*Sigh*

[K9karen]

Sen Kennedy is suggesting the PWD as he owns two (just saw it on the news). Fonzie (Henry Winkler) is a Labradoodle owner who claims they don't shed. Sen. Kennedy challenges him on that as I do. I will sit on the edge of my seat to see how this plays out. For my part, I am hoping they choose the PWD or a labradoodle rescue.

I heard this too, Pam. I'm listening to the news now, and it was mentioned that they are going to a shelter first. I'm all for the PWD too. I hope with being in school, playing with friends, that they don't lose interest after Daddy Obama tells them to do poop pick up duty. I know they'll have "People" to do that, but that certainly won't teach responsibility. He**, my parents didn't trust me enough with my social life, to have a dog until I was 40 and sowed some wild oats!

[Giselle]

I have nothing against Labrador/Poodle mix dogs themselves. But I have serious qualms about designer dog breeders, as do many many many other folks..

Sooooo...there's GOT to be some type of petition flying around isn't there? Or isn't there a big legislative body that would counter this? COUGH AKC? COUGH. Whatever happened to that AKC rep?

[Karen]

I'm sure there are many petitions flying around cyberspace. I am also sure that both the Obama parents will take this decision seriously, and that it is their business and their hearts that will decide. They both seem like very intelligent people, and I am not worried.

I am sure Sasha and Malia bug them every night, and euqally sure mommy and Daddy say "Let's wait until we settle into the new house, so it won't be as confusing for the new doggie!" And until that day arrives, people will speculate and conjecture and opine - about this and everything else!

We humans are a peculiar bunch, aren't we?

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

What is a "labradoodle"?? Does anybody have a picture of this breed?

[Pam]

What is a "labradoodle"?? Does anybody have a picture of this breed?

Lut, here is a link with some pictures and the story. I haven't read the whole article but it gives you an idea.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle5497602.ece

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Thanks, Pam!!

[catnapper]

I was thinking hte same thing... only for a while there he was also looking at Golden-doodles. I like being one of hte only ones with a Callie in my neighborhood. I don't want a hundred others running around..... AND BEING GIVEN UP LIKE SHE WAS BECAUSE THEY HADN'T BARGAINED FOR SUCH A HIGH-ENERGY DOG.

[sasvermont]

I saw an interview on Sunday and as I recall, Michelle and hubby stated that they would begin looking for either dog at shelters. Petfinder would be a good start, I am sure.

I am not convinced that everyone is going to go out and get a "Whitehouse dog". I haven't seen a ton of Scotties running around since Bush started collecting them on his "watch". By the way, as a child, I always wanted a Scottie - thinking that Toto from The Wizard of Oz, was one. I eventually had two Scotties. The power of suggestion is strong, I know. I think movies with dogs in them bring on the "Oh Mom, I want one just like Marley" thinking, much more than a presidental family adopting a shaggy mixed breed dog or a PWH. I could be wrong. We shall see.

I would love to have a standard Poodle too and think they are the best looking and smartest of doggies. I am not home all that often and having a doggie at this stage in my life is not fair to the doggie!

I bet the Obamas get their dog from a shelter. Unlike VP elect, Biden, who just contracted someone to train their new GSD (from a breeder) before it arrrives at his home.

I wonder if Obamas will have someone train their new pup. I think I recall seeing the guy who is in charge of walking etc. Barney, one of the current Whitehouse Scotties - I wonder if his job is secure with the Obamas and if so, maybe he could potty train the pupster before he damages the floors at the WH?

[Twisterdog]

I am not convinced that everyone is going to go out and get a "Whitehouse dog". I haven't seen a ton of Scotties running around since Bush started collecting them on his "watch".

That's a point, since I honestly had no idea that Bush even owned scotties.

However, I think things might be different with the Obamas. They are a younger family with kids, and a lot more people in the market for a dog are going to identify with them, I think.

[cassiesmom]

I was hoping they would adopt a shelter dog before they left Chicago, but then I heard on the news that they've been living in a hotel for a couple of weeks, so adopting before they moved may not have been an option. I'm sure there are lots of good shelters in D.C. that would be happy to have the Obama family as adopters.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Very interseting post. Being overseas, I don't get as much news of what is going on over there. Reuters and BBC seem less interested in what the breed of the First Dog will be. I do hope they will rescue. That would be setting a great example to the rest of the nation as well as their young daughters!