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The First Puppy has been chosen!

post #1 of 173
4/11/09 at 10:38pm
Thread Starter 
Looks like the Obama's are getting a 6 month old Portuguese Water Dog as a gift from Ted Kennedy.

Very clever - they get the dog they want from the lineage they want, and they can sidestep the "adopt a shelter dog" debate by saying you can't refuse such a generous gift

I'm happy for them, I don't care where the dog comes from, as long as it has a good home, and hopefully the girls allergies will be fine (imagine if they returned it due to allergies...), and the dog enjoys a wonderful existence!

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,5902952.story
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post #2 of 173
4/12/09 at 1:05am
So, he managed to get a purebred dog from a breeder after all. (Twice removed, but same o-same o). Well, I'm happy for the girls, and I'm happy for the little dog, but it doesn't change the fact that Cindy was right all along. IMO, Obama flat muffed that one up.
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post #3 of 173
4/12/09 at 1:29am
Good for them! IMO, so what that he got a purebred from the Kennedys? ALL dogs and cats, no matter if purebred or mutts, need a home. His daughters are allergic, and this is one breed that is considered hypoallergenic... I am glad they did their research and found a dog that can bring the girls much happiness and some normalcy while living in the White House. They will make a donation to the Humane Society, which will likely save more lives than if they adopted one dog from the same place. IMO it is a double standard to think that we can have purebreds from reputable breeders, and the First Family can not.
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post #4 of 173
4/12/09 at 1:42am
Carolina I agree with you.
Joe Biden got a a German Shepard from a breeder and they were on the news last night.
They are getting death threats for selling him a dog.
The lady said she will never sell a high profile person a dog again.

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post #5 of 173
4/12/09 at 6:05am
I have to disagree.

I think people would have been more encouraged to go out and adopt, especially from a shelter the President promoted, if they would have choosen a shelter dog. Donations are a help, but does that REALLY promote shelter adopting? Does it really 'change' anything, since change is what Obama is about?

There are plenty of pure-breds at a shelter.

I am disappointed.
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post #6 of 173
4/12/09 at 6:18am
You're missing some of the point.

His girls are allergic. It was important to get a dog that isn't likely to cause an allergic reaction.
I think it was a smart move to go this route. It's much less likely the dog would have to be returned due to the girls not being able to be around it.
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post #7 of 173
4/12/09 at 6:23am
Bo is adorable!! Can you imagine having to house break a puppy in the White House? Mahlia and Sasha have a huge responsibility at hand. I can see it now - sorry dad, Bo just nibbled on the leg of Lincoln's dresser.

So Kennedy gave them a dog as a gift. And Obama is making a donation to the Humane Society. I bet that Obama's donation is going to help a lot more dogs and cats than if he had simply adopted a single dog from a rescue group. It sounds like a win-win situation to me.
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post #8 of 173
4/12/09 at 6:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Momofmany View Post
It sounds like a win-win situation to me.
My thoughts too.

Bo is adorable. I know someone who has one of these doggies here in NZ.
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post #9 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by plainjane View Post
I have to disagree.

I think people would have been more encouraged to go out and adopt, especially from a shelter the President promoted, if they would have choosen a shelter dog. Donations are a help, but does that REALLY promote shelter adopting?
My thoughts exactly, he could have made a difference on an important issue. It is important even if it's not important to him. I'm very disappointed, I was so sure he would do the right thing.
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post #10 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:17am
Why is Obama or anyone else obligated to get a dog from a shelter? There is nothing illegal or immoral about getting a purebred dog so what's with the outrage? Don't we have freedom of choice in the US anymore?
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post #11 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kai Bengals View Post
You're missing some of the point.

His girls are allergic. It was important to get a dog that isn't likely to cause an allergic reaction.
I think it was a smart move to go this route. It's much less likely the dog would have to be returned due to the girls not being able to be around it.
The girls' health trumps all.
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post #12 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:23am
Okay, think about it. Now that he's got a portie, that breed is going to be more popular. More people will be breeding it, legit and illegit breeders.

If he'd gotten it from a shelter he would have been setting an example on an important issue. Sure the donation will help animals at THAT shelter, but adopting a puppy from a shelter would have maybe helped MORE dogs at other shelters, because maybe more people would start getting their dogs from shelters.
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post #13 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:31am
BUT if he would have gotten one from a shelter and they had to rehome it due to the girls allergies being much worse than how would that look? What is it that everyone complains about on here about if someone puts at ad up on craigslist about having to get rid of their cat because of the fact that their new husband/daughter/son/someone else is allergic to them?
They got a purebred dog because they wanted one that would be safe for their daughters. Which is the right thing to do! Your childrens health should come before anything else!

And while yes porties may increase in popularity but that isnt a dog most people can just go out and find much less afford!

And why not instead of just having a small amount given to the humane society make a big media deal over it and donate a huge amount and show everyone why it is great to adopt when possible?
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post #14 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2dogmom View Post
Why is Obama or anyone else obligated to get a dog from a shelter? There is nothing illegal or immoral about getting a purebred dog so what's with the outrage? Don't we have freedom of choice in the US anymore?
Because he said he would. "A mutt, like myself," were his exact words. A donation to the Humane Society is fine, but that's not going to have the effect he wanted. What he's going to do is drive up the purchases of that breed of dog.

Again, to be fair, I'm glad the girls are getting the dog. At least he's keeping that promise.
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post #15 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:48am
Okay:

Hypoallergenic Dogs:
  • American Hairless Terrier
  • Basenji
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Bergamasco
  • Bichon Frise
  • Bichon/Yorkie
  • Bolognese
  • Border Terrier
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cavachon
  • Chacy Ranior
  • Chinese Crested (hairless)
  • Cockapoo
  • Coton De Tulear
  • Doodleman Pinscher
  • Giant Schnauzer
  • Hairless Khala
  • Havanese
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Labradoodle
  • Lagotto Romagnolo
  • Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
  • Maltese
  • Malti-Poo
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid
  • Polish Owczarek Nizinny
  • Poos
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Puli (Pulik)
  • Schnoodle
  • Shepadoodle
  • Shichon
  • Shih-Tzu
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Standard Poodle
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Tibetan Terrier
  • Toy Poodle
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Wirehaired Fox Terrier
  • Xoloitzcuintle
  • Yorkshire Terrier


And you guys who are saying he had reason to get a pure-bred from a breeder are telling me he COULDN'T have found ANY of those breeds at a shelter?
  • Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:
    25 percent (HSUS estimate)

Before you argue that they only guess at the breeds, it's extremely easy to take a blood test and determine what kind of breed(s) the dog is.

Also, Obama DOESN'T know that his daughters will not react to the dog they've adopted. Allergies are not predictable and are unique to each person.


USA is about freedom, but Obama has said he's dedicated to changing things for the better...How is promoting breeding helping anyone? We as a nation have caused the over-population issue and now WE, as a country, have to fix it. Promoting more production of puppies is NOT helping the issue. Legit or illegit. Pure-bred or mixed mutt.

And I can't, for the life of me, understand why people think that his donation is going to 'save' any animals? Yes, it might provide for them, but the only people who can SAVE them are the people who opt to adopt them!
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post #16 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
Because he said he would. "A mutt, like myself," were his exact words. A donation to the Humane Society is fine, but that's not going to have the effect he wanted. What he's going to do is drive up the purchases of that breed of dog.

Again, to be fair, I'm glad the girls are getting the dog. At least he's keeping that promise.
He never said he was going to get a shelter dog. He said he would like to.
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post #17 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by capt_jordi View Post
And while yes porties may increase in popularity but that isnt a dog most people can just go out and find much less afford!
They can't afford them because there aren't many breeders breeding them right now. That will certainly change.
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post #18 of 173
4/12/09 at 7:58am
It is sad to see on this site that a shelter dog is considered more important that a purebreed from a reputable breeder. They are both equally viable options. For me the most important first step in pet ownership is to evaluate your family and what is feasible to prevent having to give up the pet once you take ownership. This President Obama did. He evaluated his family needs and wants to get the pet that would be the most perfect fit. Due to his daughters allergies and what the daughters wanted they decided to get the Portugese Water Dog. A family decision based on the family not political capital. Kudos to President Obama for chosing what is good for his family.

From what I read the breeder took back this dog from someone who could not keep it, for whatever reason, as a good breeder should do. That is why it is six months old. The breeder than rehomed the animal. Kudos to the breeder. If they hadn't the dog would have landed in a shelter. Maybe it would have been better for President Obama if they weren't such a good breeders. Then it would have been a shelter dog.
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post #19 of 173
4/12/09 at 8:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
Because he said he would. "A mutt, like myself," were his exact words.
We've debated this in other threads. He said his preference was a shelter dog. He never stated that he would adopt from a shelter. Please don't put words into his mouth.

This is all about the girls allergies, and their desire to get a dog.
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post #20 of 173
4/12/09 at 8:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by peachytoday View Post

From what I read the breeder took back this dog from someone who could not keep it, for whatever reason, as a good breeder should do. That is why it is six months old. The breeder than rehomed the animal. Kudos to the breeder. If they hadn't the dog would have landed in a shelter.
A Portugese Water Dog wouldn't have ended up in a shelter.
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post #21 of 173
4/12/09 at 8:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscatlady View Post
A Portugese Water Dog wouldn't have ended up in a shelter.

It very well could have, depending on where it came from. Reference my above post.

peachy is basically proving the point on the opposite side of the fence. Pure-breds ARE shelter dogs too.
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post #22 of 173
4/12/09 at 8:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
Because he said he would. "A mutt, like myself," were his exact words.
Not true.
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...9&postcount=30

It's nice that some people care about the health of the guy's daughters.
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post #23 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:01am
Ok, so when I first joined I think I made the statement that I would always have a rescue cat. I have severe cat allergies and take multiple meds, get allergy shots, etc. After doing some research, I am fairly certain that my next cat will be a purebred. Some purebreds tend to test as having lower allergen levels. Why not take the chance that I would be able to take less allergy meds and cuddle more with my cat?

Perhaps like me, President Obama did some research after making the statement that his preference would be a shelter dog.
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post #24 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AbbysMom View Post
Ok, so when I first joined I think I made the statement that I would always have a rescue cat. I have severe cat allergies and take multiple meds, get allergy shots, etc. After doing some research, I am fairly certain that my next cat will be a purebred. Some purebreds tend to test as having lower allergen levels. Why not take the chance that I would be able to take less allergy meds and cuddle more with my cat?

Perhaps like me, President Obama did some research after making the statement that his preference would be a shelter dog.

I think he's absolutely supposed to make sure the dog is compatible with his family, but, as a President, he should have done all his research before making statements... He has a little less wiggle room than the rest of us,
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post #25 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by plainjane View Post
I think he's absolutely supposed to make sure the dog is compatible with his family, but, as a President, he should have done all his research before making statements... He has a little less wiggle room than the rest of us,
What "statement" are you refering to exactly?

My experience with purebreds in shelters is that the less common the breed, the more likely the animal is to get pulled by a rescue. Your chances of finding a PWD in a shelter are slim to none.

And that list of "hypoallergenic" (sic) dogs has a bunch of designer breeds. Are you seriously suggesting that the Obamas should have made an effort to look for a "Doodleman Pinscher?"
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post #26 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2dogmom View Post
What "statement" are you refering to exactly?

My experience with purebreds in shelters is that the less common the breed, the more likely the animal is to get pulled by a rescue. Your chances of finding a PWD in a shelter are slim to none.

And that list of "hypoallergenic" (sic) dogs has a bunch of designer breeds. Are you seriously suggesting that the Obamas should have made an effort to look for a "Doodleman Pinscher?"
So that's any different than going for a older, still purposely bred breed of dog? A lot of those 'designer' breeds are bred BECAUSE people want hypoallergenic dogs.

Fine, a rescue then. Go to the rescue, not the breeder. Same point.
I have plenty of experience with shelters AND rescues, and they have plenty of pure-breds to choose from. Period.

PS: You're getting upset for the same reason I am. Why are there designer breeds like that? Because people will pay money for legit and illegt breeders to breed them. Why do we need these new breeds? We don't.

http://www.petfinder.com/search/sear...view=1&exact=1
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post #27 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:22am
Sorry, but why is this such a big issue for some people, I really do not understand.... He got a purebred dog - so what? It is his dog, his family, his kids! This dog was not put up for election, and it will not be the next president... It is simply his kids dog! I bet the majority of us, one time or another had a purebred animal if we haven't had, maybe we would in the future... Is he obligated to adopt a dog? Nope. Is he obligated to get a mutt? Nope. I chose Bugsy because he would be more compatible with Lucky - the same way Obama did to protect HIS kids.
They are allergic, and it would be a hypoallergenic dog, or nothing. He got the dog... He is the President, but do people need to make such a huge issue about anything and everything he does on his personal life? He got a dog - he didn't kill one. I hope people keep this in perspective.
Many past presidents had purebred dogs and purebred cats - I never heard of anything like this in my life.
About increasing the breeding of this type of dog... Why not? President Hayes was actually given the first Siamese cat in the U.S. from the American Consul in Bangkok as a gift. Is there anybody complaining about breeding Siamese cats? I think not... I don't know, I just think that this is really not a big deal at all.
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post #28 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by carolinalima View Post
Sorry, but why is this such a big issue for some people, I really do not understand.... He got a purebred dog - so what? It is his dog, his family, his kids! This dog was not put up for election, and it will not be the next president... It is simply his kids dog! I bet the majority of us, one time or another had a purebred animal if we haven't had, maybe we would in the future... Is he obligated to adopt a dog? Nope. Is he obligated to get a mutt? Nope. I chose Bugsy because he would be more compatible with Lucky - the same way Obama did to protect HIS kids.
They are allergic, and it would be a hypoallergenic dog, or nothing. He got the dog... He is the President, but do people need to make such a huge issue about anything and everything he does on his personal life? He got a dog - he didn't kill one. I hope people keep this in perspective.
Many past presidents had purebred dogs and purebred cats - I never heard of anything like this in my life.
About increasing the breeding of this type of dog... Why not? President Hayes was actually given the first Siamese cat in the U.S. from the American Consul in Bangkok as a gift. Is there anybody complaining about breeding Siamese cats? I think not... I don't know, I just think that this is really not a big deal at all.

Actually...he could have saved a shelter/rescue dog, and instead he picked a dog who would have had a home, any way you slice it. So he didn't really save any lives, himself.

Overpopulation IS the problem. Don't you see the surplus of animals being dumped, euthanized, mistreated, shot, hit by cars, beat to death, dead from starvation, on their own, etc? Why are they ending up like that? Don't you think it's a problem?

Why increase a particular breed when there are millions upon millions of animals who desperately need homes already?!

He could have contacted a rescue that rescues the breed of dog he took from the breeder and saved a life. He could researched and found shelters that have a pure-bred who is a breed that's hypoallergenic, etc.

He didn't do those things, and that's why I'm upset and disappointed.

I'm complaining about breeding Siamese cats! Do you know how many stray Siamese mixes I've had to take into my home, pay for getting fixed, pay to provide for, and find homes for?

When everyone takes responsiblity for every animal they have, I'll stop complaining. Until then, I'm going to keep going. I personally don't enjoy paying for other people's neglect and mistakes all the time, I don't have much money to start out with!
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post #29 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by plainjane View Post
Actually...he could have saved a shelter/rescue dog, and instead he picked a dog who would have had a home, any way you slice it. So he didn't really save any lives, himself.
Sorry, but you are wrong. He is making a donation to the local Humane Society. This donation will likely be saving many more lives then of the ONE dog he would be adopting otherwise. So, I don't know how the shelter, or anybody else in this deal is losing. Everybody is winning here. As far as breeders, and new breeds, I support responsible purebred breeding according to the standards, period. I do not have any problems with those breeders. Obama did not say anything against shelters or rescues, but we do live in a democracy, and he, like us, has the right to chose what is best to his family. This is his kids lives we are talking about.
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post #30 of 173
4/12/09 at 9:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2dogmom View Post
What "statement" are you refering to exactly?
As for what statements?

Any and ALL statements he made about getting a dog before he'd done research. He should have decided which breeds work, where he's planning on getting on, and then make any statements or comments when he had all his information.

Saying, "we might/will be getting a dog," is fine. Anything else should have just waited.
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