Obama family finally picks. . .

[Equine_Woman]

a Portuguese water dog!! Says they are going to rescue one but not until April.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,500004,00.html

[HeartofSteel]

Interesting choice

[WashingtonBay]

Well, OK - but if they do this to it, I'm going to feel free to laugh ;)

http://www.traffordphotos.com/assets/images/Portuguese_Water_Dog_9R023D-128.jpg

They can be a very cute dog with a reasonable puppy cut. A couple friends I knew in obedience had them. Fairly gregarious uncomplicated personalities :)

[WashingtonBay]

This is what they look like with a reasonable hair cut :)

http://www.puppydogweb.com/gallery/portuguesewaterdogs/portuguesewaterdog_cyr.jpg

[Equine_Woman]

I just want to know where they are going to built this dog a pool!!!! That's a dog that NEEDS to swim. Lol.

[WashingtonBay]

Looks like there is one.... And that at least the Ford and Bush dogs have all swam in it. :)

Swimming Pool - White House Museum (http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/grounds/pool.htm)

On edit... reading that closer, there's two pools. One indoor, one out...

[shewasmyshadow]

Hmmm...I wonder if you can see the pool from google earth?

[offgridgirl]

Well, OK - but if they do this to it, I'm going to feel free to laugh ;)

http://www.traffordphotos.com/assets/images/Portuguese_Water_Dog_9R023D-128.jpg

They can be a very cute dog with a reasonable puppy cut. A couple friends I knew in obedience had them. Fairly gregarious uncomplicated personalities :)

I'm laughing now.......I gotta go and pee......HEHEHEEHEHEHEHHE

[WashingtonBay]

I think with a hair cut like that, it's called "a tinkley poo" ;)

[PatriotsDreamer]

they should have got americas most popular dog.. it almost symbolizes us.... a heinz 57 dont know whats even in it MUTT!:p

[WashingtonBay]

The decision is complicated by one of the girls being allergic to dogs. So they have to get a dander-free breed, no mutts.

I guess this is one of them, poodles, Great Pyrenees, and a few others.

[shewasmyshadow]

I think a mutt or a "we don't know what we're getting" would be more appropriate. It seems like their being pretty anal retentive about the whole thing. Just go the pound and pick one out!! If they're trying to set an example for the rest of america they might start there. Just do it!

Oh, yeah with the allergy thing that makes it tougher.

[WashingtonBay]

They are being a little bit AR, I agree. ;) Just get one when you're ready already :D

B. though, said he didn't want a 'sissy' dog (poodle) so I'm not sure he won this one. PWDs aren't poodles, but they aren't exactly "tough". :p

[Equine_Woman]

Well I can't say I blame them. I was rather 'Anal' about the selection of my dog, my horse, my husband, all important decisions you know.

[oursarge]

This is what they look like with a reasonable hair cut :)

http://www.puppydogweb.com/gallery/portuguesewaterdogs/portuguesewaterdog_cyr.jpg

Now this is adorable! I don't like that other cut at all. I had a little poodle growing up and we didn't give her the poodle cut, we let her get fuzzy, she was so cute.

I don't know anything about that breed of dog but they are adorable with the right cut! It is hard when you are allergic, when I was little the Drs said I could never have animals because I had allergies. My body used to break out in a rash, I don't know if they ever figured out what caused it since back then things were different than they are now with allergists etc. I just know I'd have a rash from head to toe and it would itch something awful so they told me I couldn't have animals. Well even as a little kid I wanted animals so finally when I was 7 I got a poodle and she never bothered me. I've since had a Westie, a Spaniel Mix and a Border Collie Mix and haven't been allergic to any of them. Cats on the other hand when they first come in the house it's bad but after I get used to them we're OK unless I have a cold. Same goes for the birds and bunny. I feel so bad for anyone with allergies especially when they love animals and are allergic to them. I know how hard it was for me, I cried for a dog every night. I cried for a horse too. Got the dog but not the horse 'til I was 36!!!!!

[WashingtonBay]

Well I can't say I blame them. I was rather 'Anal' about the selection of my dog, my horse, my husband, all important decisions you know.

Not me... most of 'em just showed up at the door. ;)

[Equine_Woman]

Yeah I had two dogs show up at my door and they are great dogs, but they sure didn't come that way. . .lots and lots of training went into it. . .the one I was Anal about was pretty fantastic from the start!! Still takes lots of training to keep her that way, but at least she doesn't try to eat my kid! Lol

[Remali]

Well, I was "anal" (for lack of a better word) about my dogs too...why not get the breed you like?! I mean, you do that with your horses don't you??

Anyway, they had to be "anal" due to one of the daughters being allergic, so they needed to get a breed of dog that does not shed.

I love Portuguese Water dogs.....great choice!!

[Arrow]

Wow, cool! They are so cute! You can see where the girls would think they are adorable!

[offgridgirl]

Not me... most of 'em just showed up at the door. ;)
Really??? Did hubby give U the sad puppy eyes??? or just the I'm lost and need a good home look??:innocent:

[WashingtonBay]

It was rainin' out... he looked like he needed someone :D

[offgridgirl]

;) Very good of you!!

[offgridgirl]

It's snowing here...beware...there may be more animals on the way!!;)

[Tiz]

Will they have to go to Portugal to find one at a dog rescue? I've never seen one at the Humane Society here, that's for sure. Maybe they could just say "We're buying a Portugese Water dog for our girls." I really don't think all the lefties would go that nuts.

[Equine_Woman]

Tiz, most breeds have a rescue in America. The Portuguese Water Dog Association I'm sure would be very happy to help them rescue.

See:

Portuguese Water Dog Association Rescue (http://www.pwdca.org/breed/rescue/)

[elevenelevenxo]

Ted Kennedy had a Portuguese Water Dog! Friendly little booger too....I petted him when we bumped into Ted at the Capitol Building in D.C. on my 8th grade field trip. :) LOL, I guess it was "bring your dog to work day" in Washington!

[elevenelevenxo]

Will they have to go to Portugal to find one at a dog rescue? I've never seen one at the Humane Society here, that's for sure. Maybe they could just say "We're buying a Portugese Water dog for our girls." I really don't think all the lefties would go that nuts.

LMAO. :rolleyes:

[WashingtonBay]

It's snowing here...beware...there may be more animals on the way!!;)

I'll keep an eye out :rolleyes:

What's up with snow now? I was on the spring bandwagon. I've had the horse blankets off for a week, I had to put 'em back on!

[Tiz]

EW, I emailed the lady in charge of this breed's rescues. I'll let you know if any dogs are waiting for homes.

[elevenelevenxo]

Tiz, just curious, but why are you so worried about that?

[Equine_Woman]

EW, I emailed the lady in charge of this breed's rescues. I'll let you know if any dogs are waiting for homes.

umm okay. good job? are you always this cynical or is it just an Obama thing?

[Arrow]

As a general rule, all breeds do indeed have rescues, Tiz.

[WashingtonBay]

Sure all breeds have rescues... but the idea that they're choosing a very fairly rare breed while saying they want a rescue is a little silly. You know it, I know it, and I think even they probably know it, but I think they also know that the left would go bonkers if they went out and bought the girls a nice, definite purebred PWD puppy from a breeder. So they'll contact this rescue who will then go about finding a PWD somewhere that needs rescued so everyone will feel good about it.

And that's silly, but amusing. :)

[Equine_Woman]

Well you think what you'd like. (I wouldn't expect anything less from anyone in this area, I knew it would be viewed this way). At least by 'claiming' it's a rescue they will be setting an example to others to rescue even purebred dogs. I know some elderly Mastiff's who'd love a forever home. . .they've been at rescue for almost a year. . .

[Arrow]

I don't really think the left would go bonkers if they went out and bought a pure-bred dog from a breeder--at least I personally couldn't care less. There's no denying, of course, that getting a poodle from a rescue would be easier. Still--the old chair of my department has had a bunch of English Springers over the years and all have been from rescues. Sure, that's not nearly as rare--but it's also true that there are rescues for every breed.

[WashingtonBay]

It's not what I think, I just think it's one of those amusing political no wins these politicians get themselves into. I watched over at DU, I watched them get all overwrought when it was first announced they were getting a purebred anything. Then there came the info about the allergy, but it was already into many threads of a hundred posts or so debating whether they should adopt a rescue or get the girls a puppy from a known quality breeder. The fact is, PWDs are not flooding the shelters, but undoubtedly some breeder rescues somewhere have a couple.. They may have to plant one at a humane society so we can take pictures of it getting rescued.

People are nothing if not funny, and I'd say so no matter which politician was caught in this particular trap. Honest. :popcorn:

[Arrow]

Getting a rescue dog doesn't automatically mean the humane society. Claiming you found one at the Humane Society might be silly--but there are probably rescues out there for that breed. My old boss got all his dogs from a Spring rescue group.

It is all a bit silly--but it doesn't seem like the left going bonkers over this, but rather the right...

[Equine_Woman]

Well if they got it at the Humane Society I'd have to agree with you. But I'm a believer in private rescue. There may not be a ton for rescue (as there aren't a ton in this country) but I bet there are some that need new homes. . . May not be coming from a hard life, or have ever done time on the streets, but it won't be a puppy from a breeder that's never had another home.

[Arrow]

Also--I've never heard of the DU, you're the only one I've heard speak of it, WB. I belong to a church full of Democrats, and none of them talk about the DU, either. Don't take them as your average Democrat...

[WashingtonBay]

Arrow, it's just amusing watching politicians try not to offend anyone. Don't get all worked up about it. :)

[Arrow]

Who's worked up? ***shrug***

[Remali]

Well, why does it matter so much to a few of you WHAT breed they pick? Isn't it just a nice thing that they are adopting a dog from a rescue for their daughters?! {{shakes head}} Some people will pick apart almost anything or argue with themselves in a mirror. Guess I don't get it, and I don't see anything "silly" about it at all......I picked out a rare breed for myself, I just happened to like that breeds' disposition, etc. Actually, what is silly is how some people are reacting to this, I mean, it is just a breed of dog.....apparently no one can be happy for the Obama girls and their dog.

Sooooo.....did GWB adopt his dogs from a rescue?? I guess if we are going in that direction....how many presidents adoped their dogs or got them from a shelter?

[WashingtonBay]

I have no idea where any of our former presidents got their dogs. As far as I know, them getting dogs wasn't a new thing or a statement or a PC message, they just had dogs.

And it doesn't matter at all, it's merely amusing to talk about it :)

[Remali]

They just reported on TV that it isn't a final decision yet anyway, apparently the PWD was Michelle Obama's choice.

Tiz....are you thinking of adopting a PWD?

[JackieB]

Will they have to go to Portugal to find one at a dog rescue? I've never seen one at the Humane Society here, that's for sure. Maybe they could just say "We're buying a Portugese Water dog for our girls." I really don't think all the lefties would go that nuts.

Unfortunately, every purebred you can imagine ends up in shelters. People get bored with them just as quickly as they do the mutts. I volunteer on Saturdays at our shelter in a rural area of Michigan in a county with an entire population of 25,000 and the largest town has about 2,500 and I've seen so many different purebred dogs.

[Remali]

That is so true JackieB......a friend of mine worked at the local shelter here and it's amazing how many purebreds you find there....and especially nowadays in these tough economic times when people are losing their homes.

[vicklynn]

I think with a hair cut like that, it's called "a tinkley poo" ;)
Hehehe :hysterical:

[WashingtonBay]

Unfortunately, every purebred you can imagine ends up in shelters. People get bored with them just as quickly as they do the mutts.

I'm sure they do. I don't think that was the point... the point is about sheer numbers. A rare breed is going to be rare in shelters. Much more rare than apparently purebred Labradors who end up there.

Purebred dog groups don't like to see purebred dogs end up in shelters, so most breeds have rescue organization who do look for and take those that they find. Our beagle may have been one... His owners died, and he ended up at a shelter in Oregon, where he was picked up by the Beagle and Basset rescue lady with the bad fencing up our road a bit. If the Obamas want a rescued PWD, I'm sure they can find one.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to rescue a dog. Lord knows there's many good hearts in shelters who deserve whatever home they can find. I think lots of people who seek out dogs from breeders could have been just as happy with a rescued mutt. Those people who don't show, hunt or otherwise compete with dogs, those people who aren't looking for some particular feature they can't get in a mutt. Like those who want a hypo-allergenic dog.

But what does it say when someone who does want something specific, specifically says, I want this rare particular breed, but I will not support the careful breeders who have worked to preserve and promote that breed? Just another angle. Purebred dog breeders are working to promote and preserve those features that make each breed unique. And there is value and honor in that. Preserving dog breeds, breeding dogs specifically for breed standards, is not a bad thing. It's a good thing!

I do think the Obamas, and the media, and even us, are making too much of this. A dog is a dog.... get the girls a dog that will work. Stop worrying about whether it sends the perfect political message.

[JackieB]

But what does it say when someone who does want something specific, specifically says, I want this rare particular breed, but I will not support the careful breeders who have worked to preserve and promote that breed?

You've got a point there.

What I was commenting on was my perception that Tiz was suggesting that there might not be a PWD to rescue and they would have to "create" a rescue. I just think that's doubtful given my own experiences at our shelter.

[Tiz]

"What I was commenting on was my perception that Tiz was suggesting that there might not be a PWD to rescue and they would have to "create" a rescue. I just think that's doubtful given my own experiences at our shelter." Jackie

Good grief. I pretty much said what I meant. Just get the dog, and don't worry about being PC. Your girls will be grown, and gone, before one turns up in a rescue, most likely.

"At least by 'claiming' it's a rescue they will be setting an example to others to rescue even purebred dogs." EW

But by "claiming" it's a rescue, if it isn't, is setting an example of dishonesty. Isn't it? I just don't get liberal thinking.

[Equine_Woman]

"At least by 'claiming' it's a rescue they will be setting an example to others to rescue even purebred dogs." EW

But by "claiming" it's a rescue, if it isn't, is setting an example of dishonesty. Isn't it? I just don't get liberal thinking.

I knew that about you.

I don't feel that they will make that claim and then not follow through with it. You obviously think they are dishonest. I'm with WB, some people are making way to much out of a dog. I just wanted to post so we could look at cute puppy pictures. . . not so you could come with your conservative slant and turn it into something it's not. . .

You're welcome to your opinion, and I'll stick with mine.

[WashingtonBay]

. . not so you could come with your conservative slant ...

Awwww.... you're no fun :p

[twofingers]

I ggogled PWD rescue.

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/dogs/rescue/1100214/ found three sites the one above which has none, the other two were provided by the PWD breeders and the AKC. the first was a simple description of the dog provided for humane society- but also said no rescues existed. the second the same. but I bet that the PWD rescue -which has no dogs but is a nonprofit can get some of the stimulus money designated in the agricultural section of the bill for giving BO a registered puppy. and please if you haven't read the bill don't chime in about non-profits getting the money.

[Equine_Woman]

Awwww.... you're no fun :p

Nope. I don't get the cynicism. I wasn't around bashing Bush so maybe I missed ya'll having to take your share of it but it's not in my nature to enjoy that or dish it out. Just thought a post about a dog was a safe one. Lol. Should have known better!!

Carry on naysayers!! Carry on!! lol. No hard feelings, just shaking my head in disbelief a lot. . .

[Tiz]

EW, my comment that you quoted was about what you said, not the Obama's. Just to clarify.

[WashingtonBay]

I'd just rather you guys would engage on issues instead of feeling attacked every time something gets debated. Partly because yes, I was on forums when the tables were facing the other way and it was easy to be the critic all the time. But this one ought to be one where there is friendly debate without either side feeling like their ego is on the line. Really, I think it's possible to have good debate here! We need the practice!

Otherwise, we see lots of threads posted by the conservative side, with scarcely any debate from the left, though I know you outnumber us. I can't present your point of you for ya, only provide a place for you to do it. :)

[Equine_Woman]

EW, my comment that you quoted was about what you said, not the Obama's. Just to clarify.

I see, so I am dishonest in MY thinking. lol. Gotcha! That's much better!

[Equine_Woman]

I'd just rather you guys would engage on issues instead of feeling attacked every time something gets debated. Partly because yes, I was on forums when the tables were facing the other way and it was easy to be the critic all the time. But this one ought to be one where there is friendly debate without either side feeling like their ego is on the line. Really, I think it's possible to have good debate here! We need the practice!

Otherwise, we see lots of threads posted by the conservative side, with scarcely any debate from the left. I can't present your point of you for ya, only provide a place for you to do it. :)

Lol, well I mostly just come to this forum for the horse stuff and friendships and only venture in here when I'm feeling particularly brave. I promise I'm not offended by anything said. If I wanted to engage in politics, I would do it on a political forum.

And other than your posts, I don't feel like anyone debated anything in here, just made remarks about the Obama's working under a pretense of "rescue". And that it was unlikely there were such dogs to rescue in America. Which I believe I did debate.

[Tiz]

Well, yes, that comment did condone dishonesty, EW. Doesn't "claiming" indicate that the statement is probably untrue?

[WashingtonBay]

~sigh~ OK - but I'm a member of a political forum, and that gets boring after awhile, they're only one side or the other, usually.

[Equine_Woman]

~sigh~ OK - but I'm a member of a political forum, and that gets boring after awhile, they're only one side or the other, usually.

I so sorry!! That is boring. Pat pat. I'm sure JackieB will be by in a while!! He is someone who debates well and admirably!!

[Equine_Woman]

Well, yes, that comment did condone dishonesty, EW. Doesn't "claiming" indicate that the statement is probably untrue?

And no, the quotes were there to imply that you guys called it false and that they would just be [air quotes] 'claiming' [\air quotes] to adopt. I don't feel for a second that is the case. But even the ruse of adoption gets the thought of adoption out there. And as long as they don't end up with a puppy from a breeder you can call it rescue. I think it's a mute point really. Not an issue to me at all.

[WashingtonBay]

What if it's from a breeder who took back one of their own dogs? :)

[Tiz]

Now it's ruse.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




A ruse is an action or plan which is intended to deceive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception) someone.

[Equine_Woman]

What if it's from a breeder who took back one of their own dogs? :)

If that dog is spayed or neutered and not good for their breeding program then I think yes, it's rescue. That's like getting a dog from a no kill shelter. They are all 'safe' there. . .. much like a dog back at it's breeders.

[Equine_Woman]

Now it's ruse.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




A ruse is an action or plan which is intended to deceive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception) someone.


Fine I'll be the deceitful one, and you be the cynical one. Deal?

[WashingtonBay]

I think they should just forget the dog and get the girls a pony.

[Equine_Woman]

I think they should just forget the dog and get the girls a pony.

Now I could get behind that. . . as long as they have a good horse person helping them out. Not nearly as easy to own!!! Yikes!!

[WashingtonBay]

Eh - they can hire anyone they want. Private lessons :) And there are stables at the white house still, I think!

[Equine_Woman]

There are!! I posted a post about them a while back!!! That'd be cool!!! Love that picture of the pony going into the white house. . can't remember which president that was. I want to say JFK. . .

[offgridgirl]

BAck to Topic??

How old a dog are they look for? a puppy or 2 yo???
Does the dog get it's own secret service dude???

[Tiz]

I'd rather be skeptical, but you can still be deceitful. Deal?

[WashingtonBay]

BAck to Topic??

How old a dog are they look for? a puppy or 2 yo???
Does the dog get it's own secret service dude???

Well, if they're really going to rescue, then they probably need to be flexible on that.

Don't know about the secret service detail ;)

[Remali]

Quote: "But by "claiming" it's a rescue, if it isn't, is setting an example of dishonesty. Isn't it? I just don't get liberal thinking."

Huh? Where did it say that it was not an actual rescue? I must have missed something...

[Equine_Woman]

I believe Tiz implied that it wouldn't be a rescue because there wouldn't be any dogs available in America. . . in fact she went so far as to contact someone in the breed association about rescue, even though she had no intention of actually rescuing a dog herself. . .

[WashingtonBay]

Twas hypothetical Remali - and it's about beat into the ground now... ;)

[Remali]

Oh really?! Isn't it funny how how certain people who seem to dislike Obama are entitled to their opinions....yet others are not?! Geez.... and what is wrong with replying to other's posts anyway??!!

[Arrow]

Yes, it's always interesting to me about the timing of when it's decided that something's beat into the ground, and we should stop...

[Equine_Woman]

Oh really?! Isn't it funny how how certain people who seem to dislike Obama are entitled to their opinions....yet others are not?! Geez....
I'll have to second that. . .
Yes, it's always interesting to me about the timing of when it's decided that something's beat into the ground, and we should stop...
and that. .

I know you don't see it that way WB, and I know you'll say us liberals need to grow thicker skins. . . but it does seem to be like that in this area. I'm just saying. My opinion. And in fact none of this offends me, it's just a general statement about how this area is. . .

And it didn't feel like Tiz was being very hypothetical. . .maybe you were WB, I'll give you that, but Tiz wasn't feeling hypothetical at all, or she wouldn't have contacted the rescue group. Wonder how that email went.

[Tiz]

Who didn't get to express their opinion, Remali?



And no, I wasn't being hypothetical. I was being skeptical about the likelihood of finding an uncommon breed of dog, such as a PWD, in a rescue. Curious about that, I emailed the rescue contact person. There has been no response, so far.

What in the world is so offensive about that? It's interesting to read all the defenses, and definitions, and whining my simple comments have inspired. What the heck?

[WashingtonBay]

Actually ladies... before you all devour me, I think I've been misunderstood. Remali... I was trying to tell you not to worry about it, because it had been beat into the ground... by Tiz.

Tiz, with all due respect, on a board with opposing points of view welcomed and encouraged, we need to be careful to not get so personal that we leave our "opponent" no room to save face. In my opinion, EW offered you several olive branches, including one with a bit of humor at post 66. Let's try to take those with grace when they're given and keep our sense of humor, please :)

[Equine_Woman]

Thanks for clearing that up WB. Makes me feel better. Although I feel no need to save face when it comes to Tiz. She will believe what she likes, and I feel no worse for it.

[Remali]

Oh well..... back to the dog....

[WashingtonBay]

That's why I said we need practice! It ain't easy to be me either! ;)

[Arrow]

Ah--I understand now, WB.

[Arrow]

And I agree with EW that she has no need to save face.

[Tiz]

And I will agree that EW has no need to save face. I don't see this exchange your way, WB.

[WashingtonBay]

OK - maybe 'save face' is the wrong phrase. Tiz, I felt like you were pushing her into a corner on this whole "ruse" and "deceit" thing, all on a hypothetical that a real rescue can't be found. We don't know that. And that's getting personal. At least it would be for me.

Again... if there's slack to be found - lets cut each other some once in awhile, OK? :)

[Equine_Woman]

Thanks WB. I actually found it amusing that Tiz, who has no interest in the pwd would contact a rescue, just to see if they have any, just because she is "skeptical". Cause even if the answer is 'no', it's highly unlikely the answer would be 'no' for the Obamas. I do wonder how she presented herself. . . cause if it was as someone who was interested, it's a bit hypocritical if you ask me. . .

Oh and Eleven, in people this week they mention that Ted Kennedy is the one who suggested the breed!!! Cool huh?

[JackieB]

I'm sure JackieB will be by in a while!! He is someone who debates well and admirably!!

Thanks so much for your kind words, EW. I'll be debating less for awhile. I'm not bored with it or becoming jaded, I just have a lot of work that is cutting into the the forum time (What's with that? :)), so I'll probably mostly go straight to the threads that deal with our beloved horses more for awhile.

[Tiz]

If you're really curious, EW, my query simply said "Are there any dogs available? Thanks."

[oursarge]

Caroline Kennedy had Macaroni the pony. I think he was at the White House. I just remember being jealous because she was younger than I am and had her own pony and I couldn't have one!

As for the dog I hope they find a dog to love. I'm not a certain breed person, I love them all. I do have some favorites like German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain dogs, Collies or Westies and I had a little poodle who was the cutest. My Poodle and Westie were the only pure breed dogs, my other dogs have been mixed breeds. I will take anything that needs a home.

They picked something they like, let them enjoy it when they get it. It sounds like the allergy issue had something to do with the pick, he wanted a bigger dog and that happens to be a breed for allergy sufferers. Why does everything have to be a fight? This starts out as a nice little thing about a dog and turns in to a big debate about people lying etc. The rescue people are busy, can't imagine bothering them just to prove a point. I'm also sure they said Rescue because if they said they were buying from a breeder people would be after them for that, now they say Rescue and people are after them for that. People can't win. In the end no matter where the dog comes from it needs love. We're not supposed to buy puppy mill dogs but what happens if someone doesn't take them? Shelter dogs need homes, rescue dogs need homes, dogs from breeders need homes. I know good breeders normally have a waiting list for their dogs but any dog born needs a home and in a perfect world every dog would have that home. It won't happen because too many people refuse to have their animals fixed or they think theirs is the greatest so they breed it and end up with puppies nobody will take. Then there are the people who get a dog no matter if it's pure or a mutt, get tired of it and dump it. It's heartbreaking that so many do need homes. For myself I don't think I could go to a breeder but that's me, the only way would be to take one of their retired breeding dogs or a puppy that couldn't get a home. My first little poodle came from a breeder, nobody wanted her because she had a bad leg. My father took her, she was the best dog ever, she was like my sibling growing up and when she died that was the first time I saw my father cry. We were never ever sorry we took her, the bad leg never slowed her down. My friend got one from a breeder because she was retired from having puppies so they put her up for adoption. That dog is very loved. In the end no matter where they come from they need love. I just wish people would be responsible about breeding. I hope the Obama girls get their dog, I hope people don't ruin it for them with all the pettiness.

They are little girls wanting a dog and it has to turn into a big debate, they should have probably just kept quiet and got the dog and when they got it introduced it. I guess even if they did that people would be asking if it was bought or a rescue and no matter what was said people would have something to complain about. Not enough money in the world for me to want to be in public life.

I think Ranger was one of Millie's puppies and didn't some one give Barney and Miss Beasley to the Bushes? I'm not sure I just know that Barney was a rip, such a funny little dog with a real attitude, I love terriers!

I just want everyone to be happy.

[HoustonFarrier]

My favorite Presidential dog photo was the one when LBJ picked up his beagle by the ears ...... :) Oh, the firestormn THAT one set off...... LOL

Steve

[JackieB]

My favorite Presidential dog photo was the one when LBJ picked up his beagle by the ears ...... :) Oh, the firestormn THAT one set off...... LOL

Steve

That's not funny. It was a cruel thing to do. Someone should have picked LBJ up by his ears to see how he liked it.

[HoustonFarrier]

That's not funny. It was a cruel thing to do. Someone should have picked LBJ up by his ears to see how he liked it.
I thought it was hilarious !!!! But, I DO have a warped sense of humor;)

Steve

[Remali]

Too bad LBJ couldn't have been picked up by his ears, it was a cruel thing for him to do.....I was furious when I saw that.

Totally agree with you Oursarge, very good post. :)

[oursarge]

Too bad LBJ couldn't have been picked up by his ears, it was a cruel thing for him to do.....I was furious when I saw that.

Totally agree with you Oursarge, very good post. :)

Thanks Remali, I deleted it about 5 or more times since I didn't want to get into anything. I like everyone to get along but my heart breaks for dogs who need homes no matter where they are from and I just don't know what the big deal is about where the dog comes from as long as it does have a good home. In this case no matter what they say someone will be upset. I think I said it before they should have just got the dog and have introduced it rather than talking first, all's the kids want is a dog, why is that so wrong? I never heard of the breed, truly if I saw a picture of it like the one WB posted I would have thought it was an adorable mixed breed!

[WashingtonBay]

I think I said it before they should have just got the dog and have introduced it rather than talking first...

They're new... they'll learn.

If they want new dishes... the plates will have a special interest group who will want to have a say it the decision. ;)

[miatapony]

they better do their homework. they are a very energetic dog.

[FredRock]

I really don't see why the President has to set an example of adopting a dog for others to do it. It's like parents telling celebrities to not do drugs, get trashed at parties, or dress skimpy because it sets a bad example for their children. People will adopt when/if they want to, not because the President does.

I would hold nothing against Obama for going to a certified breeder to buy a puppy, or even an older, retired show dog from a breeder.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

[...]
I would hold nothing against Obama for going to a certified breeder to buy a puppy, or even an older, retired show dog from a breeder.

I completely agree. I wouldn't either, frankly. But he brought it on himself in first trying to make some PC points with his "shelter dog" comments. I'm sure he wishes now that he hadn't said that.

But I also wouldn't hold it against him if he just came out and said something like: "Look, it turned out that we have a very limited number of choices because of the girls' allergies. I really hoped to give them a puppy, instead of an adult dog, so they can have that experience the memories of raising him. I've selected a reputable and established breeder and we'll be getting the puppy there."

End of story.

[FredRock]

[...]
But I also wouldn't hold it against him if he just came out and said something like: "Look, it turned out that we have a very limited number of choices because of the girls' allergies. I really hoped to give them a puppy, instead of an adult dog, so they can have that experience the memories of raising him. I've selected a reputable and established breeder and we'll be getting the puppy there."


I agree completely. I wouldn't even hold it against him if he even came out and said "We viewed our options, and after some thought, decided we wanted to get a cat instead." It's his pet, his family, his business.