Obama Rescue Dog

I head Obama today say that they might have to buy a specific breed, due to the allergy concerns of one of his daughters. His words, "Dogs at the shelter are usually mutts, like me."

Nice sense of humility and I don't fault him the need to buy a specific breed. If they can't adopt from the shelter, at least the should be able to (and I expect them to) buy from a legit breeder and be an example of how one should acquire a dog. Though I might have hesitation at the notion that a dog is a "reward" for surviving the campaign, I would like to think that was oddly worded and that they had planned on getting a dog all along but wanted to wait until things were settled, which is advice we here would offer anyone.

brookcove

 Buster, may I cross post that with credit?  Puh-lease?  With a cherry on top? 

buster the show dog

If you should become unable to care for your pet have you made arrangements for someone else to assume those responsibilities?: Yes

Whom?: Joe Biden

This struck me as the funniest part! hahaah - that was great!  I have this giant fear that thousands of breeders (backyard and otherwise) are trying to ship their puppies to the Obamas these days - or at least petition them with fancy gift baskets. Gina - I think a beagle would be great in the White House!!!!  Let us know if he contacts you!

 I totally couldn't help myself.  I think these are fine choices that would be low allergy.

Molly

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12307535 

Saylor  -- A puppy mill rescue, would be a great message to send, as well as hypoallergenic.

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12098740 

 
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=11463924 

You know.... just in case they're peeking in........

What???  It could happen!!!   

OMG, Molly is the cutest! Forget the Obama's- I want her!

BlackLabbie

OMG, Molly is the cutest! Forget the Obama's- I want her!

I know, right???  I could pick her up and drive her to you!!!   

What I think is hilarious is he's saying shelter dogs are mostly mutts lol!!!!    Hate to break it to him but Labradoodles are just really expensive mutts!!    I still really hope they look for a rescue dog. I know they want a puppy and a "hypoallergenic" one at that,  but there are plenty of poodles/poodle mixes in shelters.  Not to mention Greyhounds. So many dogs are available through rescue right now they could probably even find a poodle or poodle mix puppy.  I just really think it would send a powerful message and set a great example, not that getting from a responsible breeder wouldn't though, but it would really be a positive thing for shelters.  I don't think people should be starting petitions, that's pretty ridiculous.

LillianD

 I just really think it would send a powerful message and set a great example, not that getting from a responsible breeder wouldn't though, but it would really be a positive thing for shelters.  I don't think people should be starting petitions, that's pretty ridiculous.

I agree but if they make the wrong decision and choose a shelter dog and can't keep the dog because it isn't hypoallergenic - then what?  My take on the MUTT comment was that they are thinking they might be taking a chance on a "mixed" breed dog that might not be fully hypoallergenic. I dont' beleive at all he was underminding the loving pets in shelters. It would be devastating to his daughters if they couldn't keep the dog because of his daughters allergies.  Best to choose the right dog from the beginning and be able to provide a forever home.

I can't wait to see there new addition.  You know it will make front page!

Yeah, that's all very

luvmyswissy

LillianD

 I just really think it would send a powerful message and set a great example, not that getting from a responsible breeder wouldn't though, but it would really be a positive thing for shelters.  I don't think people should be starting petitions, that's pretty ridiculous.

 

I agree but if they make the wrong decision and choose a shelter dog and can't keep the dog because it isn't hypoallergenic - then what?  My take on the MUTT comment was that they are thinking they might be taking a chance on a "mixed" breed dog that might not be fully hypoallergenic. I dont' beleive at all he was underminding the loving pets in shelters. It would be devastating to his daughters if they couldn't keep the dog because of his daughters allergies.  Best to choose the right dog from the beginning and be able to provide a forever home.

I can't wait to see there new addition.  You know it will make front page!

Yeah, that's all very true and I totally see your point.  Even if they got what they thought was a hypoallergenic dog from a shelter, without really knowing it's background it could really have a background of anything and having it not work out would be devastating, not to mention being so in the public eye there will be a lot of scrutiny if he had to return it to the shelter. 

I think the "first dog" is getting more attention than some of the major issues right now and it's fabulous!!    Should be a lot of fun and I can't wait!

BCMixs

BlackLabbie

OMG, Molly is the cutest! Forget the Obama's- I want her!

 

I know, right???  I could pick her up and drive her to you!!!   

LOL, don't tempt me! We are looking for a second dog!

 I don't think ending up with a dog that wasn't fully Hypo-allergenic would really be a problem in the White House.  Honestly, its not like they clean it themselves.  And the allergens collecting in a house that size from one dog could not be too bad, even with only once a month cleaning....and I'm sure they have maids that clean more than that. LOL. 

Like Becca, I have a very asthmatic son and we do fine with once a week or more vacuuming and keeping the dogs out of his room.  And my dogs are very rarely if ever bathed, though Crusher loves to swim.  I have Huskies, they aren't known for their Hypo-allergenicness.  LOL

I'm sure the First Dog will be in the public eye, at least more than a normal dog, and so would be groomed quite regularly.  

I wonder how many potential dogs are being shown to them...and I wonder who they have looking for a dog?  Do you think they'll be searching themselves?  As a family?  

My girlfriends son is highly allergic to dogs, just touching them and asthma starts.  So.. since this is there first dog they need to choose wisely and be sure their daughter is going to be able to live with the dog.  Kids have to be able to touch, cuddle and love em up!

 I'm hoping for anything but a shelter dog personally. A well bred Poodle, PWD, IWS, Xolo, Havenese or other low allergen breed. It looks like I am alone in saying this here but shelter dogs have plenty of advocates and plenty of exposure. It is very much PC to adopt dogs from shelters or breed rescues. If it weren't such a political statement, I'd be all for the Obama family adopting a dog. But as it is PETA is already (seemingly premature) stating on it's website that the President-elect will not be supporting breeders. I feel it would just add to the already very strong anti-breeder, anti-purebred dogs feeling that much of the general public already has (thanks to the AR movement).

"PETA is also pleased that Obama and his wife, Michelle, have announced that they will adopt a rescued dog for their daughters instead of patronizing a pet store or breeder. PETA opposes large-scale breeding facilities, known as "puppy mills," as well as private breeders who bring puppies and kittens into the world while nearly 4 millions cats and dogs must be euthanized at the nation's extremely crowded animal shelters every year. PETA supports animal shelters and encourages all prospective companion animal guardians to visit their local shelter." http://blog.peta.org/archives/barack_obama/

That's PETA's problem, not the Obama's.  There's plenty of people and orgs with their own agendas who will try to piggy back onto whatever happens.  I've seen lots of doodle pushing in response to the allergy issue.  If it's in their heart to adopt or rescue a dog (there's plenty of purebreds in rescue, I have one lying here at my feet) who cares what AR wants to push.  I think it's great that they want to rescue and if they do it will be only the 2nd rescue dog in the White House.  The first being a dog found by LBJs daughter at a gas station that they kept.  Purebreeds have gotten plenty of face time in the White House, I say its time for a rescue/shelter dog IF that is what is best for both the dog and the Obama family.

PETA could make a platform out of thin air.   

BCMixs

That's PETA's problem, not the Obama's.  There's plenty of people and orgs with their own agendas who will try to piggy back onto whatever happens.  I've seen lots of doodle pushing in response to the allergy issue.  If it's in their heart to adopt or rescue a dog (there's plenty of purebreds in rescue, I have one lying here at my feet) who cares what AR wants to push.  I think it's great that they want to rescue and if they do it will be only the 2nd rescue dog in the White House.  The first being a dog found by LBJs daughter at a gas station that they kept.  Purebreeds have gotten plenty of face time in the White House, I say its time for a rescue/shelter dog IF that is what is best for both the dog and the Obama family.

 And the Obama family wants a puppy and it has to be a puppy of a certain type (low allergy, non-shedding) due to allergies. Not too many purebred Poodle, PWD or other such breed puppies in animal shelters. If they strongly want to adopt, I suppose they could/will wait for such a puppy to come along. Or they'll go the "puppy mill rescue" route and buy from a rescue (aka broker) that bought the puppy at an auction. Either way, they aren't real likely to go down to the pound and pick out just any dog, which is what I think many of the "get a shelter dog" supporters are hoping for. Of course, maybe it is not so much that they want to get a rescue, as they feel that is what the general public wants them to do. Earlier in the summer there was talk of them getting a Goldendoodle because that is what the girls wanted. That isn't to say they don't support the idea of rescue but they do want something rather specfic which is a great reason to buy from a breeder. IMO if they research breeds and breeders, that will be a very positive message to send to the public - that pet ownership isn't something you just jump into and that not all dogs fit all lifestyles.