Update: Obama dog coming Tuesday

Washington is supposed to be a good place for keeping secrets, but when it comes to an issue as important as First Dog, apparently nothing is safe.

TMZ.com is reporting breaking news about the new Obama pet:  It’s a male Portuguese Water Dog, will make its official debut on Tuesday and is coming from a Texas kennel, with assistance from Sen. Ted Kennedy.

If true, this will disappoint a lot of people who’ve been hoping the First Family would adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization.

TMZ also says the dog is a puppy, about six months old, and was returned to the kennel by his previous owner. His name is Charlie, although we’re assuming Obamas daughters Malia and Sasha will give him a new name.

But a purebred dog from a kennel? Say it ain’t so, Mr. President.

 

 

Comments

[dozersmom]

Very disappointed that President Obama did not keep his word that the family would be adopting. People who volunteer for rescue groups and work in shelters had hoped that that he would lead by example. There are thousands of homeless dogs in shelters and pure breed rescue groups that would have fit his family's needs. SEE WWW.PETFINDER.COM It is unfortunate that another breeder made money on the back of an innocent animal And that FWST is giving free advertisement to this breeder and promoting breeding while millions die in shelters every year. Breeders/Puppymills/Petstores nationwide make $millions$ and most do not pay INCOME TAX or charge SALES TAX. The IRS needs to investigate this. States need to regulate these individuals. Most mills have 250 dogs that stay in cages and do nothing but make puppies that sell for $500 each. 2 pregnancies per year each. Do the math. Please spay and neuter and don't buy while millions die. Find your "real rescue" pet at www.petfinder.com.

[Ingrid]

What a wonderful spin job, Washington. This dog was bred in a kennel for money. It didn't come from a pound. Obama let me down.

[JenNC]

I am so glad to see the Obama's supporting reputable breeders and not falling into the trap of the AR Wacko movement. Without breeders eventually there will be no more dogs and without purebred dogs there will be none that will fit specific needs such as a child with allergies etc.

Kudo's to the Obama's probably the best decision he has made so far as president!

Jen

[E]

I'm so happy to hear that Malia and Sasha, are finally getting their dog. President Obama's original intent speaks volumes ... So, I agree with a previous post ... this is technically a rescue dog!

[Will]

This makes a lot of sense. How can you say no to Ted? How can you risk a medical problem with a daughter and a dog? How can you find a pwd at a shelter? This answers a lot of problems. Hopefully it's a great dog.

[Thomas]

Barack Obama is bringing from Europe unique presents
Luxury accessories for the America’s First Dog
Political leaders of European Union prepared for the First American Couple original and witty gifts indeed. On Sunday, Barack and Michelle Obama received in Prague luxury dog bowls and dog bed for their sweet pet that they should be getting on Easter. Special edition of products prepared exclusively for America’s First Dog includes logo that was specially designed for the dog that we all cannot wait to see! The First American Couple seemed evidently excited by receiving these gifts. Have s look on the official press homepage : www.firstdogbowl.com

[Laurie Luck, CPDT]

A good breeder will take back a dog no matter what, then try to rehome. That's what it sounds like this breeder is doing. You can't fault a breeder for being responsible. And you can't fault the Obama's for taking in a dog that was returned.

It's good all around.

[RuthDFW]

actually they are getting around that because the dog was purchased by someone, and it was not a good fit so they returned the dog. So tech it is a rescue.

[glinda]

In a perfect world, the First Dog would have come from a shelter or rescue organization. Complaints about this adoption fail to take into account the the realities of the Obama's situation. First, Malia has allergies to dogs and given her medical history, Breed-Type is narrowed greatly. Secondly, what would happen if someone were to make claims about a dog they rescued saying that it was their dog and they wanted it back. Legally they may not have grounds but the undue stress on their already stressed children would be unfortunate. Thirdly, the friendship and desire of Senator Ted Kennedy, his illness, his closeness to the President, was probably an emotional factor. Although a gift cannot be made from Ted, the "rehoming" of this older dog to Obama is personal and may require us to respect the bonding of these two Statesman who have lost the important males in their life.
I wish that people would consider these things instead of complaining or being negative. In a perfect world, with a normal situation, things would be easier.