Selecting Obama Dog “A Pressing Issue” (President-Elect Barack Obama Press Conference)
In his first press conference since being elected the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama said the selection of the nation’s future “First Dog” has become “a pressing issue” for the family.
During his rousing victory speech in Chicago’s Grant Park on Tuesday night, the president-elect told daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, that they had earned a new puppy and the family would be bringing one to the White House.
He expounded on his pet plans during Friday’s press conference.
“With respect to the dog, this is a major issue,” Obama said with a smile. “I think it’s generated more interest on our Web site than just about anything.”
The President elect said his family has several conditions that have to be met in order to secure a dog fit for the White House.
“We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One, is that Malia is allergic so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic,” he said. “On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but obviously a lot of shelter dogs are mutts — like me. So whether we’re going to be able to balance these two things I think is a pressing issue in the Obama household.”
Written by Castina on November 7th, 2008 | Tagged as: Barack Obama
On November 7th 2008, Mike wrote:
As a veterinarian, I strongly encourage the president elect to go ahead with a shelter "mutt." He'll be getting a much healthier, happier dog than a purebred, and he'll be helping out the needy.
On November 7th 2008, Allie wrote:
A virtual card for The Obama Family thanking them for wanting to adopt a rescue dog from a shelter!
http://www.groupcard.com/c/ObamaDog/
On November 7th 2008, Jasmine Beaupre wrote:
If they adopt from a rescue shelter can you imagine how many people will do the same and save a lot of pets. Yes, I agree with Mikes' post .
On November 8th 2008, LaTour Genealogical wrote:
I think the new White House dog should be a Papillon.
The Papillon ['pæp i ,jɑn] (French for "butterfly") is a small, friendly, elegant breed of dog of the Spaniel type, distinguished from other breeds by its large butterfly-like ears.[1] The Papillon is one of the oldest of the toy Spaniels.
Papillons were bred for companionship, and make excellent watch dogs.
On November 8th 2008, Rebecca wrote:
Starcasm.net has a few ideas:
http://starcasm.net/archives/1381
On November 8th 2008, Steven H. Sherman wrote:
Although I was not able to vote, my wife and 18 year son had that privilage. I am proud today to be an American, a country that I fought for when I was 18. My family would like to offer you a dog, but not just any dog would do, what we have to offer is a 15lb yorkshire terrier, 6 months old and still growing… He is not a pound puppy, he has papers and all his health certs.. The problem is his size, he is already 8 punds too heavy…He is very smart and loving….He was a breach birth and my first delivery.. If this comment does reach you and your family, I will deliver this pet personally…He needs a loving home that I know you and your family can provide… thank you
On December 15th 2008, Sandra Homko wrote:
My recommendation for a family dog is a standard poodle. I have a standardy poodle and he is a great dog. His personality is wonderful, he is extremely intelligent, does not shed and just a delight to have around the house.