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Seems like only yesterday we were guessing whether the new first dog would be a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog. Making bets as to whether he'd be called Barney or Chief or Veto or Curly. Predicting who would scoop the poop and where he would sleep. But now that Bo has been in Washington 100 days, Americans are left only to wonder, Where has the time gone?
Martha B. Watson Stern owned a kennel and bred Portuguese Water Dogs, including the most famous PWD to date: first dog, Bo Obama. She passed away July 22, and a memorial is scheduled for today. As of yet, no comment from the White House.
We've got a message from Bo Obama. Don't worry, this isn't the type of blog where we claim the dog is actually writing -- or even speaking -- to you. We simply feel that between Barack Obama's request to Americans to give back to their community, and Bo Obama's keen sense of compassion toward his brothers and sisters of all breeds (ok, so we might be embellishing that last part), the First Dog would want you to be aware of his two fellow canines that need your help.
The story is a great one -- read it here:
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/pitbulls/news.aspx?pID=11674
Then, if you're compelled to help, do so here:
http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-07-15.1976490194
My fellow Americans, today Michael Vick is a free man. What do you think? Share your comments below.
Jill Biden, wife of vice president Joe, told a reporter she wasn't sure whether their own German Shepherd puppy had yet met first dog, Bo. She was certain, however, that Champ is just fine to stay out of the national spotlight.
But here at Dogtime, we think American morale could use a new pic of the country's most famous pups, and a shot of either the Pres or the VP playing fetch with the dogs on the White House lawn would make a great photo op. Reminder: As many politicians know, it's best that the two first meet each other on neutral ground and let a rapport develop from there. And with all the traveling both families are doing this summer, we think setting up steady play dates is a great idea.
Bo needs a friend is a website encouraging the Obamas to adopt a buddy for first dog Bo. With millions of needy animals in shelters -- many of whom are "hypoallergenic" mixes -- it just makes sense to give one a home. Check it out... and lend your voice.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reports that a June 23 raid on a Pennsylvania puppy mill resulted in the rescue of over 200 dogs. Among them, a Portuguese Water Dog. Here at Dogtime, we felt that the statement by HSUS senior director of Emergency Services, Scotlund Haisley was beautifully expressed:
"This little girl, whom we have begun to call Liberty Bell, has led a much different life than the presidential dog. She is one of millions of dogs raised in horrendous conditions in puppy mills every year, and proves that no breed is immune from these cruel mass-breeding facilities."
