Editor's Pick
APRIL 12, 2009 11:30PM
Rate: 17
Little Bo Diddley
(photo courtesy of Obama-dog.com)
As most of you know, Lulu and Phoebe lobbied for the Obama's to consider a Boston Terrier for the First dog, but they are, unfortunately, not allergen free though they are pretty close.
But coming this Tuesday to the White House is the cutest little pup, a Portuguese Water Dog, aptly named Bo by the Obama daughters. He is a gift from Ted Kennedy and comes with a fashionable bow collar and it seems a whole host of manners, having been to boot camp with a Kennedy dog trainer.
Welcome little Bo Diddley to the White House. May you have years of frolic and fun and tons of love like any little dog deserves. I don't think we have to worry about photogenic because the camera loves you already.
First Family with First Dog, Bo
(photo courtesy of Obama-dog.com)
Comments
That puppy is darn cute! I just had to look at this... I didn't know the Obamas picked out and named their pup. But I've been jonesing for a puppy of my own for several years, since I fell in love with former neighbours Samoyed, and the name I had picked out for my first dog was Bo Diddley! I thought it would suit a Samoyed or bearded collie (two of my potential dog choices) quite well! Great minds...
I'm sure this puppy is a fine dog, so don't you dog people get all offended, but Obama did promise to get a rescue dog.
There are plenty of Portuguese water dogs that need to be rescued, but instead they get a pampered Kennedy dog. There are plenty of this type of dog on petfinder needing homes. Glad I didn't vote for this torture endorsing, patron of elite breeders. Tells you something.
Why not Pepper, a young female in the DC area that needs a home?
There are plenty of Portuguese water dogs that need to be rescued, but instead they get a pampered Kennedy dog. There are plenty of this type of dog on petfinder needing homes. Glad I didn't vote for this torture endorsing, patron of elite breeders. Tells you something.
Why not Pepper, a young female in the DC area that needs a home?
cute dog way cool name!
That is a darn cute dog. =o) Of course, Lulu and Phoebe have that sleek-coated elegance, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for a dog with curly fur. I hope he will be happy with the Obamas, and vice versa.
Hoooray!!! He's adorable ... not as adorable as the girls of course and I'm sure he can't dance for yogurt or solve puzzles ... but perhaps he has hidden potential ;0
Actually, BBE, I heard yesterday that Bo is a "second chance dog" - he was returned by his first owners for reasons that were not explained. So, he is pretty much a rescue dog.
Can we just enjoy the simplicity and joy of kids getting a dog? There is so much gloom, doom and bad news, it's nice to have a bit of a distraction.
I have a shelter dog, as do many other people. A "second chance dog" works for me.
Can we just enjoy the simplicity and joy of kids getting a dog? There is so much gloom, doom and bad news, it's nice to have a bit of a distraction.
I have a shelter dog, as do many other people. A "second chance dog" works for me.
Bo was returned due to the puppy torture placed upon an older dog. Bo will be his third name change and he wasn't a Kennedy dog, but the Kennedys heard he had been returned to the breeder. rated
The longer story http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30188436/page/2/
I'm not sure I ever heard Obama "promise" to get a rescue dog in the first place, but whatever keep s the people's minds off the fact that the constitution remains in tatters, American service personnel continiue to be blown to bits many thousands of miles from home, and despite the working overtime of the Treasury's printing presses the banks have no money -- it's all good.
He sorta looks like a sheepdog.
The Obama's could have made a much more significant statement by selecting a pound dog, a mutt, rather than some hybrid, foo-foo dog. Now the shelters will remain full while the world pounds the dog mills for water dogs.
Obama couldn't get the rescue dog because of his little girl's allergies. They had to pick a breed carefully. Bummer but there it is.
First, let me just say thanks to all of you for stopping in. As you know, I am usually all about the dogs. Or my aging self. But more about the dogs.
For those of you who mentioned the O family not getting a rescue or shelter pup, let me refer you to Ian Dunbar. Dog Star Daily has some great information about how to choose a puppy, and what kind etc. dogstardaily.com/training/choosing-your-puppy-8-weeks
I think that it would have been great if the Obama's had been able to hop over to a shelter and pick out a dog, but like many of us, they were seeking something very specific. In their case a dog with hair, not fur. The only way to insure that they found a dog with that criteria was to go through a breeder who had many generations of information on the puppy that would absolutely insure that their dog had hair rather than a mix of hair and fur. I am actually pretty sure this is the case. I can tell you that any dog like this that ends up in a shelter has a suspect ancestry, not that the dog doesn't deserve a wonderful home, as do all dogs, but there is no way in the world a shelter could guage the dog's ancestry and be sure of that fact. Shelters work with what they get. Reputable breeders work with a whole family history. Not that one is better or worse. It is what it is.
1) Reputable Breeders: always do health testing pertinent to their breed and breed to improve the health of the standard. They also have seller contracts that often require neuter/spaying if the dog is not being shown, and a take-back clause (like Bo) where if the buyer cannot keep the dog for any reason at any age, the breeder will take the dog back.
2) Rescue: various rescues by breed exist all over the country, actually the world. They all work differently, but have the same goal. They will take in and foster breed specific dogs and also will take them off the hands of any shelter. These dogs are usually not from reputable breeders, but come from a variety of backgrounds. Any chance of a full health or ancestry history is missed. One cannot guarantee that these dogs are not going to have genetic breed health issues, or that they are fully pure breed.
Shelters: These guys, more and more are becoming less kill shelters and last stop stations for dogs, thankfully. There is a long way to go in that regard, but it is much better now than a decade ago. Dogs that end up here come from a large variety of situations ranging from people who got dogs from breeders to homeless dogs. They are all temper tested and health tested to the best of the shelter's ability. Many find homes eventually, and many do not.
Dogs that are in the most trouble are elderly and health impaired dogs and now we are seeing more and more dogs dropped off from people who are losing their homes. Rescues and shelters are working double time and more to help place these animals.
I think that in the whole realm of things, the Obama family acquiring a breeder PWD because of their child's allergy is a small deal. The fact that they worked out the research and got a second chance dog from a reputable breeder who came with a reference that they trusted makes it all the more likely the dog will be a good fit and now have a forever home with them. I do not begrudge them that at all.
And since the limelight is on the dog, it doesn't hurt to highlight the plight of dogs, the dwindling donations to shelters and rescues, and the chance to educate the general public about how to pick out the right dog from the right place for your family. And if you do pick out a dog from a breeder, just make sure they are reputable and not someone trying to make a buck.
For those of you who mentioned the O family not getting a rescue or shelter pup, let me refer you to Ian Dunbar. Dog Star Daily has some great information about how to choose a puppy, and what kind etc. dogstardaily.com/training/choosing-your-puppy-8-weeks
I think that it would have been great if the Obama's had been able to hop over to a shelter and pick out a dog, but like many of us, they were seeking something very specific. In their case a dog with hair, not fur. The only way to insure that they found a dog with that criteria was to go through a breeder who had many generations of information on the puppy that would absolutely insure that their dog had hair rather than a mix of hair and fur. I am actually pretty sure this is the case. I can tell you that any dog like this that ends up in a shelter has a suspect ancestry, not that the dog doesn't deserve a wonderful home, as do all dogs, but there is no way in the world a shelter could guage the dog's ancestry and be sure of that fact. Shelters work with what they get. Reputable breeders work with a whole family history. Not that one is better or worse. It is what it is.
1) Reputable Breeders: always do health testing pertinent to their breed and breed to improve the health of the standard. They also have seller contracts that often require neuter/spaying if the dog is not being shown, and a take-back clause (like Bo) where if the buyer cannot keep the dog for any reason at any age, the breeder will take the dog back.
2) Rescue: various rescues by breed exist all over the country, actually the world. They all work differently, but have the same goal. They will take in and foster breed specific dogs and also will take them off the hands of any shelter. These dogs are usually not from reputable breeders, but come from a variety of backgrounds. Any chance of a full health or ancestry history is missed. One cannot guarantee that these dogs are not going to have genetic breed health issues, or that they are fully pure breed.
Shelters: These guys, more and more are becoming less kill shelters and last stop stations for dogs, thankfully. There is a long way to go in that regard, but it is much better now than a decade ago. Dogs that end up here come from a large variety of situations ranging from people who got dogs from breeders to homeless dogs. They are all temper tested and health tested to the best of the shelter's ability. Many find homes eventually, and many do not.
Dogs that are in the most trouble are elderly and health impaired dogs and now we are seeing more and more dogs dropped off from people who are losing their homes. Rescues and shelters are working double time and more to help place these animals.
I think that in the whole realm of things, the Obama family acquiring a breeder PWD because of their child's allergy is a small deal. The fact that they worked out the research and got a second chance dog from a reputable breeder who came with a reference that they trusted makes it all the more likely the dog will be a good fit and now have a forever home with them. I do not begrudge them that at all.
And since the limelight is on the dog, it doesn't hurt to highlight the plight of dogs, the dwindling donations to shelters and rescues, and the chance to educate the general public about how to pick out the right dog from the right place for your family. And if you do pick out a dog from a breeder, just make sure they are reputable and not someone trying to make a buck.
Those of you interested in the expected addition to the Obama family, take a peek on the topic at http://open.salon.com/blog/jonmagee/2009/04/12/white_house_news_expecting_an_addition_to_the_family
Actually, they didn't "promise" to get a shelter dog. I believe they said they would love to but they do have to consider their daughters allergies. They also did not "get" him, this dog was a gift. And yes there are full blood dogs in rescues a little less than 25%. There are far more dogs in rescue because the average dog owner does not want to get their PET SPAY or NEUTERED. (because the boys wouldn't have anythang to liiick, ack!)
I have Australian Shepherds, I have bred in the past and do not rule it out in the future. I also do Aussie rescue, I teach obedience class, and I photograph all types of pets but mostly dogs.
Love this dog, I am not offended he didn't get a shelter or rescue dog, a little dissapointed maybe. But you need to get the dog you want so that you keep that dog all of its all too short life.
Portugese water dogs as well as Poodles are not "foo-foo" dogs they are very intelligent dogs.
AKC excerpt: "A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works."
And yes in the midst of the gloom and doom I like to take a break for cutsie kid and dog stories.
I have Australian Shepherds, I have bred in the past and do not rule it out in the future. I also do Aussie rescue, I teach obedience class, and I photograph all types of pets but mostly dogs.
Love this dog, I am not offended he didn't get a shelter or rescue dog, a little dissapointed maybe. But you need to get the dog you want so that you keep that dog all of its all too short life.
Portugese water dogs as well as Poodles are not "foo-foo" dogs they are very intelligent dogs.
AKC excerpt: "A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works."
And yes in the midst of the gloom and doom I like to take a break for cutsie kid and dog stories.
Perhaps those clamoring for the first family to take a shelter dog will feel better when/if the Obamas make a sizable donation to a rescue. I've heard that is under consideration.
A shelter pet is a poor idea if a family member has allergies. If you can't be around your pet without being sick, you absolutely can't keep the pet, which isn't good for anyone. I would love to get a shelter animal, but I have severe allergies and love breathing more.
Cute dog!
Cute dog!
That is one cute Portugese Water Dog! He's a stunner.
I applaud those who adopt dogs from shelters. It's not the right choice for everyone and I'm a little sick and tired of hearing that the Bidens have been castigated (and the breeder of the GSD too), and well, the fact is the cost of a puppy is nothing in the big picture. When you adopt a pup you are making a commitment of a dozen years or more. A reputable breeder has taken care to screen the dogs that are bred for known problems (joints, retinal atrophy,cataracts, etc...), and though nothing is 100% at least you are aren't starting out with a stacked deck. A young dog from the pound might well have hip dysplasia or some other genetic defect that can cost many thousands of dollars with no guarantees.
It is wonderful to rescue a dog from the pound but I am sick and tired of people making judgements on others for choosing to buy well bred dogs from legitimate and honorable breeders.
Get rid of the puppy mills and make it illegal to buy dogs from "pet stores."
That is all.
I applaud those who adopt dogs from shelters. It's not the right choice for everyone and I'm a little sick and tired of hearing that the Bidens have been castigated (and the breeder of the GSD too), and well, the fact is the cost of a puppy is nothing in the big picture. When you adopt a pup you are making a commitment of a dozen years or more. A reputable breeder has taken care to screen the dogs that are bred for known problems (joints, retinal atrophy,cataracts, etc...), and though nothing is 100% at least you are aren't starting out with a stacked deck. A young dog from the pound might well have hip dysplasia or some other genetic defect that can cost many thousands of dollars with no guarantees.
It is wonderful to rescue a dog from the pound but I am sick and tired of people making judgements on others for choosing to buy well bred dogs from legitimate and honorable breeders.
Get rid of the puppy mills and make it illegal to buy dogs from "pet stores."
That is all.
Obama said his preference was for a shelter dog but his child's allergies were the top concern as they should be.
As someone who has fought hard to change the laws on Pennsylvania puppy mills, I feel the most important thing is for Obama to toughen up federal laws on commercial kennels and animal cruelty.
Also, the reason so many people were upset about Biden's Shepherd is not that he bought a puppy _ most of us believe good breeders should be supported _ but that the breeder he got the dog from is widely rumored to be a puppy miller who has a second kennel that looks nothing like the one the Biden dog came from
As someone who has fought hard to change the laws on Pennsylvania puppy mills, I feel the most important thing is for Obama to toughen up federal laws on commercial kennels and animal cruelty.
Also, the reason so many people were upset about Biden's Shepherd is not that he bought a puppy _ most of us believe good breeders should be supported _ but that the breeder he got the dog from is widely rumored to be a puppy miller who has a second kennel that looks nothing like the one the Biden dog came from
I'm a dog trainer. I got into it via shelter work, which I still do a ton of on a volunteer basis. I find the hysteria over the Obama's getting a dog from a breeder sorta silly. The life of the White House dog can be a stressful one. Remember when shrub's dog Barney bit David Gregory? The life of the First Family is just a wee bit more hectic than that of your average family. The dog needs to be a known quantity who can handle what the WH dog is epxosed to with proabably a little less attention and time from his family than most. temperament they can be fairly sure of.
Throw the allergies into the mix, and you're giving a shelter or rescue a pretty tall order to find the right dog. I don't know anything about the breeder the Obama's bought from, but taking a dog back is one hallmark of a responsible breeder. Good ethical hobby breeders are not big contributors to the problem of unwanted pets. Families who get dogs that are ill suited to their lifestyles are a much bigger problem.
I'm not saying that the Obamas couldn't have found a shelter or rescue dog that fit the bill. I'm certain that they have the resources to have done so, but a well bred retriever with a nice training foundation already laid seems like a pretty good choice of WH dog to me.
p.s. thanks for plugging Dog Star Daily LuluAndPhoebe. I'm not Ian Dunbar, but I blog there.
Throw the allergies into the mix, and you're giving a shelter or rescue a pretty tall order to find the right dog. I don't know anything about the breeder the Obama's bought from, but taking a dog back is one hallmark of a responsible breeder. Good ethical hobby breeders are not big contributors to the problem of unwanted pets. Families who get dogs that are ill suited to their lifestyles are a much bigger problem.
I'm not saying that the Obamas couldn't have found a shelter or rescue dog that fit the bill. I'm certain that they have the resources to have done so, but a well bred retriever with a nice training foundation already laid seems like a pretty good choice of WH dog to me.
p.s. thanks for plugging Dog Star Daily LuluAndPhoebe. I'm not Ian Dunbar, but I blog there.
1) good breeders rescue - taking this dog back makes it kind of a rescue
and
2) Not to split hairs (heh heh) but fur is hair - that's not the allergy distinction. The distinction is in how the hair grows and sheds and the dander that sheds along with the hair. PWDs, poodles - the so-called hypo-allergenic breeds, have indeterminate growth patterns therefore less shedding. (And some damn poodles have such tight curls what does shed gets all trapped and doesn't fall out, has to be brushed out but I guess we're not talking about how I spend my evenings here, are we?)
PWDs are much cuter in person than in pictures imo.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ask-Veterinarian-700/Dog-hair-dog-fur.htm
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/fur.html
and
2) Not to split hairs (heh heh) but fur is hair - that's not the allergy distinction. The distinction is in how the hair grows and sheds and the dander that sheds along with the hair. PWDs, poodles - the so-called hypo-allergenic breeds, have indeterminate growth patterns therefore less shedding. (And some damn poodles have such tight curls what does shed gets all trapped and doesn't fall out, has to be brushed out but I guess we're not talking about how I spend my evenings here, are we?)
PWDs are much cuter in person than in pictures imo.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ask-Veterinarian-700/Dog-hair-dog-fur.htm
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/fur.html
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