't think the Obamas should be guilty in the slightest about having rehomed a dog that needed a home. I think that their actions, imperfect as they were in the eyes of some, have done much good to highlight the issue of all dogs who are in desperate need of rehoming. I couldn't ask for a better platform, because this platform is turning out to be broad and all encompassing of the many ways we can use to find homes for dogs that need them. Without setting arbitrary limits and conditons on which ones are more worthy than others of finding homes. Caveat again, that shelter dogs at kill shelters need to be top of the consideration list.

The story of Bo is illustrative of another point, is it not? You would like Bo's owner to be given credit for recognizing that the puppy they purchased to give a forever home to had issues come up that made it impossible to keep the dog. For this, they get kudos and not even a ding for discarding it because of the way they chose to give it up. While the Obamas, who spent a similar amount of months sorting out their needs and wants, recognized that they could both have the dog they wanted and rehome a dog in need, must be made to feel guilt, and be dinged for not trying hard enough to fulfill someone else's idea of what they should do while carefully considering the best candidate for them to ensure a forever home. Can you not find anything good in what the Obama's have done in making this important decision for their family?

I still can't see the outrage here. I know from people I've spoken with that this drawn out process of selecting a dog has actually made people far more aware of the plight of all dogs that need new homes and to not necessarily consider a breeder or puppy mill bred dog as their first choice. So I am not saddened by this in the slightest.

Saddened is what I reserve for the dogs that have hellacious home situations and for those that end up at a kill shelter because of irresponsible owners and hard economic times. I would like to work harder on the problem that the dogs face, than on dinging people who raise awareness of these issues, which the Obamas have done, even though their efforts didn't met everyone's highest standards for such matters.

[northernlights]

136. people are not making up crap for something to bitch about

and you've changed the wording of his quote to support your beliefs.

Nobody says he said absolutely he'd get a shelter pup -- he said that was his preference and that he wanted a "mutt like him." There are also tons of purebreds at shelters, especially in this economy.

With goldendoodles and labradoodles as their top choices before they'd heard of PWDs, they had a high chance of getting a shelter pup that was their original choice AND hypoallergenic.

It just wasn't smart of him to say they were looking at shelter pups when their people apparently didn't look very hard.

And according to the Steph show this morning, he felt guilty enough about not getting a shelter pup that they are giving a donation to a shelter or humane society or something.

[Windy]

61. I'm sure he's more concerned with his daughter's allegies than he is with being PC for some of you.

Wow...the man can do nothing good in the eyes of some of you. I bet some of you even find his sneezes offensive.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

73. Except for one inconvenient truth. Portuguese Water Dogs are not the only

"hypo-allergenic" breed. There are more popular breeds (ie several terriers, bichons, poodles) and there are young dogs of those breeds available at shelters and rescue organizations across the country.

[Dappleganger]

104. dp

dp

[Dappleganger]

105. So what?

THEY are the PARENTS and THEY get to CHOOSE what is best for THEIR children.

You did not take into account dog personality or other health issues, nor the fact that their kids probably met Ted's dog and fell in love with it. I am in full support of parents buying whatever dog they want for their children as they know what is best and not the general nosy public.

These arguments are quite ridiculous.

[Dangerously Amused]

115. You argue as though the issues are mutually exclusive.

The Obama family was not forced to choose between a dog which posed no health problems for their children, and getting a shelter dog which was also their very publicly stated intent and which won them a great deal of admiration from people concerned about homeless animals. They chose to do one when they could have done both.

Also, "their kids probably met Ted's dog and fell in love with it"? That's the basis for your argument? -- What you think probably happened? Do you just make this stuff up to "support" your position?

Yours are the ridiculous arguments here.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

121. Met Ted's dog and fell in love with it? Hmmmm... I was taking into account

Malia's allergies but the bottom line is that the Obamas can select whatever dog they wish to, but I wish they never would have said it would probably be a shelter dog.

And if you read my post without getting your hackles up, I was addressing the fact that shelters and rescue organizations throughout the country have young "hypo-allergenic" full breed dogs available, so the argument that they couldn't find a suitable shelter/rescue dog just doesn't fly.

[treestar]

92. A freaking men! For crying out loud!

That is the only consideration that matters!

[Dangerously Amused]

97. Yeah, that's why I said "I love my President" in the OP.

That's also why I have been relentlessly defending him from Day One. All because "he can do NOTHING good in my eyes." Go pick stupid fights somewhere else.

[tofurkey]

145. It's about the dogs in the shelters being killed...

not about being "PC".

Imagine the kind of impact if the Obamas, The First Family, had been shown visiting a shelter to see dogs, and then introduced a dog that had been slated for death - her only crime being unwanted. THAT missed opportunity, for the lives of these animals, is what is upsetting. Especially when there are lots of shelter dogs that could have been appropriate allergy-, temperment- and size-wise

Now more people will breed PWD's for profit because it's the "President's Breed". And for each one sold, a shelter dog will be killed.

[Dappleganger]

68. nm

nm

[Dappleganger]

69. Get over it already!

These parents know what is best for their children and you don't.

[Dangerously Amused]

95. wtf? I never made the argument that they should not consider their children's best interests.

[Dappleganger]

101. dp

dp

[Dappleganger]

102. Your statements make absolutely no sense at all.

And I'm not the only one who sees it that way.

[Dangerously Amused]

117. Bless your heart..

I understand that the logic escapes you, and I know that must be a difficult burden to carry.

[rasputin1952]

51. Looks to me the dog will have a great home...

Kids and dogs, great combination...until they get tired of walking it...:D

[Control-Z]

54. What a cutie!

I just love those crooked white socks.

It seems like they put a lot of thought into choosing this pup. Of course, they really had no choice but to try and please the masses, stay progressive and show compassion, deal with two little girls who just wanted a cute little pup to love, and then, number one, deal with the allergies.

Once it had been narrowed down to the rare hypoallergenic, kid friendly breeds, the girls more than likely made their choice, and then, I imagine, it became a matter of waiting for a rescue of that specific breed. Whew, I'm exhausted.

And still, there are those who will be indignant for not doing it their the right way.

[northernlights]

138. hypoallergenic, kid-friendly breeds and crosses aren't rare

their first choices -- labradoodle and goldendoodle -- are mutts (all mixed breeds are mutts), bred to be hypoallergenic and kid friendly (labs and goldens are very kid friendly dogs) and widely available at shelters. There are 10 right this minute under 1 year on petfinder in the northeast alone

Common purebreds that are hypoallergenic and kid friendly, the size they wanted and widely available at shelters are standard poodles and (less often) wheatens. Also come with lethal cuteness. There are dozens and dozens of poodles at shelters at any given time.

The only rare breed that fit all their needs is the PWD. Also lethally cute. But not a shelter pup and not a rescue, regardless of the return by previous buyer. With high-end breeders, return is in the sales contract to prevent them from ending up in a bad situation and becoming shelter pups at risk of being killed.

[Control-Z]

143. Picking out a dog

is second only to having a child for most people. The Obamas are essentially adding a new member to their family. The dog they choose needs to be the one they totally fall in love with, no matter where they find it.

And a 6 month old dog facing his second adoption could easily end up in a bad situation, no matter what breed he is.

[Irishonly]

55. I love puppies

Bo is adorable and a great love story is starting-the girls and their dog.

[Windy]

60. awww... I want one! And hypo-allergenic too..perfect for my husband who has asthma.

and no shedding! (not to mention adorable)

[carlyhippy]

64. aww he's cute

Carly

[Blue Diadem]

72. Awww, such a cute pup.

I bet there are a couple very happy little girls in the WH.

[santamargarita]

74. Doggies always make me smile

:wow:

[mnhtnbb]

82. Awww...what a cute puppy dog!

[Sanity Claws]

85. Judging from the clothes, the Obamas met the dog

over a month ago. The girls are wearing heavy duty winter clothes.
I wonder who the dog was looking at in the bottom photo. He looks like he is obediently waiting for instructions from his alpha.

[blondeatlast]

87. Current DC temperature: 46 degrees. As to the alpha reference;

what point are you trying to make?

[Sanity Claws]

96. ? None

I just thought the dog was looking up to someone, both literally and figuratively.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

[TahitiNut]

119. I'd say that *someone* has adopted Cesar Milan's techniques in training Bo.

As a total and complete dog-lover, I can only commend and applaud Cesar Milan's understanding of how a dog can become a happy and cooperative member of a human family/pack. Since NONE of the Obamas have ever had a dog for a pet, they have a big learning curve ... in the spotlight of the White House fishbowl. My impression (and expectation) is that they'll do a grand job. Their personalities, I believe, will equip them to do the right things.




http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2009/04/obama_dog_cesar_millan.html

[blondeatlast]

86. Nice tail!

And it's there, too! As the proud owner of a rescued soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, I have so come to appreciate intact tails! My baby has a most magnificent tail with a teeny-tiny tip of white over black right on the end that would be missing if she hadn't been rescued from a presumable puppy mill. I love it--and I love Bo's as well (and named for Bo Dilddley--how perfect is that?).

LOve it--and Bo!

[cagesoulman]

106. Bo? What happened to "Frank"?

I thought the little one wanted a dog named Frank.

[NYCGirl]

111. Kids do have a tendency to change their minds once in a while. They named him

"Bo".

[earth mom]

116. Cute dog-glad to finally see those kids get their dog. nt

[catzies]

123. AWW! WHO IS A GOOD WIDDLE PWECIOUS PUPPY BABY BOY!!!!

*squee*

Know who else liked black-and-white pets...

[Tx4obama]

125. The Breeder of 'Bo' - Interview

Link to an interview with the breeder of 'Bo':

http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/the_obamas_dog/2009/04/bo-obama-is-hope-not-change.html

.

[Tx4obama]

126. I love Bo...

I think I have feel in love with Bo so much is because he is the same color as my puppy named Puzzo (Italian) / Stinky (English) and Bo has the same look in his eyes as mine does, in my opinion.

[Tx4obama]

127. Another interview with the breeder of Bo

http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2009/04/12/the-obama-puppy-the-breeder-tells-the-tale/

[stuntcat]

129. Lucky lucky Bo!

:loveya:

[Tx4obama]

146. New Photo of The President with 'Bo'