Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has made at least one campaign promise he may regret. Apparently, Obama told his daughters that he would buy them a dog as soon as the election is over.
This issue might not rank as high as the war in Iraq in the latest opinion poll, but it’s already proven to be a thorny one for Obama. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently sent Obama a letter urging his family to adopt a pound puppy, because those dogs (often mutts) need homes and also because they represent the “melting pot” that is America.
At the same time, the American Kennel Club is pressuring the Obamas to purchase a breed that the AKC recognizes. The organization is asking Americans to vote for “the potential first pet” by choosing among several hypoallergenic breeds such as the bichon frise and the poodle.
Obama’s doggie dilemma is complicated by the fact that his 10-year-old daughter Malia has allergies. She’s done the research and wants a goldendoodle, a hypoallergenic hybrid of a golden retriever and a standard poodle that often can’t be found at the pound and isn’t recognized as a breed by the AKC.
Choosing the family pet is tricky even when the eyes of the nation aren’t focused on your every move, and the Obamas have already had the high-stakes discussion (even arguing about whether their daughters are responsible enough to care for a dog) on national television.
I feel for them. Because our son Graeme is deathly allergic to cats, we gave our daughter’s beloved cat away and, to assuage her grief, promised to get her a dog.
Our search for a replacement might not pass PETA litmus tests. For PETA, every animal purchased from a breeder represents a missed opportunity for a pooch on euthanasia row. But when you have a kid with allergies, it’s not as easy as “Let’s go to the Humane Society.” I know; I tried that with Graeme. Exposure to one small hound had him huffing like a Hoover. And finding a hypoallergenic breed at the pound can be close to impossible.
We found plenty of options on the AKC’s list of hypoallergenic dogs. They’re cheaper than buying a Labradoodle puppy, which can cost upwards of $2,000, but they didn’t interest us. We’re just not toy poodle people.
Our final solution may offer the perfect political path for the Obamas. We put the word out with a group of pet rescuers that we were looking for a goldendoodle or Labradoodle.
Groups dedicated to rescuing mutts and specific breeds (the AKC maintains a list of breed rescue groups) match owners who are giving their animals away with families looking for a new pet. For us, it paid off in late July when we adopted a 7-month-old Labradoodle (pictured left) from a family relocating across the country.
We got the dog we were looking for (no wheezing in the Kelley household), kept a puppy from going to the pound, and supported the kind of organization even the AKC can get behind.
That kind of political maneuvering can win hearts and minds (at least the ones that belong to my kids). I wonder if the Obama campaign is looking for a pet consultant?
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Comments (13)
It is no one’s business what kind of dog the Obama family gets. People need to stay out of other people’s personal business. Anyhow, I hope Obama’s pet never lives in the White House.
Howdy,
i am Robert i feel peta is right and when i move back to the states in the future i certainly will buy one of those dogs, aswell later on a what i still was planning a Bermese Mountain dog(s). But he certainly would set a good example and we need someone that not only cares for it’s 2 legged citizens but also it’s 4 legged citizens aswell. Instead of the Old geezer as president candidate who only think about matters as the continuation of the damn war (aka occupation) and the profit’s for a small group of people. We actually need a totally new generation of 20s – 40s something as they will for certain change this world and that’s what we need to make it, and not those oldies of 50+ and upwards!!! I hope that under obama also the rights of animals will increase as they deserve that much.
With (lots of) love Robert and Whitney.
Prosper In The Light!
Yours Truly, Whit and Robert.
Poodles come in 3 sizes: toy, miniature and standard.So toy would not be your only option. Standards are the original size, are highly intelligent, clean playful and don’t need to be groomed for the Westminster!
My suggestion to Whit and Robert is to have spellcheck installed on their computer, become aware of the contributions of those over 40 to this great country and if, indeed, Obama cares so much for 4-legged “citizens”, his family would have had pets by now!
Please be aware that that goldendoodles and other doodle mixes are not always hypoallergenic. We saved up and bought a goldendoodle puppy because of our family allergies, even going to the breeders first and playing with the puppies and mother to assure we weren’t allergic. Unfortunately, after a few days in our home, I broke out in hives whenever I touched our new puppy. The rash got worse, as did other symptoms, and we had to return the puppy (despite all the allergy tips, doctor visits and medication) – after falling in love with him. It was heartbreaking for our children. If you can, spend as much time as possible with potential hypoallergenic dogs before adopting one.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-allergenic or hypoallergenic dog. All 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.
A Sanico, MD
A wheaten terrier would be a great choice, they are non-alergy, non shedding dogs. Their nature is great with kids. Since they don’t shed they require alot of grooming and a big yard. Because of this alot of them are found in the pound ready for adoption!
Poodles get a bum rap. Both miniature and standard poodles are sweet-natured, easy-going, fine dogs, and in what is called a “puppy cut” will look no more pretentious or snooty than your goldendoodle, without the increased risk of allergenic fur / shed genes in the mix.
If you’re talking about adopting pets, check in to any black dog rescue. Black Dogs are the last to be chosen and the first to be euthanized. They have the same lovely personalities as lighter dogs, very beautiful eyes, shiny coats and wagging tails. Black dogs come in all breeds, shapes and sizes. Consider a Black Dog for your next pet. They really could use the chance.
I am the proud and happy owner of an australian labradoodle. Bad name, but great dog. I’m only writing to state that an Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, not a mutt. I’ve got nothing against mutts–like labradoodles, goldendoodles, and such–but I do have something against American breeders charging $2000 for a mutt and calling that mutt a “labradoodle,” which is, obviously, a rip-off of the Australian breed.
I know it is very difficult to satisfy all the various special interest groups (such as PETA and the AKC, etc.) but perhaps a compromise could be reached in that the First Family could purchase “doggie-pound credits” (similar to the carbon credits in use by the environtalmentists) so that they can have the dog they want, but transfer the responsibility to someone else willing to raise and care for the “politically-correct” canine that won’t work in their situation… or perhaps someone could volunteer their trained dog in a “puppy-swap” similar to the land-swaps
Standard poodles are very intelligent,great with children,loyal and I believe hypoallergenic unles someone is allergic to the saliva. When I developed severe allergies and asthma my allergist suggested standard poodles and alternative medicine. I have two standards and would never get another breed as long as I can keep up with their energy levels and have wonderful dispositions. They have brouhht us much joy, health and happiness. They do not shed. Please stop pressuring the Obamas to buy this dog or that dog. Personalities and lifestyles must be compatible. I thank God every day for my standards.
Some of you people are so hurtfull. I feel sorry fo you. we are talking about a promise a Father made to his two young daughters.
Promise’s made like this can be very important to children. what ever type of Dog they get is not up to us. The important thing is that they get one that will not cause prombles for the child.
And I would say he needs to do this soon the sooner the better for the children.
I am sure the mother is working on this matter so the president can deal with the country’s promblems.
All Dog’s are Great
spring is a great time to start with a puppy – the weather is nicer for trips outside and helps with house training.
dogs are like people – they’re all different. I grew up with Boston terriers who were (at least our two were) the dumbest dogs on the planet. They never cuddled or paid any attention to anyone but my grandmother, who fed them. I always thought poodles were snooty and effete, but both of our minis were little people in dog suits. We had each of them for 14 years and were devastated when they died. But they were so smart and funny and lovable that if I could have another dog, that’s what it would be. Sadly, I live on the l2th floor of an apartment building and would never get them downstairs and out on time So I have a siamese cat now and he’s as close to a dog as anything could be – anyone who is owned by a cat can tell you what fun they are – and they are certainly lower maintenance -
feed them, play with them ,
clean their litterboxes and you have love for life.
Good luck to the 0bama girls in finding an adorable dog!
s