WASHINGTON - Worry not dog lovers, the White House will still have a “First Dog” under a Barack Obama administration.
Obama had promised that whether or not he won the White House, his daughters Sasha and Malia could get a dog.
“Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us,” Obama said at the start of his victory speech.
His predecessors dating back several administrations had dogs and yes, a few cats occupied the White House too.
Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, is also getting in on the act. He told reporters traveling with him earlier that his wife had promised him a “big dog” if he got elected.
Jill Biden had taped pictures of different dogs on the back of the seat in front of him on his campaign plane to inspire the candidate as he criss-crossed the country in the final sprint to election day.
“Jill had said the only way you are getting a dog is if you are president … we didn’t think about vice president,” said Biden. “She said at least if you live in the White House you are home.”
He dropped out of the presidential race but when Obama asked him to join the ticket, his wife Jill said if he did so she would let him have the dog he wanted.
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
- Additional reporting by Sue Pleming
- Photo credit: Reuters/Jason Reed (Obama family emerges on stage at victory rally in Chicago)
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A retired greyhound is a great choice. They are actually good for people with allergies and great with children. They are so loving and calm. GREYHOUND!!
- Posted by TinaI really hope they rescue a dog from the pound. I have 2 dogs which we rescued from the street because some one could not handle them anymore and just abandoned them.
- Posted by AnaEven before the election, the Obama’s were saying that they would adopt a rescue dog. Gotta admire that.
- Posted by Mary Robinette KowalThe girls are allergic to dog dander, so the dog must be one that has hair, not fur. It limits the choices and, unfortunately, probably precludes a shelter dog or greyhound. Two dogs sound like a good idea.
- Posted by sallyHow about a Basenji? They originate from Africa too. And since they don’t bark there is less risk of disrupting a cabinet meeting.
- Posted by Randy L.The girls are allergic. They have to get a hypo-allergenic dog, so it probably won’t be from a shelter.
- Posted by MPaws and Prayers Rescue Organization can hook the girls up with a great puppy. I personally suggest a mutt.
Dana
- Posted by DanaGet the true american dog: A rescue mutt! It would be a wonderful statement to the nation and a great way to start off the presidency on a positive note!
Please consider adoption and opening your home to a homeless dog!
- Posted by Hanna Sandstrom BartonI hope that the Obama’s consider adopting a retired racing greyhound. Not only will they have the singular experience of living with a dog who is uniquily able to adapt well to their busy lifestyle; they will find themselves in the company of one who bonds closely to thier family and has a great appreciation for all that thier new life will bring.
Greyhounds have a long, colorful history. The greyhound is a dog capable of both great elagance and sheer goofiness, yet on an international scale, they are needing so much help.
Greyhounds make an appearance, and quite an impression, in the film, “Charlie Wilson’s War”. In the real world, author JK Rowling adoped a greyhound for her family last year.
In an administration that will urge Americans to make a difference in every part of their lives, adopting a retired racing greyhound will show that the First Family is “walking the walk”. The First Family will learn first hand the experience of deciding to help a greyhound ultimately finding the adopters realizing that they are the ones who gain the most by that choice.
There are many misconceptions about greyhounds, such as that they are high energy and require a lot of room. I urge the Obama’s to research, and contact a greyhound adoption group who will help them learn the facts, and help them find the perfect greyhound to join them in the White House.
- Posted by KatJust make sure it isn’t a saint francis terrier with lipstick.
- Posted by BI hope the Obamas AND the Bidens’ adopt a beautiful retired greyhound —- for the Obamas - no puppy potty training and for the Bidens —- a Big Dog! It’s a win/win situation.
- Posted by Kathy in ColoradoHow about a retired racing greyhound? They make amazing pets and need a good home once they are no longer racing.
- Posted by CarrieCongradulations Obama…You’ll Make A GREAT PRESIDENT. You Have A Beautiful Family, And So Sorry You Lost Your Grandmother. She Is Watching You, and Is So Proud. Good-Luck…and Rock On!!!
- Posted by RhondaRescued Greyhounds would be perfect in the White House! One for each girl! Greyhounds are affectionate, loyal, clean, beautiful, easy going and always ready for that photo-op. So many retired racers need good homes, then provide loving companionship for many years. Please adopt a Greyhound!
- Posted by SusanI hope they adopt dogs from kill shelters and not puppy mill dogs. Attention dogs…starting wagging and looking cute!!!
- Posted by CATA beautiful family, but they should get two dogs (one for each of those girls) and I hope they will adopt from a shelter. Sometimes a little more effort, but always a blessing. The adults would be sad to know how many millions of perfectly wonderful dogs are euthanized every year because no one will take responsibility for even one of them.
- Posted by SandraI am fostering two rescue puppies, they are min pin, chihuahua, pug mixes- perfect dogs for the White House. They are very cute puppies.
Please consider adoption a rescue instead of a breeder.
- Posted by Mariehttp://www.dfwpugrescue.org
The first family should definitely get a dog from a rescue group or shelter.
- Posted by christieThe family should go together to the SPCA and find a young dog, not a puppy, who connects with them all.
- Posted by Peggy StewartI think you should get a wheaten terrier. They are hypo-allergenic and you’ll never have a more loving and loyal dog!
- Posted by EM