Obamas will donate to Humane Society

We know there are going to be a lot of people disappointed the Obamas didn’t adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group, but we figured the president couldn’t turn down the offer of a Portuguese Water Dog puppy from his friend, Sen. Ted Kennedy. And it’s a great gesture that the First Family has pledged to make a donation to the Humane Society in lieu of a rescue adoption.

Catherine McCormick-Lelyveld, a spokeswoman for First Lady Michelle Obama, told the Chicago Sun-Times, "They were looking at shelters, but in the end the Kennedys learned of this litter mate of their dog who needed a home, and they wanted to give the girls a gift -- and here we are.

"He moves in Tuesday."

Here’s another picture of Bo, the new First Dog, posted on the White House Web site (see the post below for a photo of the President and daughter Sasha with their puppy). Interestingly, there’s a bit of a controversy over the firstdogcharlie.com, which claimed to have published the first image of Bo. But the White House, according to the Washington Post, called the photo “bogus.”

Comments

[Susan]

Personally, if the Obama's were smart enough they would have said to Ted was "Thank you but it adopting a dog from the shelter is what we wanted to do and to teach our girls something about shelter dogs" I am sure Kennedy would have understood and if he didn't then he needs to take a stroll through the shelters. While making a donation to the shelter is nice and hope it is a good one but Obama you didn't teach your girls squat here.

Shame on you. You better start smarting up because your making a mess of things.

[A.L.]

If we spayed/neutered every dog, then we would not have any left! Responsible breeding is what we need to promote. Breeders need to agree to take back any of their dogs that are surrendered.

[Sandra]

Bo would of found a new home eventually.Isn't he a 2000 dollar dog? He was not in danger of being euthanized like so many other dogs are now as we speak. They could of saved a life and sent a message to adopt from a shelter. Sure Bo is cute but so are so many other deserving dogs and puppies.

[mitch]

this is the only + point I see in this story... considering they outright lied !!

[Tamandra]

Actually, that Portie probably will get a home pretty darn fast. Look, there's a place for both, people. Responsible breeders, who seek to continue and better their breed are not the problem. Not all breeders are evil money grubbing people. My dog is a German Shepherd, from working lines, doing what the breed has always been intended to do. Work. He didn't cost much, and the breeder very infrequently brings pups into the world, and ensures they go to the right home. A reputable breeder will take back what they've bred, and many even rescue.
One huge problem as I see it, is that people do NOT do the research before getting a dog, they don't learn to communicate and train the dog, and then discard them, blaming the dog. Then of course there's puppy mills and pet stores, and back yard breeders who frivolously bring lives into the world, not knowing what they're doing.
The Obamas showed a very responsible way of obtaining a new family member.

[Kelly]

Do we know that any of this is true? I mean it is really convienant that Sen. Kennedy was able to get them the littler mate to his dog, blah, blah. I don't buy any of it. The president missed a great opportunity to show America how great it is to adopt. I haven't trusted him from day one and I see I was right.

[glinda]

To Amy. Please contact a Portie Rescue within your area as they will most likely come and get it and then place it. A woman from either ASPCA or The Humane Society had their staff calling and seeking out all over the Country's Shelters for a Portie and came up with "0".If it is indeed a Portie, would be unusual that it would be in a shelter.
Ten-fifteen years ago, I would be very rare to find a Soft Coated Wheaten in a Shelter. There are responsible breeders but generally most of these purebreds are the result of irresponsible breeding and puppy-milling which I would like to see stop. I have had two Wheatens. Both were bailed out of "DOG POUNDS" and within minutes of being put down. I have five rescued dogs, mixed and purebreds.

[SM~]

The dog originally belonged to an elderly women already in Washington DC. Charlie was biting her older dog and she could not control him. She want to get rid of it. It was in the same city, the Obama's wanted that kind of dog for health reasons and they kept it from returning to that kennel and helping an elderly woman out. It was rescued. The middle man like the HSUS was just left out so you all are not happy. The Obamas did not go down to a kennel in Texas and pick up a dog.

[Tricia]

Just like everything else so far-throw money at it to make it better. That does nothing Mr. President.

[Amy]

Sadly, there is an adult Portie at a shelter within 10 miles of the white house. It's a shame that dog missed out on a home and is still homeless