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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For a child with allergies, a Schnauzer makes a great pet. They are lovable, and smart (easily trained).
- Posted by Linda RainesI think he should adopt a pitbull puppy. It would help to dispare the unfare breed hatred and show that upbringing is more important than breeding. There is no more American dog. There are more pitbulls in need of adoption then any other breed.
- Posted by JoeI second (third? fourth?) a vote for a rescued pit!
He/She would defend those little girls to the death (heaven forbid). Fantastically loyal breed.
A girl pit named ‘Lipstick’.
Pits certainly arent any more dangerous than the current dog in the White House
- Posted by ERVhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAKfEoTcM aY
The Obama family won’t be using the dog as a breeding animal or showing it. So therefore, no need to get a pedigreed purebred dog. If this is strictly a pet, a rescue dog is the way to go. Unless there is a vital allergy issue, rescue animals are the best option, really.
- Posted by EvaHe should get an American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier (same thing anyways). They are great dogs and it would definitely help the breed regain the good image it deserves…aka the “American icon” and “war hero” (after the Pit Bull hero Sgt. Stubby).
- Posted by JLPVizsla. I know there may be reservations (Dana Perrino has one; Henry) but these dogs have no undercoat, are easily trained, and LOVE children. There are several rescue organizations that probably know of just the right pup….
- Posted by NancyI hope they get a mix breed mutt that has special needs. This would show that you don’t need to pick a dog based on it’s looks, but on which dogs need to be adopted the most. Caring for all dogs, not just the cute one’s, is what one should be thing about when it comes to adopting!
- Posted by JackyI WOULD LOVE TO SEE A PITBULL IN THE WHITE HOUSE
- Posted by DENNIS DIONNEThey should get an eco-friendly doghouse! I heard that they’re considering one from Sustainable Pet Design. These doghouses have green roofs and filter the air, so might help a bit with the asthma issue.
- Posted by KatHe should get Westie! Also hypo-allergenic and really cool dogs. And he could go to the Maryland Westie Rescue which is not far from DC.
- Posted by LisaYES! It’s going to be a rescued dog!
Now how about choosing a “pit bull” type dog? Has the White House ever seen an American Staffordshire Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier? The biggest plus would be for the dogs - there is no such thing as a good or bad breed. Secondly, many of these dogs are extremely versatile. The top Therapy Dogs I have trained have all been rescued from shelters and are about 60% pit bull mixes, 20% Golden Retriever mixes, and 20% other mixes (Labs, Rotties, Dobies, Greyhounds, etc.).
Versatility. They tend to be loving couch potatoes with extremely high pain thresholds: ideal dogs for kids, crowds, and being accidentally trod on. They’re loyal and responsive, yet I’ve seen many an irate owner dump the family “guardian pit bull” because it’s just so friendly. On the other paw, let’s say the girls become interested in canine activities - including Therapy Dog work, canine acting, frisbee, freestyle, advanced training, or even (long down the road) K-9 Search & Rescue. The pit bull is generally game for anything its family thinks is fun. And the same steady gameness that makes it the perfect Therapy Dog or boar hunter means it can do ANYTHING its family asks of it!
I’m not a biased “pit bull person”. I don’t even have one. I’ve adopted 2 Golden Retrievers and a Basenji (Congo Dog - somewhat hypoallergenic). All three are AKC Canine Good Citizens, two are highly skilled Therapy Dogs, and one of these is dual-training in Search & Rescue. I simply advocate lack of discrimination and have rescued quite a few “pit bull” type dogs, successfully training them as childrens’ pets and Therapy Dogs.
Please! Help ALL underdogs by returning the original All-American family dog to favour!
- Posted by Therapy Dog HandlerI am willing to give the first family kids a Lhasa apso puppy champion parents!
- Posted by amyThe Obamas have talked about getting a “hypoallergenic” dog. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-allergenic or hypoallergenic dog. Dogs (and cats for that matter) produce allergenic proteins that can be found in their dander and saliva, regardless of their breed or the length and color of their hair, or lack thereof. Some may produce more - or less - allergens than others simply because of their individual nature. Allergen immunotherapy may be an option for those who wish to be desensitized to such allergens.
- Posted by A Sanico, MDI would second (or third!) the comments that a retired racing greyhound would be an awesome and regal addition to the White House. Greyhounds make GREYT pets!
- Posted by Tessa Popemaltese … hypoallergenic, great with kids, loving, and SO cute!!!
- Posted by amyThey should get a West Highland Terrier. Hypoallergenic, adorable, very energetic, small. Westies also look very presidential.
- Posted by westieloverCORGI IN THE WHITE HOUSE. HELL YEAH.
- Posted by jeff bIf hypo-allergenic is necessary, then they should adopt a Bichon Frise or 2. There are rescue groups for Bichons and they are very good with children.
- Posted by NathanLet us all hope and trust that the Obamas will remain true to their earlier word and adopt a rescue/shelter dog. It may take a bit more searching to find the perfect, non-allergenic dog for them, but this is a good way to set a positive first example and to make the most humane choice.
- Posted by JenniferSince the girls are allergic, they should get a Bichon Frise. They are hypo allergenic, loving, loyal, beautiful and intelligent. They are hams, too, so they would love the photo ops!
- Posted by Sharon Arnst