Thanks to the Obamas for choosing their dog responsibly

Who cares!!!! This makes me sick!!! Concentrate on the poor state this country is in. This isn't a vacation for him...Get To Work Barack!!!!

An Open Letter to Michelle Obama

As part of America's new first family, you will deal with many serious community problems and national pressures over the months and years ahead. Advice will also arrive from everyone, from left, the right, and all points in between. I am no different, except that I am writing as a follow-up to NPR's Morning Edition, which recently pointed that you may be open to suggestions on a personal and family issue: how to choose the family -- the First Family's first -- dog.

I too had your precise concerns some twenty years and three dogs ago. Both my husband and my daughter are allergic to many things, pet dander amongst them. So I faced your coming challenge: I had to find a way to bring home a shelter dog with whom they could live and with a personality we could all love. We had taken in a small abandoned mixed breed lab/spaniel (Annie), whom we loved for many years. But as she aged, it became clear that dogs with fur were no longer a possiblity. So I started my research, before the the Internet, search engines, and the presence of such resources as Petfinder.
Like you I found that Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs and Bichon Frise were all dogs with hair, no undercoat, and no dander -- the actual allergen, as you probably know well. But like you, the size and 'girly dog' reputations of these breeds were real problems. These issues may be in our heads, but they are no less very real. Luck and fate brought Noah to us from the SPCA in 1988. A standard poodle, approximately one year old (give or take they said)... he was our friend, companion, guardian and love until March 2005.
The reality of a standard poodle: First, there is nothing soft or 'girly' about a breed that can finish the Iditarod, which poodle teams have done. Although we often see them groomed for show in their Lion cuts, a simple smooth puppy cut works really well for everyday life. They look like dogs and really, really do not need bows or fancy collars.

Next: it turns out that they are amazingly smart, easily bored, and often amusing. Better than good with children. Happy, loving lap dogs. Of course a 52 pound lap dog can be a bit much, but like Annie before him, that's what he knew he was. However, unlike the lovely, shedding lab, he didn't chew everything in sight through his puppy years -- an unexpected gift to anyone who has ever repaired stairs and chairs and thrown away odd ballet slippers. One of my favorite memories is his happy face and wagging tail as two nieces, each under 5 years old, busily pulled on his sock toy (which he held securely in his mouth) from either side, his head going back and forth between them.

Knowing that the allergy question was real and that time between dogs might make it impossible to live with even a hypoallergenic one in the future, my husband suggested that we not wait, but search for the next poodle, even as Noah aged and slowed down. Noah was 15 when KC came home (12 weeks and 10 pounds of baby standard poodle). Noah stayed alpha dog, but perked up and lived three more years. A true gift: it turns out that Poodles are among the longest lived dogs. KC came from a town shelter in Maryland, where he had been left for unknown reasons. He thanks me daily by protecting me from all dangers: real and imagined.

Our daughter, now adult and on her own, heard about a failed dog rescue which had turned into a disaster in western New York state about three years ago. She visited, watched, and brought home the saddest surviving poodle of the lot (roughly 100 dogs). Ozzy is never going to be over the effects of living in a crate for all those years, but he is sweet, loving, well-behaved and even has learned to say hello to strangers and let them talk to and pet him.

So, they are officially the second smartest dog breed (after the border collie), very long lived, love children, high energy (great for children, running and playing with them), protective and very trainable. All of which leads me to suggest that if Melia and Sasha (with or without an assist from members of their Secret Service detail) take the training classes with their new puppy, they will find, as we have, that a poodle is a wonderful companion through their childhood and into their adult years.

One final thing I learned is that there are many good Poodle rescue groups throughout the country. I suspect that any of them, even those who usually allow adoptions only in limited geographic areas, would be happy to help you find a true puppy (as was my KC when I adopted him). Because the mixes do not always have the poodle hair, I suggest that you stick with the pure breed; but as it is not going to be a show dog, it does not have to be the best bred, it doesn't need papers. Like our KC, definitely a sub-standard/runt-of-the-litter poodle, it just needs your love.

We think it is great that the first family is getting a rescue dog. This sheds a huge light on all the animals out there waiting for their forever home! I'd like to add that the JFK family had ponies.....how about a pony or two for the Obama children?! There are plenty of them waiting at rescues in the United States also! Probably can't have equines at the White House but many good boarding stables are out there also! Have a great day everyone!

I think its just wonderfull that Obama wants to adopt a shelter dog! I personally hope they will chose a poodle for their intellegence and wonderfull playfullness, also, when has there been a president with a big dog? What ever he choses though, I'm sure it will be a good choice.

My wish for the Obama family is that whatever dog they choose, they hire a positive, dog friendly trainer that does not use violent methods of training (choke chains, shock collars, prong, etc.) With the violence in the world today, the first family should set an example of non violence to animals. ( I nominate Pat Miller in Maryland.) Also, the First Dog will have to contend with alot of strangers, photogs in its face and press, and positive methods are the best way to build confidence.

As far as breed, I hope they do do alot of research. I heard they were looking into Labradoodles and Portugese water dogs. Both very energetic and emotionally needy. As leaders of the free world they may want to look into a few softer dogs since it looks like their plate will be pretty full for the next 8 (!) years. Possibly even a small older dog that will still be cute for the kids, al ittle less wild but with alot of mileage left..

Please Mr President, do not buy a designer dog. They are nothing but a puppymill selling mixed breeds that turn out quite ugly when adult dogs. A black poodle is the very safest for your daughter and very distinguished too. I am sure there are poodles of all three sizes in rescue available for you to choose from on Petfinder. The girls will love one. I am Pekingese Rescue in the state of Wa and wish it would be possible to get a peke into the Whithouse. But understand about allergies.

I think he should look at a Cockapoo. I had one for 9 happy years, he jumped in my car one rainy nite was cover with fleas& ticks. But he just passed away in Dec. and im looking for another one from the pound. Coco was the best friend a person could ask for he was a great dog . I hope you find one that is half as good as mine was. As a breed i think a Cockapoo is very smart ,loyal, easy to train and loves people.. Good Luck keep up the great job your doing.

In response to your article about allergies and dogs with the Obama family - I just wanted to add my recommendation to them.

I am also extremely allergic to dogs(I can't even have curtains because of the dust). However, because of my Internet research, I now have two five-month old miniature Italian Greyhounds, and since they hardly have any hair, I am not the least bit allergic around them, and they live indoors with my family. THEY DO NOT SHED AT ALL :)

They are great companions and are really lap dogs who love company. They have already tremendously bonded to my family. I would recommend them to anyone who has any hint of an allergy. My best wishes on their search. If they choose miniature Italian Greyhounds, they will always the thankful for the tip.

It seems only two people, possible three, on here realize that Obama is going to completely contradict what he stated...again. He promised to adopt a shelter dog and now states that he's browsing labradoodles and other breeder-bought dogs. What's more is that he is looking at dogs that his daughter will potentially have an allergy to. Joe Biden sure did his homework about pet adoptions, as well. I can't wait to see what these guys do with bigger issues.

Smooth-coated, short-haired dachshunds are WONDERFUL!!! They shed very little, if at all, and are just great little dogs...I'd love to see them with a "doxie in The House!" I own 3. (Actually, they own me) and 2 are from Petfinder and are great!

We adopted a Poodle/ Bischon mix in July last year. He is a rescue dog. He is a sweet,beautiful little dog and very loving. He has been very easy to train and loves to play, even at 3 yrs. old. He loves everybody even children, which my 5 grandchildren range in age from 9 yrs. down to 3 yrs old. He sheds very little which is good for people with allergies. He loves being brushed which keeps his fur soft and fluffy and removes any loose hair.
He stole my heart with one look into those sweet little eyes. They just spoke volumns saying take me home and I will love you with uncondional love for the rest of my life.
Before you decide about what dog to get just look into their eyes and you will know it is the right one for your family.

As a person who has had some 10 adoped dogs, I applaud the Obama family's decision. My dogs have all lived to 19 or 20 and 2 that did not died of untreatable conditions. We need more celebrities like he Obama family and less like all these movie stars who only "buy the best"!

Who cares about the Obamas. Big deal, they are getting a dog...

I was real glad to hear the Obama's were planing on adopting a shelter dog! Then I hear on the news last week he'll probably flip-flop again and BUY either the Labradoodle or some kind of water spaniel...I guess time will tell? Wonder why they've waited until they got in the whitehouse go get a dog????? My guess is until now they've had nobody to take care of it.

They should consider the wonderful, adoreable, Japanese Chin!!!! I could never part with my little girl!!

I am surprised that he didn't already have a dog, actually disappointed. So hopefully he and his family will adopt a homeless pet.

You guys may not remember us, but thanks to you our family and everyone else we have come into contact with since September 2007 are also very happy.

Briefly, I lost my companion "Rottweiler - Bull Tyson" from canine arthritis that sprung into full blown hip dysplasia seemingly overnight! He deserved and needed to be given the final act of kindness (as my vet calls it) a human can give there loving family member and be put down and sent to the "Rainbow Bridge" to wait my arrival too.

The grief that I was under was nearly destroying me and turned me into a mad man in search for my new best friend to continue on my path. It's impossible to find a replacement of a life! However, with your national rescue services Betsy I was able to find a replacement of a passion missing in my life, "Rottweiler - Thor"!

It's critical for anyone looking for a pet, to first begining assuming the responsibility as a pet owner and do your research - FIRST!

As some of you already know, a pet is a living extension of your family and is often considered a kid or a child by that family. All they want is being loved, understood from their point of view and played with everyday. For EVERY ounce of effort on your part to do so, sprinkle in healthy food and safe home you will receive pack 1,000% effort. This is not over your new additions life, this is EVERYDAY!

I completely agree Betsy, if everyone really considers what the addition of any pet from Ants to Bengal Tigers really meant, you and other animal rescue organizations would not be turning people away because of capacity do to over breading. Organizations would be advertising for suitable "gods creations" to help find new perfect homes for the remainder of their lives too.

We continue to support you every way we can Betsy. Soon we hope financially too. We have direct links to Petfinder.com in places on our website as-well-as other meaningful National Organizations, like the ASPCA and DD-Farm.

We are always asked about how to get such a wonderful companion as Thor everywhere we go. And we are proud to say, if you really want (insert name) you will find it on Petfinder.com, during our active encounters and lives together.

Your friends in life�s happiness, Natural Pain Free Pet.

I'm all for Barack Obama to rescue a shelter dog. And I do belive it would inspire others to do like wise.

I don't think the Obama's should even get a dog. They have lived happily without one all this time , why all of a sudden do they need one now? Just because he is president he should get a dog? Besides with his busy schedule, and Joe Biden's : both of them Should be turned down from rescue groups. How much time do you think they would actually be spending with their dogs???? Just because they are president or vice president doesn't make them automatically good dog owners. And if the rescue groups are screening like they are suppose to be, then Obama should be turned down. How much previous experience has he had with whatever particular breed he may choose? So , he would be forced to "buy" a puppy . And not all breeders are puppy mills.

I am so proud that our President has made such an altruistic , precedent setting decision to adopt a dog from a shelter! What a wonderful message being sent to all Americans. In addition, he is educating people who might otherwise not be aware that people who have allergies can also know the love of "man's best friend". Now if he could just find a place for a new kitten in The White House, I'd be doubly proud! Maybe Joe Biden can redeem himself by adopting a friend for his new puppy from a shelter.....

He's got my vote, when it comes to adopting. I will always adopt my future dogs. My dogs are my family and life is so much better with the love they give.

From the moment I heard that President Elect Obama was looking for a dog for his darling little girls, I was praying that he would adopt a dog from a shelter and it looks like my prayers have been answered! I'm hoping that his actions set an example and will promote pet adoptions to good, loving homes! My husband and I have four bichons and three were rescued! It's the best thing we've ever done!

I'm very opposed to the Obamas getting a rescue animal. It is evident that the Obamas have not desired to have a pet in the past and they even cited allergies.

It would be wrong to bring an animal into a household that really doesn't want a lifetime companion.

Sure, the White House staff would care for the animal while he is in office, however, what will happen once his term is finished?

If you look at the applications shelters scrutinize before an adoption takes place it will prove they look at the family evironment and look to see the true motive for the adoption. I don't believe they would qualify.

I think it's great that the Obama family would like to adopt a pet. We all know there are alot of needy canines aand felines in need of a home,love and that special person to give it to them.Maybe the new PRESIDENT to be will consider adopting a pair of needy canines and show the LOVE. Thanks Obama from all who can't speak for themselves. Sally
PS all of my pets were adopted from shelters, and they are my family.

I think that the Obamas are giving a great example. And points to them for not buying a purebred dog. There are so many other dogs that have no home that will love you for eternity.

The new First Dog of the White House is an exciting thing for the Obamas. I am so glad for the girls and the family especially because dogs can be so comforting, fun and healing. I am sure that in spite of all the good effort, the changes that will come about for the girls will still be stressful. What better than the unconditinal love and warmth of a dog! I wish them the best in their search and I am glad that so many conscientious people want to help them find the right fit for both dog and people.

That's a great idea for anyone to do.....but I am
more concerned right now about our country
and all the people that need help as well.

Excellent. I'm so glad.

Thank you! I really am happy the First Family is adopting a dog!

My family rescued a schnoodle 8 years ago. Jes is the love of our family. Rescuing a dog was the best thing we ever did for our then 10 year old twin daughters. He's a great dog, kind, loving , trained and he doesn't shed. Good luck Obama family.
Harris Castro Family
Sharon Hill, PA

As the mother of several pound furbabies, I am very proud of our new first family for adopting a shelter dog. I generally dislike politics and politicians, but this has raised my personal respect for the Obama's. Keep setting a wonderful example and who knows I may actually come to like politics.

Sharon Forbus
Atlanta, Georgia

i will bet that he get a labadoddle and it will be from a breeder.he has a lot to prove to me before i will believe anything he says.

It sickens me that a lot of so called dog lovers out there have conveiniently dismissed or forgotten or are in denial of the fact that Mr. Obama was a self-proclaimed (as stated in his book ) consumer of dogs. In other words, this man ate dogs for dinner.
Because of this , I am of the opinion thatI he does not deserve the love, loyalty and companionship of ANY dog.

I see why the greatest nation in the world chose a family like the Obama's to lead us. To take the time to find the right dog for there family is a smart plan, and to go with a rescue dog is the greatest.
My first dog is almost 8 years old, cant even start to tell you how wonderful she is. I waited for the right time in my life to have a dog and we spend all our wonderful days together. There is a right dog for everyone.