Obama’s dog Bo: Cute but what about promise to adopt?
By Jimmy Orr | 04.13.09
Just looking at him makes you want to break out in baby talk. He’s so cuuuuuuute. Little happy puppy wuppy schluppy duppy.
In case you missed the news because of other priorities on Sunday (like Easter or the Masters), the Obama family has a new member. The new First Dog, Bo.
Leak
Word of the newest family member leaked on Saturday with a mysterious new web site called FirstDogCharlie breaking the news. TMZ spotted it and linked to it, causing the rest of the Internet to play catch-up.
Now that the dust has settled, we know that Bo is a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy.
The dog should be thrilled. He’ll have the run of the White House, not to mention the North Lawn, the South Lawn, a swimming pool, plenty of trees, and perhaps his own website (like Barney used to have.).
Obama’s daughters Sasha and Malia are reportedly very happy too.
Grumble
Not everyone’s elated though — because although Ted Kennedy is a Washington institution, he’s not an animal shelter. And the president promised to adopt the First Dog.
He originally made this promise to Dr. Jana Kohl, the author of “A Rare Breed of Love” — a book about a three-legged rescue dog and puppy mill survivor named Baby.
So touched was he by Baby’s story that then-Senator Obama agreed to appear in Kohl’s book holding the dog. This photo then became the cover for American Dog magazine in January.
Big deal
And the promise is not an asterisk to those who really care about animal welfare. With an estimated three million dogs and cats euthanized every year, every dog purchased by a breeder is a death sentence for those in rescue centers, they say.
That’s why Vice President Joe Biden got in hot water when he chose a breeder to get his dog. Animal rights activists were furious. This led Biden to announce that he was getting a second dog from a shelter. So far this hasn’t happened.
Shade of gray
Now like anything in politics, there’s a technicality. One of those “definitions of what the word ‘is’ is” type things.
The White House isn’t Bo’s first home. He originally lived with another family but didn’t get along with the other dogs. So he was given back to the Kennedy clan.
“They were looking at shelters, but in the end the Kennedys learned of this litter mate of their dog who needed a home and they wanted to give the girls a gift — and here we are!” an Obama spokeswoman told the Chicago Sun Times.
So, technically, he’s a second-chance dog. This could be why the Humane Society didn’t tear into the president as it did with the veep.
Reaction
“Clearly our best hope was that he (the president) would go to a shelter or a breed-rescue group,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “He didn’t do that, but he also didn’t go to a pet store or puppy mill either. It’s a gray area.”
Abbie Moore of Adopt-a-Pet.com isn’t as forgiving. “This is truly a missed opportunity to set a pet-adoption trend among Americans. “If Obama had adopted a pet from a shelter, it could have been the turning point for the pet-overpopulation problem in this country. With pet relinquishment up 20 to 30 percent due to the poor economy, pets in shelters can use all the help they can get.”
While Dog magazine’s Ryan O’Meara says this is just more of the same. “When he was resoundingly elected to office we were promised change. But, it seems, true to type the new American president is a politician at heart so should we really have expected anything different?”
To make up for it, the president will donate to the D.C. humane society.
The First Dog will be formally introduced to the public on Tuesday.
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<< Obama’s church choice remains a mystery | MainComments
2. Commentor | 04.13.09
Sometimes Dads and Husbands say things and kids and wives “change” Dad’s mind.
5. TIm | 04.13.09
Well this isn’t the first promise he broke, remember he said his daughters would attend public school! I think people have tried to make him more than he is, he is just a stereotypical politician that will say and do anything to get elected!
7. Otrere | 04.13.09
Give me a break. This isn’t about whether the dog was adopted. It is about from whom the dog was adopted. Animal rights activists need to get over themselves. Who gives a rip about whether or not the President has a dog. Good gosh. We have bigger fish to fry in this country.
9. mab | 04.13.09
Anyone who cannot forgive this “broken promise” does not have a child with allergies.
10. Seekusa1 | 04.13.09
One of the kids was allergic, so they needed an hypo-allergenic (?) dog. It was mentioned fairly early on.
S
12. fthorsen | 04.13.09
Common people, let’s get a life here!
We’ve got major problems all over the world, and you’re worried about President Obama’s dog not being adoted!!!!!!!
I think it is time for a reality check!
13. jody snyder | 04.13.09
I for one am ticked!!! Not to say that previous presidents didn’t go to a breeder for their dogs…however, the Obamas are in the “limelight” and are scrutinized far more than any other first family in the history of the U.S. They could have set an example to the American people to adopt and rescue shelter animals. Our local news followed up the story with an encouragement for people to go to a shelter for their companion animals….hello????!!! I’m apalled!!!
14. Jess | 04.13.09
It’s a second-chance dog, one that would have wound up in a shelter if the Obamas hadn’t taken it in.
17. XR | 04.13.09
In a way he did adopt. If he didn’t take the dog, it would have ended up in a shelter anyway. Clearly Kennedy couldn’t keep him!!!!!! Would it have been better if waited until the dog actually got sent to the shelter and then he physically picked it up from there? What does it matter? Point is…he saved one more dog from possibly ending up in a shelter. Too many people get hung up on the little details….look at the big picture! The dog got a good home. Geeeeez.
18. nimbo | 04.13.09
The first family should be lauded in their decision to save Bo from a horrible fate …. no doubt, that heartless senator from Massachussetts would have sold the dog to Michael Vick.
Let Abie Moore & Wayne Pacelle take a dog home.
19. Annapolis | 04.13.09
Can the author of this story be any more petty?
If you were offered a dog, and your kids loved it, would you tell them no?
Get real, and get a life as something other than a “reporter”!
20. KB | 04.13.09
Will all you people grow up??!!! Did Obama take an oath that he would in fact adopt??? You dang jerks will stop at nothing to find fault with someone !! Get a life!! It’s only a dog!!
21. Judy | 04.13.09
Give us a break. Of course we would have preferred that the first family adopt from a shelter. However, they were trying to find a dog that would not affect Malia’s allergy to dog dander. I think that this was a wonderful alternative - most breeds have rescue organizations - this was a good way to COMPROMISE to make things happen - a RESCUE dog that had been relinquished by an owner was sent to a new home where it will be loved and cared for. You people who snear at this are the reason this country is so divided. COMPROMISE is not a dirty word!
22. Alison | 04.13.09
It’s not trivial to find a dog that doesn’t trigger allergies. This dog is essentially a rescued dog that needed another home. A poodle might have been found in a shelter, but they have an image problem and might be too fussy for this President’s family. They did well.
23. Abe | 04.13.09
The man is running a Country. A Country that other nations would like to see destroyed. The choice of K9 should not be at the top of the Countries priority list.
24. Dana Fang | 04.13.09
What is he supposed to do? Say “No Ted Take the dog back”. He probably just didn’t have the heart to say no to his friend especially after his girls fell in love with the puppy.
25. Dan | 04.13.09
Obama would be well advised to contribute a significant gift to a shelter.
There is that connection in peoples minds between dogs and loyalty that will make this event stick in peoples minds, I feel a twinge of betrayal myself and I am not an animal lover.
27. Rail | 04.13.09
I cannot believe you don’t have something more intelligent and enlightening to write about but this bunch of nonsense. No wonder out Country is in trouble.
28. ella | 04.13.09
They should have gotten a soft coated wheaton terrier. It is a much cuter hypo-allergenic breed!
30. Hannah | 04.13.09
“Bo” is a terrible thing to name a dog because it sounds just like “no.” Didn’t these people read a dog-rearing book? EVER???
31. Rainsong | 04.13.09
Nitpicking.
This dog did not fit in well in his former home. It is his good fortune he was not turned over to a shelter but was handed off to Sen. Kennedy instead. Kennedy, in turn, gifted the girls with the dog. All that occurred here that is different from the Obamas adopting from the shelter is the dog skipped the shelter stay.
They rescued a dog prior to his being put into a disastrous situation and who will not cause problems with allergies.
Adopting from a friend vs adopting from a shelter–it’s still a rescue.
33. Sam | 04.13.09
The child has allergies. Those initial posters really need to get over it. They didn’t buy it and another family didn’t want it. No, it didn’t come directly from a shelter, but you can may a good “story” out of anything by stirring the pot. In the end, this is still basically an adoption. Good for them, great for the dog, end of story.
34. Broke N. Promises | 04.13.09
This is just par for the Obama course - say something politically expedient to get ahead of the story, control the message and placate the masses - and then act however he damn well pleases. It was only a few short months ago that the Obama family was publicly exploring the option of sending their kids to the Washington D.C. public schools. Somehow the kids ended up at Sidwell Friends School, the most elite school in the D.C. area. This is the school that all D.C. politicians send their kids to and the school that all of us cynics knew the Obama progeny would end up attending.
35. Seriously? | 04.13.09
Mike and others, Thank you so much…I’m sitting here like ‘are we serious’! The man can’t make decisions for his own house? Get a life America! The spirit of offense has a strangle hold on this nation. It’s pretty sad…
36. Whatever! | 04.13.09
4. duped | 04.13.09
oh well - another broken promise
Get used to it. We still have 3+ years to go and I am counting down
37. LIES | 04.13.09
and Obama lies again…
I’m over it already, but it’s just another lie in this short time Obama has been in office…
38. fnp9 | 04.13.09
Did you really think he would adopt. The only reason he got a dog now is because someone else will take care of it for him.
39. HJ | 04.13.09
Give me a break. What were they supposed to do? Say no to the GIFT? Can we go onto something more pressing?
40. j west | 04.13.09
So if you are given a dog before you can find one to adopt, you are branded lier? I have been looking for a female akita for about 6 months. It isn’t easy to adopt a dog if you have any reasonable requirements. Why would you pay a 400 adoption fee for a dog who’s history and problems are unknown?
Right now most of the dogs in our area shelter are either pit bull or labs, neither of which appeal to me.
So give the first family a break.
41. J. Bond | 04.13.09
How can anyone still be surprised that a politician will say something before he is elected and then do something exactly opposite after. ALL politicians think as long as they SAY something, the people will forget that they didn’t DO what they said. And you know what? They are almost always right!
42. sharon | 04.13.09
Perhaps we need rescue centers for foster children and far more press on all the unwanted foster children in this country. There is a dramatic difference in the coverage on rescuing dogs and cats versus rescuing children.
All the people that are so offended about the dog choice need to get in their cars and go to the nearest animal shelter and adopt a dog or cat.
43. CW | 04.13.09
Sometimes Dads and Husbands say things and kids and wives “change” Dad’s mind.
I agree. And it’s a gift too, and a good breed. I hope though **** make a statment that is truthful like “my wife made me take it and I knwo I said I’d adopt one.” If he had millions may have rushed out to do the same. so don’t let yourself off the hook, adopt if you can.
44. Jenny | 04.13.09
I think after he promised this he found out his daughter had allegies to most dogs and a special hypoallergenic breed was needed. So that limits a lot of the dogs at a shelter.
45. Vincent | 04.13.09
What a bunch of whiners, including (Jimmy Orr). Everyone here bent on the broken promise issue regarding adopting at the shelter are consumed with the petty and trivial. Circumstances change and all dogs can use a good home. Get over it and change the subject to something that matters.
46. fedworker | 04.13.09
Do your homework. One of his daughters has allergies, and this breed is hypoallergenic. My brother’s son had the same problem and this was the only breed he could find for his kids.
47. Jerri in ky | 04.13.09
Good Gosh! It is a decision that should be made by the kids, with the guided influence of the parents. Anyone making a federal case out of this dog thing has nothing to do in their lives. Dig a ditch with a shovel in 100 degree weather.
48. meg | 04.13.09
Tell me that if someone were to offer you a dog as a gift you should say no, and the dog end up in a shelter or a home where it isn’t happy. Get a grip, people! Think about Bo and what would make him happy. And I have a big doubt that if the Obama’s had adopted a dog from a shelter, it would have been a turning point for the pet over-population problem. It costs money to take good care of a pet, and there are a lot of people who can’t afford that right now. Also, the attitude some people have toward pets needs to change — they aren’t accessories to have and then get rid of, or something to stick out on a chain in the yard alone, they form bonds with their owners and need to be treated with respect and care. Just the Obama’s adopting a shelter dog wouldn’t have changed those things.
49. jjoe | 04.13.09
Where do people get this “promise” thing? He said they would TRY to find a hypoallergenic shelter dog. TRY. Totally different kind of statement. I love animals and promote shelter adoption but sorry, as a parent my first priority is to my child. If my child were allergic to dogs I would not make it a priority to get just any kind of dog from a shelter just to make appease some special interest group. If any kind of dog at all. Child allergies cause fatigue, headaches, sneezing, eczema. Not good.
50. PleaseChange | 04.13.09
The Obamas did not “buy” the dog. Ted Kennedy GAVE him the dog. Bo was a gift. How do you say no to a very ill Ted Kennedy? There are other topics that are far more pressing.
52. Marte | 04.13.09
I have children with allergies. When we tried to adopt a hypo-allergenic dog from the pound none were available. We ended up with a purebred dog because that’s what we needed. Let’s let the family enjoy their puppy and without heaping so much criticism on them for a relatively minor situation.
53. raider7 | 04.13.09
Get over it!!! People are so petty. Hurt feelings!!?? TFB. Another case of the offended, insecure whiners!!! Please make this go away. It’s a non-story just like the first lady and the queen bit.
54. Caroline | 04.13.09
I speak as a former Hillary supporter, not an Obama sycophant.
I am a hardcore pet adoption advocate, and I think this qualifies as an adoption. He did not buy a puppy from a breeder; neither did Ted K. They took in another family’s dog, which is an adoption, plain and simple.
55. Michael | 04.13.09
People, like puppies, will whine about almost anything. This dog was not wanted. Did he have to go to a shelter to prove it? A friend of the family with cancer offered the dog as a present. What more do they want? Be happy for the family and the dog.
56. George | 04.13.09
I believe in rescuing, but in this case the dog was a gift from a Senator. Who hasn’t changed their mind based upon changing situations? Get over yourselves, people! We are all so hypocritical! What do you tell your kids? “I know the dog is cute, but daddy promised it would be a Shelter dog. Thank the nice Senator Kennedy, but we have to return the dog…” Get real!
There has to be better news stories out there…
57. George | 04.13.09
I believe in rescuing, but in this case the dog was a gift from a Senator. Who hasn’t changed their mind based upon changing situations? Get over yourselves, people! We are all so hypocritical! What do you tell your kids? “I know the dog is cute, but daddy promised it would be a Shelter dog. Thank the nice Senator Kennedy, but we have to return the dog…” Get real!
There has to be better news stories out there…
58. CLK | 04.13.09
Just for the record, people who buy/receive/want a purebred dog would NOT go to the shelter if they couldn’t get what they want–they usually want a purebred dog for a REASON. They may want a hypoallergenic dog–those so-called ‘designer’ breeds CANNOT guarantee the dogs will have that aspect of one of the parents–in fact, they usually do NOT. They may want a dog with particular instincts–herding, for instance–or they may wish to compete in agility, AKC obedience trials, tracking . . . you get the picture. The fact that somebody buys a purebred dog has absolutely NO relation to a dog in a shelter not being adopted. I’ve had many “shelter” dogs in my time as well as purebred dogs. Love them both. There are reasons for BOTH.
59. Lynne | 04.13.09
Well golly, with all the teachers being laid off, autoworkers in limbo, people in shelters, I kind of thought we had more to think about than the president’s dog. I mean really? Wow.
60. Steve Levee | 04.13.09
The one thing I need to know is did Michelle wear the proper clothing? The wealth of available news will not touch this screen at CSM. Steve
62. George | 04.13.09
Please give a reference for the “promise.” I remember that he said he would ‘prefer’ to adopt a shelter dog. Please give exact quote where he “promised” to adopt the dog.
63. Pat | 04.13.09
Really! What’s the story? The dog is rescued anyway from a sad situation of rejection + One of the girls is allergic to dander+ pet coming from Sen. Kennedy may also be an act of affection on both sides = These critics come from those people still hurting from losing the elections. GET OVER IT. It has been over for a while and you are ridiculous.
64. Lili | 04.13.09
Sorry, but I’ve read many stories on this subject, and I never heard the Obamas “promise” to adopt a shelter or rescue dog. They said that they wanted to, that they hoped to, that they would try to, but also that the allergy situation complicated matters. This dog apparently belonged to a family that couldn’t keep him. In a sense, he was rescued by Ted Kennedy, who made a gift of him to the Obama girls. And I fail to understand why it really matters.
65. kimba | 04.13.09
of course you do not post comments immediatley,that way we can keep our propaganda going. promise to adopt? are you for real?
67. Jon Zank | 04.13.09
Gimme a break! Who gives a hoot where the dog came from. I think President Obama has a few more items on his plate that require his full attention. Articles like this are a waste of time. Why don’t you talk about the fact that he went to church on Easter Sunday with his family!
68. A.J. | 04.13.09
This is extremely disappointing. The President made a promise to adopt, and broke it. A Kennedy dog with an original breeder name like Amigo’s First Hope (blech!) is NOT a rescue dog, no matter how you try to spin it. I won’t be surprised if the first family that supposedly “returned” this dog is not ever found or interviewed. (And I’m not a Republican - I volunteered for Obama’s campaign!)
The allergy excuse is just that, an excuse. There’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, so I question why they are thinking of getting a dog in the first place if their daughter’s health truly does come before a cute, feel-good news story or photo op. But, the shelters and rescues are overflowing with dogs that fit the bill of being less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Standard poodle is just one breed, and a quick search of Petfinder yesterday turned up a whole batch of Standard Poodle/Portie mixes, waiting to be adopted. If there was a question, the First Family could have taken a dog on a trial basis for a week or so (many rescues allow this - we did it with one of our dogs) to make sure the dog did not trigger Malia’s allergies.
If I, a middle class regular person, can find scores of “hypoallergenic” rescue dogs in a 5-minute Google search, then I just don’t buy this excuse that the supposedly most powerful man in the western world (you know, the one who’s supposed to be “able” to fix health care and “able” to fix this economic disaster?) “couuuuuuulllldn’t.” And for those of you who truly believe he “couuuullldn’t” find a “hypoallergenic” rescue dog, you must be truly afraid every day, imagining you see our president as that incapable and ineffective.
Ted Kennedy should have respected the Obama’s stated wish to adopt a dog, and not manipulated the Obama girls (for they don’t know any better, they’re just little girls) into wanting some ridiculous rare breed that Kennedy happens to like. You would think there would be a little more compassion there instead of this, “No, don’t save a life! Let me get you a ridiculous, pretentious, rare dog from a breeder instead.” Sheesh.
69. Bill in Chicago | 04.13.09
Bottom line: he should have adopted. I looked on Petfinder and found a dog that was Portuguese water dog and poodle, both good for allergies, a puppy, and in Texas (where the dog was living). He could have helped the situation. Now, people will be breeding these Portuguese dogs like crazy and thousands more dogs will die in shelters. I guess that’s not important to some of you though, right?
71. June | 04.13.09
If you Google “Obama shelter dog” you can see the article back in November where he says he’d prefer a shelter dog, but he had to take under consideration his daughter’s allergies.
This is not a promise to adopt from a shelter. He is hoping to, he knows it is the right thing to do, but he is acknowledging he may not be able to.
72. Sandra | 04.13.09
Who gives a flying rats’ patoot what kind of dog they get….
Economy, terrorism, pirates, illegal drugs and aliens crossing the border…
Let’s stick to what is important…I hope the little girls are happy with the choice…all else is of no consequesce…adopted, rescued or just given as a gift….who really cares about this nonsense??????? Isn’t it about the girls and the fact that they will have the love and be able to show love to an animal….one of the most valuable lessons any parent can teach their kids???
73. Pat | 04.13.09
What Vincent, fedworker, Jerri, etc., said. Even this little dog needed a good home. The Obamas are fully aware of the original “promise” that they were unable to keep, and they are making a contribution to animal rescue to make up for it. Now let’s let these little girls enjoy their new pet and move on to other things.
And if you are able and will be a responsible pet owner, go to a shelter and adopt a dog yourself. 
74. 4theloveofdogs | 04.13.09
What ‘promise’ to adopt from a shelter? That is not true. Obama never promised to adopt from a shelter. It never happened. You are the liars.
75. laura | 04.13.09
His girls are allergic to most breeds, so he had a narrow choice. Second, the dog was going to end up in a shelter if he wasn’t adopted, so what is the difference between that and adopting directly from a shelter. Give the guy a break-kinda busy and can’t be worrying about people who want to pick at others.
76. jjg | 04.13.09
really, you’re worried about this? I can see the head line should he have found a dog in a shelter: “Obama cuts queue to get dog from family”. Did he promise to get a dog from a shelter, or did he say that he would prefer a dog from a shelter? I remember him saying that he would like to get a dog from a shelter, but that they tended to be mutts like him. Have you ever tried to find a water dog from a shelter?
Give the guy a break, he’s busy taping the constitution back together after junior got done with it.
77. Kate | 04.13.09
Jeez, relax people. The dog was a gift. Was he supposed to turn it down and offend Sen. Kennedy? For pete’s sake, I got the ugliest vase from my aunt as a wedding gift 10 years ago and it still sits on my mantle. Why? Because that’s what you do with gifts. You graciously accept them and live with it. Plus, if anyone bothered to read the entire article, the dog was likely on it’s way to a shelter anyway. Maybe the president should have just followed the Kennedy’s to the pound, waited for them to drop off the dog then go in and adopt it.
As a side note, the dog is also hypo-allergenic. One of the daughters, I forget which, has dog allergies. How many pound puppies do you suppose are hypo-allergenic? This seems like a win-win to me. His girls get their dog, one gets to not sneeze all day from petting the thing and the pup is spared the shelter.
78. Dave Amomsin | 04.13.09
Why a lot of people are so petty. The dog is a gift. He did not purchase it.
79. myles of florida | 04.13.09
To the persons above who say this is a non-issue, I agree that there are more pressing matters facing us and the White House. But it is a horrible situation with 3-4 million cats and dogs killed every year, just so stupid, and fixable if spaying and neutering were the normal course. So why not multi-task? A publicized dog adoption thru a local shelter would take no time at all from the Presidential family’s schedule, yet send a message of encouragement that others could and should adopt. And as for it being a gift of a dog that was heading to a shelter anyway, I would have preferred Obama adopt a hypoallergenic dog the way i did with my poodle 4 weeks ago, from the shelter, demonstrating to people how it is done. The photo op as an agent of social change. We have allergies in our home and the poodle like other dogs in the shelter are the answer.
80. Saratoga Rose | 04.13.09
OK…aren’t there different degrees of “lies?” Changing one’s mind about where and how to adopt a pet is a BIT different than changing one’s mind about “no new taxes” or “we’ll be SURE there are WMDs before we make a pre-emptive strike!”
Deciding to adopt a dog that fits all the necessary parameters for a pet that will be in the spotlight for at LEAST 4 years was a noble idea. Actually FINDING a dog in shelter that FITS those parameters is a different thing.
The same thing goes for sending the “First Daughters” to a public school. When faced with all the logistics pertaining to the safety,etc. of the Obama children, it doesn’t make any sense AT ALL to send them to public school, particularly when there already IS a school that HAS all the appropriate security checks in place. As a school administrator, I’d have a LOT of second thoughts if faced with the prospect of having the Obama children attend my school. And, most likely would suggest the alternative the Obamas chose for their daughters. Did ANYONE happen to think that maybe the Public School Superintendant and/or Board of Education realized there was WAY too much liability for them to take on? Maybe the Obama’s were asked NOT to send their daughters to public school. And, what would have been the public’s response if something horrific (like a kidnapping or violent attack) had happened if the girls were in public school? If that had been the case, I’d be willing to bet the public would have criticized the Obamas for being foolhardy and careless.
It’s a DOG, for crying out loud!!! Give them a break!
81. cmns | 04.13.09
If the media had been just 1/10th as hard on Bush (who I voted for in 2000) on things that actually matter, as they are on Obama for everything including things that don’t matter, we would be a lot better off today. Except of course you in the elite corporate-government-media class who have spent the last 8 years redistributing the wealth of working folk for your benefit while dumbing us down so most of us are too ignorant to notice or too lazy to think for ourselves. You have the power, you may well succeed in preserving your aristocratic, run the government for your profit status quo.
Congrats!
82. M | 04.13.09
A lot of people won’t be happy with Obama no matter what he does, and will use every chance they get to criticize. There are plenty of things he does and will do that can be criticized, but imo this isn’t one of them. As soon as I heard one of the girls have allergies I knew a traditional shelter dog wasn’t going to be an option - how many purebreds do you see at a shelter? If they want a dog that won’t bother his daughter’s allergies, they need a purebred of a hypoallergenic breed. It might have been foolish or naive to say they would get a shelter dog - but anyone who knows anything about dogs should not be shocked that it didn’t happen.
Stop picking the man apart over his choice of dog (which is a fluff story and more related to his children than politics) and if you must, criticize him over something of substance - like if you take offense to us not being out of Iraq yet, or his repeal of Bush’s HHS conscience clause. Or better yet - stop being on the lookout for every chance possible to criticize. You might just be happier with a more positive outlook.
83. Desmond Daly | 04.13.09
Plueeeeeez! Enough with Bo already! A cute li’l puppy, yes! An even cuter (and opportune)news story on an Easter Monday morning- yes - although the usual suspects are jumping all over it! By the way, I just visited Bo’s website. Do you know - it’s already earning sponsorship dollars (an e-insurance company) for somebody - not for Bo, surely. Without a doubt, in about two weeks, there will be a special Senate ethics hearing quickly put together by the remnants of the GOP, to investigate the firstdogcharlei.com, or will it by then be renamed firstdog/charlei/bo? I can’t wait and will stay tyoooned for the “developing story” as our friends at CNN and Fox will call it. I’m sure Wolf Blitzer people have aleady assigned a bevy of news teams to cover this “developing story”. Oh Gawd, this is a great country, in’st it?
84. Donald | 04.13.09
Wow! It would seem that people don’t have anything better to make news out of things that aren’t newsworthy. The man has the economy and two wars on his back and people are complaining about what personal choice he and his family chooses to make with their DOG! Get a life!!
85. deusXmchna | 04.13.09
Everyone “in the know” knows the conspiratorial roots of PuppyGate. Woodward & Bernstein have copies of tapes between Obama & Kennedy discussing how they wanted a purebred from a breeder, and tapes between Kennedy & the breeder coming up with the whole pseudo-rescue story. The letter drop was behind a fire hydrant, that would be turned 1/4 turn when there was communication. Someone overheard “DeepBone” in the garage whispering “follow the Pupperoni”. If the public finds out, Obama will be impeached, then pat on the head and pardoned. Kennedy will be in the doghouse for a while, but G.Gordon (the dogs real name) will take most of the heat for the whole debacle- be “disappeared” to China and “wok’d” accordingly.
Enough. A rescue is a rescue. The sky is falling. Women are being raped & permanently mutilated with sticks, machetes, or rifle barrels. People all over the world are starving to death- people who would be happy to eat all the unwanted dogs we can send them. We’re in the middle of a couple wars.
Enough about the dog. This is taking attention off of the real issues at hand.
87. 2 decade Dog rescuer | 04.13.09
Hooray for the Obamas for getting a dog at a VERY difficult age, the age most people get rid of pets. THIS IS A RESCUE DOG, PEOPLE!
So what if it’s of a certain breed? Sure, the breeder should have taken him back first before making someone else place him. But they didn’t and hopefully people will recognize that.
They are lucky to get what they want (rescue dog) of the breed they wanted. And a young one, at that!
They have satisfied everyone. Since when is a shelter the ONLY place to get a rescue dog???
The naysayers have got to cut it out. They are the ones bringing this country down, always have.
88. Karen | 04.13.09
First of all it wasn’t the Kennedy’s dog. It was a litter mate and the dog went back to the breeder when it didn’t work out. I seriously doubt he would have ended up in a shelter.
And secondly, in another similar article the president of the Humane Society of the United States said that the Obamas had been notifed of many Portuguese Water Spaniels in shelters around the US and declined to check them out.
When I first heard that they were committed to getting a shelter dog I told my husband I was willing to bet that someone would return a dog (with a fancy pedigree) that supposedly didn’t work out and the Obamas would get it. Not hard to predict how the elite politicians work out these details to make it appear they’re keeping their promises. I don’t expect anything more…
89. Toby | 04.13.09
What should have happened is that the Kennedy’s should have donated him to the shelter, where he would have been under “presidential watch” until the Obamas picked him up there… of course under much celebrated fan fare, etc etc….
This could have been easily arranged with a phone call or two…. It would have made all the naysayers happy about having the animal shelter directly involved! Easy as 1,2,3……
90. Sharon | 04.13.09
Editors I do apologize, but your article is slightly incorrect. Bo is indeed technically in all ways a rescue dog. Breed Club rescue does not operate the way you have mentioned. Dogs are only signed over to the club rescue when a dog can not be kept by it’s owner for various multiple reasons, and/or no breeders of club have bred that dog or are unable to take that dog back for some reason. Dog club breeders have contracts for new puppy owners that say dogs must be returned to them if new owner can not keep their puppy over it’s lifetime. If some dog club breeder does not honor this obligation pressure is applied by the club, and they then most certainly comply. These breeders are very protective of their reputation among their peers and is very important to them. Breeder takes the dog back, and may work with names on waiting list in rescue if she has no people waiting for a dog. This not well known breeder network is wonderful, and works quite well.
The above helps to protect the breed club dogs from becoming shelter dogs. Breed clubs also take into their club rescue any dogs of their respective breed that enter a humane society.
Obama’s daughter does have medical allergies to dogs, so any dog they get absolutely must be a dog of an AKC registered dog breed that does not induce allergies. Any dog with unknown lineage or genetically containing multiple breeds medically would be a definite no. Welfare of Obama’s daughter and the precious dog are of paramount importance. Obama’s had a unique medical condition diagnosis they could not ignore.
Bo is definitely a dog that would technically be considered a rescue dog. He was just lucky he was bred by a responsible breeder/s who assumes care for, and takes responsibility for any dogs he/she/they has/have bred seriously.
We have allergies in our family and it is not easy. I am also a registered nurse, so professionally and personally have experience with this issue.
It was great Ted Kennedy who already has three of this particular breed knew how to use breed clubs and their breed club rescue. Read Kennedy’s were involved in obtaining this particular dog, as they returned to the well respected breeder they got their dogs from. And dog ultimately became a gift from them. No money would have been exchanged. But donations to breed club rescue or humane society are usually required when a dog is obtained this way. And have also read Obamas are giving donation to Humane Society.
I have read Obama’s would have liked to take a mixed breed dog from humane society shelter, but unfortunately medically this was impossible. Ha, makes sense, as President Obama said he would be a considered a “mutt” himself, since he is of mixed race heritage.
I wish the Obama’s well. Joy of having a dog is wonderful. They have researched all aspects out in detail. Obama girls are very excited. I am thrille for them.
91. joe | 04.13.09
Second chance dog my eye. The dog was already living a great life style now it just moved up a notch in life.
I think obama got it from kenndy because it had been raised a liberal and if obama got one from a pound it might have been conserative and bit him….
92. bill | 04.13.09
People don’t or can’t read. This is no rescue dog it came from the kenndy household, I’m sure it was abused there. LOL
At best one could say it went from one liberal house to a bigger liberal house.
Do we the taxpayers have to pay for someone to cleanup after this pup? I guess we do since we have to pay to clean up its masters mess too.
93. Lisa | 04.13.09
So sad that they missed a great opportunity to showcase dog shelters and help alleviate the over population of unwanted dogs. I like Obama but he is repeatedly “missing the mark” and following through on reasons I voted for him
94. Toby | 04.13.09
What should have happened is that the Kennedy’s should have donated him to the shelter, where he would have been under “presidential watch” until the Obamas picked him up there… of course under much celebrated fan fare, etc etc….
This could have been easily arranged with a phone call or two…. It would have made all the naysayers happy about having the animal shelter directly involved! Easy as 1,2,3……
95. Bobbie | 04.13.09
They have a right to buy any dog they want- at least they chose one that has good breeding, needed a home, and will be able to stay there. No one HAS to adopt from a shelter, and President Obama said all along that the allergy considerations would come first.
There wouldn’t be all those dogs in shelters if people quit letting their dogs run around unneutered and without ID. Promoting purebred dogs from reputable breeders (unlike the breeder the Biden’s went to) does reduce the population in shelters and probably more effectively than adopting from a shelter does.
96. buck | 04.13.09
Sen. Kennedy? where did he get the dog and why get the dog if you did not want it.This is a tricky way the Obama’s could get the dog they wanted.They were never going to get a dog from a shelter so get over it.
97. Stacy | 04.13.09
There are this kind of dog in shelters. What are they going to do with all the backyard dogs that are now going to be bred because they want a dog like Obama’s?? Nothing!!!they don’t care. Liars
98. joe | 04.13.09
Oddly enough the name Bo is the same as the new prez’s initials. Kind of vain don’t you think? Now when someone in a forum refers to “BO” will the be talking about Barack or the dog?
99. Melissa | 04.13.09
Another disappointment from President Obama, it’s a simple thing, keeping a promise. It’s too bad integrity is a thing of the past.
100. Masso Winkler | 04.13.09
They needed a dog already housebroken. The dog is 6 months old, hypo allergenic, and comes from documented royal American blood lines. Too bad Ted didn’t have one of these dogs in 1969, or Mary Jo might still be alive! Portuguese Water dog… Ted Kennedy… can it get any more ridiculous? Thanks Mr. President for getting a dog you thought was most appropriate for your family, the White House, and your position. It was a great choice! These dogs are generally easy to train, and are very loyal and intelligent. Some how a pug just wasn’t right. Portugal is a good ally, too. Points gained there as well!
101. Peter | 04.13.09
This piece reads like a satire from the Onion or the Daily Show. The fact that there are actually conservatives who seriously seem this think this is a broken “promise” tells you how bankrupt and out of ideas that movement is.
As a liberal Democrat, there are broken promises that are important and meaningful, like Obama’s backtracking on the state secrets privilege. But an article on that would have to discuss constitutional law, due process, legal matters - you know, all that boring stuff. Far easier and better to drive up Internet traffic by trying to manufacture a fake controversy to use as red bait to bring all the right wing nutjobs out salivating. “Obama gave the Queen an iPod! Michelle touched her! They didn’t get the puppy from a shelter! See he’s a terrible President!”
102. Billy Prescott | 04.13.09
Rediculous. A real change would have been a president with NO dog. To spend time on this nonsense, with the economy in shambles?? Come on, he could have taught the kid’s a valuable lesson on budgeting, and how much it cost’s to own a pet these day’s by foregoing it all.
103. Dino | 04.13.09
First, Obama proves he’s just another lying politician (and I voted for him). And Kennedy should stick to what he does best which is killing girls while driving drunk.
BTW, Bush lied about everything he ever did or said while in office. Remember the WMDs in Iraq? Over 5000 dead and counting and over 3 trillion dollars in costs. So don’t give me that “it’s only Obama who lies” ****.
But for those of you heartless (and mindless) morons who say this isn’t a big deal and get over it (and of course the ridiculously sophomoric “get a life” uttered by you ******* not smart enough to come up with anything more original), then you’ve never been to a kill room at a shelter or seen a dog or cat gassed to death in a gas chamber.
Before you sociopathic thugs tell me what to do or think, go down to your local shelter on kill day. Look into the eyes of a cat or dog as they’ve dying because people continue to buy and then abandon their companion animals. See the pain and suffering they go through and then tell me to get a life.
104. Seabiscuit | 04.13.09
I also remember another promise - the promise not to indulge in nation-building. Breaking that one has cost us trillions in wealth and thousands in terms of lives. And has resulted in the killing of scores and scores and scores of thousands of innocent people..
105. Jay | 04.13.09
This dog was a promise to the daughters and I’m sure ultimately it is their choice to have this dog. With so many trips that the Obamas have to do and not been able to stay with their daughters, I’m sure they will have to give a break every once in a while.
106. Delicacy | 04.13.09
I can not believe we as a country are judging anyone let alone the President for doing what he wants to do for his family. No one is coming into your homes saying “you better rescue a dog or we want like you!” Honestly, he is the President whether you like him or not so get over it, and I promise he probably doesn’t care about what you think about his decision dealing with his family. Honestly people get a life and find other things to worry about beside the fact where the President’s daughters go to school or where they adopt a dog from. Go take of your own families!
107. Charmian | 04.13.09
Oh - now it’s Kennedy conspiracy theory- sneak a dog into the WH to avoid having to get a shelter dog. Good one!
Listen and read people - Obama’s daughter has allergies to dog dander. Also, this is a first dog for the First family. It could not have worked out better. A 6-month old hypoallergenic pup that lost its first home. And, Kennedy has had him trained before gifting him. It is more likely this situation will result in a happy and permanent experience for this new pup and his new family.
I have rescued dogs and volunteered in my local SPCA for many years. One of the main issues of dogs are dropped at shelters is that people take home these cute cuddley warm balls of fur called puppies. Then they expect them to train themselves and to know all the “human” rules. When the puppies grow into adolescence, they often get dumped at the shelters from 6 months - 1.5 years old. They are often out of control with no concept of how to behave in the “human world” because they had little or no training to teach them manners and what is expected of them.
The Obama’s are highly educated and very good at many things - but they are inexperienced with dogs. Dogs are a lot of work and require dedication and training along with love and good food. Let the Obama family have a good experience with a dog that has a head start on things like training and is less likely to create allergic reactions to family members.
A rescue is a dog that someone else did not want. This can be from a home - a stray - a racetrack - a closed down puppy mill - a breed rescue - a shelter or any place else a dog is not wanted.
108. Charmian | 04.13.09
Oh - now it’s Kennedy conspiracy theory- sneak a dog into the WH to avoid having to get a shelter dog. Good one!
Listen and read people - Obama’s daughter has allergies to dog dander. Also, this is a first dog for the First family. It could not have worked out better. A 6-month old hypoallergenic pup that lost its first home. And, Kennedy has had him trained before gifting him. It is more likely this situation will result in a happy and permanent experience for this new pup and his new family.
I have rescued dogs and volunteered in my local SPCA for many years. One of the main issues of dogs are dropped at shelters is that people take home these cute cuddley warm balls of fur called puppies. Then they expect them to train themselves and to know all the “human” rules. When the puppies grow into adolescence, they often get dumped at the shelters from 6 months - 1.5 years old. They are often out of control with no concept of how to behave in the “human world” because they had little or no training to teach them manners and what is expected of them.
The Obama’s are highly educated and very good at many things - but they are inexperienced with dogs. Dogs are a lot of work and require dedication and training along with love and good food. Let the Obama family have a good experience with a dog that has a head start on things like training and is less likely to create allergic reactions to family members.
A rescue is a dog that someone else did not want. This can be from a home - a stray - a racetrack - a closed down puppy mill - a breed rescue - a shelter or any place else a dog is not wanted.
109. Harry | 04.13.09
Who cares as long as the dog and the kids are happy. This guy is a politician. Conjugate a politician : He lied in the past he lies in the present and he will lie again in the future. Despite what his followers want to believe, he is not a god and he will not do everything as “promised”.
He said what he needed to do to get elected. Chapter one over and done. Now lets wait to see how the rest of the story plays out.
110. Molly | 04.13.09
As someone who has devoted many years of her life to dog rescue, I support their choice. This could be a great opportunuity to educate people about responsible breeders vs those who breed for money or “fun” and truly contribute to the problem.
http://canineasylum.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-rescuer-supports-obamas-new-dog.html
111. Ernie | 04.13.09
I fully understand the allergy limitation. However if they wanted a PWD, which is a beautiful breed by the way, they could have found one with little effort. Here’s one right in their area….
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13477448
When my family was looking for a hound dog, we simply went to the petfinder site to see if there were any in our area… Low and behold, there were tons, all rescued from high kill shelters, looking for homes.
This was a sorely, sadly missed opportunity.
112. Bill M | 04.13.09
Bait and Switch. I clicked this link to read why Obama did not adopt a dog. Then read he adopted a dog.
113. Texas Rose | 04.13.09
They never had a dog before, so why get one now? The dog is important because it’s just another look into the real Obama we are stuck with. The dog is just a prop and photo op for the Faux president, since most other Presidents had dogs. And to make him seem more like an average American, instead of the rabid anti-American, “I apologize all the time for my arrogant country to arrogant foreign nations that hate us” Marxist president that he is. Everything about him is calculated and phony to create a “persona” for him - from his books, to his entire campaign to his choosing of a church to his getting a dog. We’ve never had such an insincere, cynical man as President before. And one, with the help of the media, who is able to con so many undescerning Americans.
114. tjk | 04.13.09
Obviously it’s his choice and he can obtain his pet anyway he chooses…I wish he would have rescued a dog from a shelter though…
I chose to rescue 4 dogs from the local shelter…I adopted them one at a time and they are all great pets…My Male Chow stopped a robber that was breaking into my home…These dogs sadly would have all been put down…The Chow I picked up was on his last day before being put down…I stopped off at the shelter and was looking at all the dogs, I spotted this beautiful male chow just laying in the run watching me very calmly.
I asked the lady, whats the story with him since there was no tag on the run. She replied, he is scheduled to be euthanized today his time is up here…I looked at him and he looked back with a look that just said help me…I told her no, he’s being adopted by me, get him ready to go home!
He has been just awesome, just like the other 3! If you have room in your home and room in your heart, there are plenty of pets that you can help save…
115. Leigh | 04.13.09
Gee whiz, all the people so political and negative probably should get a dog yourself. And for those yelling “lies”…you do realize the foolish appearance bringing up such arguments about a puppy story?
Anyway, happy for the girls!
116. Moe | 04.13.09
We adopted a 12 year old dog from a local rescue last year, and now I work there as a volunteer on weekends. I have no problem with how the Obama’s acquired Bo. As far as I’m concerned it was a rescue. It happens all the time, someone calls to say they have a certain dog to surrender and the rescue people know of someone looking for that type of dog and if everything checks out a donation is made and the dog never has to go to the shelter or a foster family. By the way, volunteering at the rescue and/or fostering is very rewarding, you should give it a try.
117. KB | 04.13.09
My dog was abandoned on a farm in Washington state and was going to be sent to a shelter (they do not have “no kill shelers” where this was) when I grabbed her. Does she not constitute “rescue”?
I totally believe in mutts and in shelter dogs, but my gosh, they guy has to serve his little girls first and foremost on this one. It would make him a bad father if he didn’t, which in my book is worse than being a bad dog owner.
118. Meg | 04.13.09
Since this is CSM’s website, the tone of the comments is not surprising. Puh-leaze! How many of you would put your daughter’s health in jeopardy to make some grand public gesture? If you did that, then YOU would be the real hypocrites.
And btw, I remember quite well Obama’s “promise” to adopt, and it was this: “Our PREFERENCE would be to adopt, but…” followed by the explanation of allergies and special breeds that don’t turn up in shelters - which very much implied that they would most likely NOT adopt, though they were willing to check out shelters, just in case. Which is probably why it took them so long to get a dog.
And they are making a donation to a shelter. Have YOU done that yet?
119. Leo | 04.13.09
The dog was originally in another home and didn’t work out there, as sometimes happens. So, the Obamas made good on their promise to adopt a rescued dog. Anybody who would quibble over the fact that Obama didn’t get the dog from an animal shelter is, frankly, a knucklehead.
120. A. Lea | 04.13.09
First of all, the dog was a gift. And from what I understand, he was a sort-of rescue (although he was not going to end up in a shelter). You don’t turn away gifts from important people in a position like that.
Second, it is very hard to find a hypo-allergenic mutt in a shelter. One of their daughters has allergies, so they have to be careful what kind of dog they choose. I think we are way too wrapped up in a very significant event.
I’m happy for the girls to finally have their dog. I think kids should have a pet to teach them responsibility. Best wishes to Bo and the Obamas!
122. Andy G | 04.13.09
The dog is simply fortunate that T Kennedy didn’t drive the dog over himself.
123. chocolatedrop | 04.13.09
First of all, President Obama didn’t promise to get a dog from the rescue shelter. He said, he would consider it. Besides, he’s very close with the Senator Edward Kennedy. He endorsed him early on in the campain, when he was competing against Hillary Clinton.Just to set the record straight.
124. Janet JonesI | 04.13.09
Now that the subject has come up, couldn”t we press for strict control and licensing of breeders of living creatures. If millions are being destroyed as unwanted, that is the number that are being over produced. A materialistic society, such as this one, considers pets as throwaways. They are not. How do other ‘first world’ countries handle this issue? It’s a problem of long standing we can solve. Yes, we can !
125. mimi | 04.13.09
With everything going on not only in this country but the world. This is what the media is making a big deal about. I would have thought The Christian Science Monitor, would have focus on something more important. Rather than the first family getting a gift of a dog, and not adopting a shelter dog.
126. Francine | 04.13.09
Please!!! If they could have any dog, then the shelter would have been fine. But with allergies to consider there would have been a bigger uproar if they had adopted a dog and then had to return it because of the allergy issue. Senator Ted did a good thing by giving a second chance dog a great life. What’s the problem with that? Why does everyone always have to look for the negative?
127. Brenda | 04.13.09
The fact that the United States kills about 3 MILLION unwanted dogs and cats a year is serious to me and many others.
128. Alison | 04.13.09
I work with animal rescue groups and think it would have been a great thing for the Obamas to get a shelter dog, however, they have a responsibility to do what they think is best for their kids. For the Obamas to put their kids in public school and get a shelter dog for political reasons is just wrong.
Many purebred dogs end up at shelters and this dog may have ended up at one had they not taken him. The Obamas donated to the Humane Society and they can still do things to encourage responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Just look at all the discussion this little dog has already caused.
Let’s take this opportunity to stay positive. Animal activists who vilify people just look crazy and hurt the cause.
130. Tonya | 04.13.09
The purebred dog industry orginated in this country as an attempted status symbol for middle class white people who thought a purebred dog made them look rich or special.
The purebred dog industry is very elitist
It is sad to see Obama chasing after those values
(BY the way, there is NO such thing as a hypoallergenic dog)
131. Tonya | 04.13.09
There is NO SUCH THING as a hypoallergenic dog.
That is a lie breeders make up to get people to BUY purebred dogs so breeders can make money and discourage adoption.
Obama didn’t even seem able to figure out that he is being conned.
132. Chris | 04.13.09
For those of you who are exclaiming “we should get over ourselves” or “don’t we have bigger fish to fry” I have a suggestion. Go to your local shelter in let’s say - Georgia, North Carolina, or Arkansas. And watch the shelter staff in their day to day trial of deciding who lives and who dies. And then watch the animals rounded up and stuffed into a gas chamber where they clamor and claw to escape and then slowly die. Or visit one of the thousands of puppy mills across the mid west or in infamous Lancaster County Pa and see the cages on top of cages of sick and suffering animals that are rarely fed, never cleaned and recive no vet care. Where they walk (if they are lucky) on cage wires their whole lives and defecate on the animals below them. Where they are so matted from lack of care you can’t even tell they’re a dog. And if you still think “we should get a life” then perhaps you should get a heart.
133. lisa | 04.13.09
Bush, Clinton, Bush sr, etc were never expected to have shelter dogs. So why all of a sudden is Obama expected to have a shelter dog? He said a shelter dog would be IDEAL. He never promised they would get one. You honestly think them getting a shelter dog would solve the problem? Get real. It might help a little, but of course the overpopulation won’t end until people get a sense of personal responsibility for their animals. The girls have a dog they love that won’t affect Malia’s allergies, and the family made a donation to the DC Humane Society. Get over it and focus on more important things.
134. Sara | 04.13.09
Wrong in nearly every way. First, if someone is a ‘dog person,’ or truly loves dogs, they don’t wait until they are in the public eye, looking to keep their ratings up, (not to mention middle aged), before they get a dog. Second, yes, a campaign promise WAS broken — surprise, surprise. Third, it’s only a pet rescue dog if you want to fantasize it as such — ‘it depends on what your definition of rescue is.’ (Pet rescue is NOT having Ted Kennedy’s breeder provide a dog to someone who then claims not to be able to keep it, and then allowing the Obama’s to ‘rescue’ it. Fourth, breeders/puppy mills everywhere will be getting orders for this breed of dog, simply because people want to emulate their new idol. Fifth, a problem of even greater proportion has now been created for our pet rescuers and rescue centers, who will be overwhelmed with dogs that have been obtained from these breeders but will not be kept for the long term. Sixth, number five creates an even bigger problem — and that is for the animals themselves. What a doggone shame! And I mean it. Please stop making excuses for this inexcusable, self-serving public display.
135. Tammy | 04.13.09
Get a life people. It’s just a dog. Let’s turn our attention to something a little more worthwhile…like the troops in Iraq/Afghanistan, or our economy, etc…
136. Camille Hankins | 04.13.09
Supposedly we elected a President who is different. He is supposed to be about change. Yet, his decisions to date all seem to be business as usual. Corporate and business being more important than what is right and ethical.
But more importantly, he LIED. He out and out LIED. And now that he has lied, he is doing what every slimey politician does, he is covering up his lie with spin. The fact that Kennedy played ****, in the story, does not make this a shelter, rescue or second chance dog.
Now the stage is set for puppy millers and abusive breeders to start “manufacturing” the new fave celebrity breed. And people will pay top dollar. And once again the dogs will suffer alone and in silence. Man’s “best friend” betrayed again. When will it end? When will politicians learn that they cannot lie with impugnity and get away with it? This is primarily about holding our elected officials accountable for their promises.
P.S. There are Portuguese Water Dogs available from rescue groups through PetFinders. Obama could have gone this route and saved a life.
137. Alison | 04.13.09
Texas Rose said:
“The dog is just a prop and photo op for the Faux president, since most other Presidents had dogs. And to make him seem more like an average American, instead of the rabid anti-American….We’ve never had such an insincere, cynical man as President before”
Accusing the president of being anti-American and getting a dog, not because his kids want one but for political gain is the ultimate in cynicism.
And by the way, the president of The United States Of America is not anti-American. Non of us are anti-American. We may have different ideas about the direction the country should go in but we all love America. The most anti-American thing a citizen can do is call another American’s patriotism into question simply because they disagree.
138. Sammy | 04.13.09
If people decide to deem a Portugese Water Dog as the next ‘it’ dog, it speaks more volumes about the American public then it does about Obama. Getting a dog is like falling in love, you just KNOW what qualities you SHOULD go for , but the reality of the situation is, is that a personality who doesn’t tick all the boxes steals your heart. Whats more important is that this dog has got a new loving home. Don’t taint the kids experience by harping on about what they SHOULD have done, let the kids love this pup.
139. Khrish Hill | 04.13.09
You know each and every one of us who owns a dog chose to purchase or adopt the dog that we wanted. This dog is for the children and I feel that the children have a right to have the dog “they” want. I can’t believe that people, especially adults, are so petty about such a decision to take the dog that your children want. Everything this man and his family does is under the microscope. I think that those of you who don’t like the choice of the family dog should think about getting a life.
140. A.J. | 04.13.09
Tammy,
What Chris said. Get a heart.
Chris,
Very, very, very well said. I can’t believe the callousness I’m seeing here from people who say this is not a big deal. It might be a big deal if to them if they were one of the dogs being gassed for no crime other than some snob who has to have a purebred dog didn’t think you were good enough for them. Sheesh.
What a shame. The Obamas could have supported compassion and saving a life, and they chose not to. Typical politicians. (And I’m a Democrat!)
141. jonny | 04.13.09
Show me exactly where it was PROMISED that they were getting a rescue dog please?
This was said:
“We have two criteria that have to be reconciled,” the president said. “One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypo-allergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypo-allergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog. But obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts, like me. So the — so, whether we’re going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household.”
Where is the promise there? Please show me when he said “I promise to get a rescue dog” all of you haters are speaking of…
142. Shripathi Kamath | 04.13.09
UN-FRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE!
This is newsworthy? That an adult decided to change his or her mind about where he was going to get his dog?
What’s next? Obama promised to eat healthy, and someone caught him eating fried macaroni and cheese?
143. Kathy | 04.13.09
I am not an Obama supporter, but in regards to this issue, I think people should mind their own business. When you get a pet, you are adding a member of your family, and making a commitment for life. It is your own, very personal decision how you do that….Do it well, and that pet is LESS likely to end up in a shelter. And besides, the dog was a gift from a friend. So, lay off, people and let the Obamas continue to make what I think are good decisions for their family (if not for the country as a whole…but that’s another discussion entirely.)
144. joanie wenger | 04.13.09
obama is nothing more than a normal democrat. he has now proven that he will say or do anything to gain votes. he has no idea how this lie/mistake will muchroom. he has no idea how many people in this country have now immediately stopped any support of him and his family. mr. and mrs. obama obviously interpeted this gift to be a rescue. it is clear these people are very mistaken if they think this passes for a rescue. oh, is this going to haunt him for the rest of his short political career.
145. Georgia | 04.13.09
Each year over 90,000 dogs and cats are killed in Georgia where I live. Every single day I get emails with fellow rescuers desperately trying to save dogs from being gassed (yes they still do that here). 90,000 animal control and shelter dogs/cats/puppie/kittens a year in GA alone! That is more than the entire country of England! And now GA has one of the highest foreclosure rates. Now there are even more dogs being turned in daily. These are pure bred poodles, labs, yorkies, beagles, etc…family pets that no longer have homes. And my President that I believed in, that I thought would finally give homeless animals a break by adopting? Broke my heart and his promise to these animals. I looked on Petfinder.com with a Wash DC zip code, and pulled up 17 Porties that were in rescue. I will never, ever believe any presidents’ promise again.
146. Georgia | 04.13.09
Each year over 90,000 dogs,puppie,cats,and kittens are killed in just Atlanta. That doesn’t even count the thousands in the rural gassing chamber Animal Control bunkers in Georgia. This more animals than the UK kills per year! And now that GA has one of the highest foreclosure rates, the shelters are flooded with pure bred pets. Obam broke my heart and his promise to these animals. I looked on Petfinder.com with a Wash DC zip code, and pulled up 17 Porties that were in rescue. The dogs and cats of this country really needed a president to set an example by keeping his promise, and adopting from a shelter. Bo came from a Texas breeder, and was NEVER in any danger of being killed. But now a shelter dog will die instead of living in the White House.
147. Georgia | 04.13.09
Each year over 90,000 dogs,puppie,cats,and kittens are killed in just Atlanta, GA area. That is more than the UK kills each year! And now that GA has one of the highest foreclosure rates, the shelters are flooded with pure bred pets. The dogs and cats of this country really needed a president to set an example by keeping his promise to adopt. Bo came from a Texas breeder, and was NEVER in any danger of being killed. But now a shelter dog will die instead of living in the White House.
148. Amanda | 04.13.09
I wish the Obamas had read this plea from a perfect, pure bred, already trained, Portie named Wema that is in a shelter right now. http://hollywooddog.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-family-can-adopt-portugese-water.html
Her plea is the same as all the millions of dogs that will be killed this week, usually Wed. and Fri. are the kill days, in America. If only the Obama family chosen a shelter dog, let their daughters read their heartbreaking stories. A Portie is going to be huge in no time, and not the kind of dog that little girls can hold and cuddle with. Obama chose his dog, not his girls dog.
149. Woody Porter | 04.13.09
One thing you can say about #96 (Texas Rose) for sure…
…that’s a person who REALLY KNOWS how to hate.
150. Woody Porter | 04.13.09
One thing you can say about #96 (Texas Rose) for sure…
…that’s a person who REALLY KNOWS how to hate.
151. Gail | 04.13.09
I was elated that the Obamas decided on a purebred dog from a responsible breeder! This dog has a known history and his parents have had the necessary testing done. Not only that but this dog also meets the non-allergic needs of the Obamas.
Not everyone wants a shelter dog and not everyone wants a mixed breed. People need to be free to get the dog they want without anyone criticizing them.
152. Gail | 04.13.09
I was elated that the Obamas decided on a purebred dog from a responsible breeder! This dog has a known history and his parents have had the necessary testing done. Not only that but this dog also meets the non-allergic needs of the Obamas.
Not everyone wants a shelter dog and not everyone wants a mixed breed. People need to be free to get the dog they want without anyone criticizing them.
153. Tonya | 04.13.09
Obama should have had his wife do a little research.
The AKC that he now is promoting makes money of its money registering puppy mill puppies.
Google search “AKC puppy mills”
The AKC supports the most horrible dog abuse imagined. They lobby WITH puppy mill lobbyists against any kind of humane regulations.
And all so breeders like Obama’s can have pricy “dogs shows” and get their dog sales promoted.
154. Sue White, Hawaii | 04.14.09
I am thrilled that this puppy has found his forever home with the Obamas. I rescue border collies. In my opinion any dog that has been returned to its breeder or to a shelter qualifies as a “rescue”. They have been rejected and need a home. Google “Border collie rescue” and you will find dozens of rescuers and over a year’s time, hundreds of BC’s needing a home. Out of curiosity, when it first came out that the Obamas wanted a rescued Portuguese, I googled “Portuguese Water Dog rescue”. Even on the national PWD site there were NO dogs listed as rescues. That is wonderful news for the breed as PWD’s dogs are not being abandoned by their owners to the extent that other breeds are due to careful breeding and family selections. That the Obamas got an older pup needing a home is great for the puppy and for the Obamas (and for the White House heirlooms). I commend them. I am sure that they were sincere in saying that they wanted to get one from a shelter. As there were not any, this works out well. Even if the dog was not a “rescue” in the classical sense, every puppy deserves a good family. And for a first dog, it really helps if they can anticipate what the dog will be like and its personality traits. While each dog is different it helps to know that the PWD’s usually have a great sense of humor, are playful and stubborn. And while of course there are real problems facing our country, isn’t it fun to follow this puppy saga? We all need a laugh and I think Bo will do that for our country as we watch him grow up.
And who knows, during his second term, once they are seasoned dog owners, they might be ready to add a second pooch from a shelter. And Bo can teach him/her the ropes of living in the WH.
155. GW | 04.14.09
I guess that Kennedy and Obama think we, the American people, are pretty stupid. Here is what we are supposed to believe: several months ago, the Obamas said that they would be getting a dog in April. Low and behold, a Portuguese Water dog is returned to the breeder (e.g. puppy ****) from which he came. Better yet, the breeder in question just happens to be the same one used by Kennedy who has been pushing the Obamas to get this type of dog. WOW - what a “coincidence!” The truth is that Obama is a liar and that now, the moronic masses are going to want to get the same type of dog from a breeder or pet shop or puppy mill. Buy/get a dog from a breeder or pet store or puppy mill and GET ONE IN A SHELTER KILLED. It’s too bad that the 11 Portuguese Water dogs in need of homes and posted on petfinder weren’t good enough for snobs and liars Kennedy and Obama. Same for the dogs in shelters in the DC area and across the nation. I guess 2 million dead dogs a year means nothing to these politicians.
156. Hargrove | 04.14.09
What are the words that have been interpreted to mean a promise to adopt a dog from a shelter?
157. Vicki | 04.14.09
How sad, I expected as much. Well now this will become another over bred dog type. But what do they care, as Obama said months ago they did not want a mutt and that is what is in shelters. I even sent a blog out - over half the dogs at our local Animal Control are purebred. The average age is 6 months to 2 years. That is still puppies in my books. In fact recent they have had so many puppies like 8 weeks old. There are very few pure bred dog breeds I have not seen at just one place animal control. So I can be pretty assure that you can find any breed you want at animal control or a rescue. Congrads on the second chance dog Mr. President.
158. Sander | 04.14.09
Over-promise, underdeliver. Or just renege on another self-serving promise. This is a bait and switch, pure and simple, and not such a great lesson for the kids, no?
159. Merri Lee | 04.14.09
LOL! Complaining about the Obama dog and where the girls go to school. 2 extremely personal family decisions.
Besides, why did the Obamas have kids? Why didn’t they adopt? What about all the kids in foster care?
160. Mar | 04.14.09
“Really!” Do not take me wrong…I do like Obama. I feel it is more of the principal here. You do not make the American public believe you are going to adopt from a shelter and not follow through. What does that say about his future promises and hopes. Will he change directions on those? Granted…he never guranteed an adoption from a shelter, but he made us believe he would adopt a shelter dog. There are hundreds of shelters in the USA and thousands all over the world. I am sure that somewhere he could have found a dog that was suited for his allergic daughter. So that is no excuse. As for the dog they adopted…the breeder said that she would take the dog back. I highly doubt this dog would end up in a shelter. That would be an insult to the breeder. I am happy the dog (Bo) found a great home. Every dog regardless of where they come from…deserves a good home. It is a very good looking dog and this breed of dogs are great dogs and family pets. Additionally, I do give the Obamas credit for donating money to the animal shelters. This will perhaps motivate others to do the same. Maybe in the future the Obamas should consider adopting another dog from a “real animal shelter.” It would be better late than never. This way both girls could have their own dog, Obama shows the American public that he followed through with what he said, and a homeless dog would find a forever home. This would be a win win situation for everyone. Till then, only the best wishes to their new dog Bo.
161. jj | 04.14.09
Did the daughter develop allergies only after Obama made his promise? If Obama wants these decisions (schools, dogs, etc) treated as private matters, he should stop calling press conferences to announce promises he doesn’t intend to keep. He can’t milk the good publicity without actually following through on the promise - not without looking like a liar.
162. Amy | 04.14.09
I was also annoyed that he did not adopt. People stuck in bubbles of ignorance don’t understand that for every dog that is purposely brought into this world through a breeder, puppymill, or because the woman down the street decides that her dog “should experience the joy of birth” - there are dogs and puppies that are forced into gas chambers or who take needles into their legs and are put to death. Healthy, happy, fun creatures who have to be killed because there aren’t enough homes. It’s sickening. When Obama says he will adopt, he should adopt. It makes sense for the President to stick to his word, so that his word actually has meaning. Anyway, now that millions of people will be scurrying out to “buy” this breed of dog, it’s a sad day for dogs everywhere. The saddest thing is that there are breed rescues that focus on dogs who have been given up, abandoned, etc - and I am sure Obama could have found this same breed within a rescue.
163. Anne | 04.14.09
This is the most ridiculous issue to get upset over. I’m glad to see many posts above saying the same. Let’s look at this from a practical point of view, though. Shelter dogs and rescue dogs can be wonderful to have, yes, but they can also have problems. Here’s what the Obamas needed: a dog Malia wouldn’t be very allergic to, who is already partially trained, and who run in fear from or bite the press corps or others visiting the White House. Imagine the scandal if the first dog freaked out because of a certain scent the Queen of Britain was wearing and attacked her. They took in a dog, and a dog that wasn’t wanted to begin with. And what would be the problem if they went to a breeder? Breeders are governed by laws and regulations too, and very few of them are similar to puppy mills. Usually, they’re very clean with much more room for the dogs than a rescue shelter has. Let’s not punish people because they want a purebred.
164. Diane V | 04.14.09
Obama doesn’t know how to tell the truth - when will people get it that he’s a charming liar just like Bill Clinton.
165. dgenrationx67 | 04.14.09
no nono you got it wrong the kndys gave that dog to them is that any means of the prsidants lies no he did adopt dosent he sell the dogs any way
168. Christie | 04.14.09
It isn’t about whether his children are allergic ( I am sure there are pwd rescues out there so that is a CROCK), It isn’t about whether there is “bigger news” ( DUH we all know there is bigger and more important news), It doesn’t matter if you don’t care what kind or even IF the president gets a dog or not…..IT IS ALL ABOUT HIS CHARACTER AND LYING!
He lied to get into office , I know “so what every politician does” but NOT every politician brain washed the majority of the public the way he did. During the whole election I could not believe how blind people were to this man! YES this is an important story BECAUSE you should remember this in 4 years when the lying sack runs for office again!
171. Timus | 04.14.09
I guess they could have the Kennedy’s send the puppy to a pound and then they could have adopted it from a pound and that would have made you whiners happy right? No? I didn’t think so either. So..Bottom line he got a dog that someone didn’t want that was going to end up in a pound or a rescue home!!!
172. Vivian | 04.14.09
I can’t believe this bothers people. Ted Kennedy gave him a gift. What was he supposed to do, throw the dog back in his face? Maybe **** adopt a dog later, maybe he won’t, but either way, big deal. Sometimes you plan to do things, and then life intervenes. Only if you’re famous does anybody get on your case about it.
I guess this shows Obama’s doing a great job, if this is the worst thing they can find to pin on him.
173. Morgan | 04.14.09
dude you people have no life whatsoever. It’s a dog, and you people are acting like you chose having a baby over adopting one in need. Calm the f down I’m sick so sick of you people. This is really annoying. He’s human. We all change our minds, and ever think that maybe his wife didn’t want to adopt. Also maybe you should be glad because it’s probably better that he get one that they can raise from start rather then going out and adopting a dog that could cause people to bring up more
174. MJ | 04.14.09
Man, some of you people are impossible to please and such negativity towards our new President..
Give the man a break- cut him some slack… Someone is always ready to knock him down- you guys are like vultures….Why don’t you just lynch him and get it over with?……LIGHTEN UP FOLKS—be positive if you can..
OR- shut the heck up… It took Bush 8 years to get us into this mess…Give Obama some support and time…A bit of personal space might help…..After all he is only human….comprende?
175. Coronella Keiper | 04.14.09
President Barack Obama told the truth and kept to his good plan, and now his daughters have a non-shedding puppy who was being thrown out of one home for some reason, and so the cute puppy dog was sheltered at Senator Ted Kennedy’s. Although Senator Ted Kennedy is not a dog shelter, his home became a dog shelter. And this was perfect for both the Obama family and the American people: Because the Kennedy family loves dogs and has dealt with training them for life with a socially active family, the pup has been well cared for and trained; and so President Obama in the high position which he is in can concentrate on his mandate to help us Americans; and his family has a pup which did not have a home and now has one; and we have a First Family which continues to exemplify what America and Americans stand for.
Coronella Keiper, State of Rhode Island and Providence Farmlands.
176. Pam | 04.14.09
One of my dogs was from a pound and the other was a rescue from being sent to the pound. They both shed and now one of my daughters is allergic to dogs. They never had a problem with our other Lhasa/Wheaten/Spaniel mix but that was more luck. The next time I look for a dog I will have to be a lot more selective because it’s not worth making my children suffer. You can’t always tell what kind of a coat a mixed breed dog will have.
177. Sean | 04.14.09
meh big deal….politician says one thing does another, oh no!
but for all of the people prattling on about ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs, please do a little research. There is no such animal. Research has shown that supposed hypoallergenic dog breeds still cause allergies.
From Wikipedia: Some dog breeds have been promoted as hypoallergenic because they do not shed their hair, shed very little, or have the same pH as human hair. However, no canine is known to be completely nonallergenic. Poodles and Poodle hybrids are commonly mistaken as being hypoallergenic, when in reality they are known to cause different forms of allergies, including bronchitis, as does any breed of dog.
178. Helen Storey | 04.14.09
As someone who is involved in helping promote the adoption of shelter animals, it is very disappointing to learn that the first dog came from a breeder, when it would have been just as easy for the Obama family to adopt any number of suitable dogs. For all the people who prefer to believe that it is impossible to find a good dog in a shelter, check out the Portuguese Water Dog I found in a single search at my local shelter http://www.wuffingtonwag.com. He is only 2 years old ! Adopting a dog would have brought so much needed awareness to the problem at hand and encouraged more people to do the same. Now the reverse will happen, as breeders work overtime to meet the demand and families clamor to have a dog ‘just like Bo’. Sadly many of these dogs will end up in shelters when the novelty wears off. It may ‘just be a puppy’ and yes there are certainly many pressing issues that the President has to contend with, but every action has its consequence, and this one could have saved the lives of some of the millions of deserving dogs that are killed every year in our shelter system simply because there are not enough good homes to go round
179. grace | 04.14.09
The dog got a good home. Be a good boy, otherwise you are going back to shelter. Good luck BO!!!
180. Lorianne | 04.14.09
My daughter is allergic to the world, but she adopted and has managed to live with a shelter dog for the past ten years using a method called brushing, bathing, and keeping the dog free of unneccessary pollen, dander, etc. LOVE requires some effort folks!
There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. The actual breeder of the pup said she has a contract with people she sells to that says they will return the dog to her if they aren’t happy. She would have resold that pup no problem (which she probably did to Kennedy) — it’s not a shelter dog, it’s not a second chance dog…it’s a pure bred dog from a breeder.
181. Priscilla | 04.14.09
This is huge disappoint to me. He could have set an example and encouraged people to adopt. As far as I’m concerned a lie is a lie. I would be willing to bet he never planned to adopt.
182. Todd | 04.14.09
He’s hitting double digits on broken promises, shocking I’m sure. Maybe someday in the next year or two his cheering section (press) will once again ask themselves “Who is this guy”? Maybe you all will learn you don’t elect someone solely on their excellent, scripted speech making skills. Good try though, Lord knows none of the presidents since Reagan were worth 2 cents, so Obama was probably no worse of a train wreck than McCain would have been.
183. CP | 04.15.09
Actually the dog never would of gone to a shelter. The original adopting party is contractually obligated to RETURN THE DOG TO THE BREEDER if they do not want it. It isn’t a unusual agreement for a breeder or even pound or shelter to require the adopting party to do this.
It looks like it was a shell game the whole time. Do with it what you want but two things are for sure, (1)He broke his promise and (2) legally the dog should have been returned to the breeder.
184. Ernie | 04.15.09
I think it’s phenomenal that no one actually reads any of these comments.
I posted a petfinder link 2 days ago (comment 111) showing a PWD at a shelter in the DC area, if that was really the dog they wanted (due to allergies), yet half of the comments since then have been by people saying “It’s hard to find a hypoallergenic dog at a shelter” or “do you really expect him to endanger his daughter…” or “he has to serve his daughters first, or that would make him a bad father”… and on and on. Apparently these folks just don’t bother to read, just as Obama just didn’t bother to look.
so why comment, yet again? out of sheer frustration.
It would have been a wonderful example to set, and a very easy one as well, but apparently no thought was actually given to the matter, which I find sorely disappointing.
185. OG | 04.15.09
totally agree, this is very disappointing. The notion of “pure breed” dogs(should be called inbreeding) is ludicrous in the first place. Obama should know better than most that purebred means squat, in fact they usually have more problems than cute lil’ mutts!!!!
186. Jenny | 04.18.09
Very disappointing. There are so many loving dogs that need a home. Yet, the Obamas have chosen to accept one that is an elite. Why would the Obama’s be very public about considering a shelter dog, and then make this decision, knowing that their decision could impact those of other prospective shelter adopters. To me, this makes it look like a shelter dog is not good enough. Huge disappointment, just really huge. “Do as I say, not as I do?”
187. regular monitor reader | 04.18.09
I know the periodicals and monitor are trying to get more subscribers and clicks. Why not publish all comments if they are not obscene, incite violence, etc. (not protected speech)? I am surprised to read this curt statement below. I do not find it inviting to blog here. It could just be a waste of time to blog, never getting published. Who decides anyway? Sounds arbitrary.
I’m concerned that this blurb below really dissuades many from participating, and enjoying the monitor chatter. It sounds to me like the monitor is censoring speech. I’m sure that is not what is happening, but could you reword this blurb below so it sounds friendlier?
“Do not write a novel. Keep it short.” - Would be better as: We cannot publish blogs that exceed — lines due to length.
“Come up with your own statements” is condescending to your reader. How about: We encourage original prose and thinking.
Also, it is better to take the “we regard” out of the last sentence, and put “which are”. It sounds too censor-like. Also, most writers don’t know what the legal definition of defamation is. Perhaps you should define it, and the different rules that apply to a public figure vs. private figure.
Thank you.
188. Jane | 04.19.09
It does matter, maybe it shouldn’t have been front page news but it does matter. One little thing he did such as simply getting a dog from the shelter or a rescue group would make a huge difference. If he wanted a Portuguese water dog he could have went to a rescue based on that breed. I do think this news was a little out of hand but it’s true, he would have made a huge difference if he had kept his promise. If he can’t even keep this simple promise, what bigger promises would be thrown away? This was a disappointment, and he should feel sorry. He could have saved a life, even if it’s a dogs life by doing so he would have saved more from his actions. If he didn’t ‘adopt’ that dog someone else would have without a timed death sentence.
191. Peggy | 05.03.09
Not sure about this, but I understand Bo’bama was adopted in the strictest sense of the word. He was returned to the kennel by his original owners because he was too much of a handful for them. It sounds reasonable, as those dogs are pretty busy!
192. Amy West | 05.16.09
One thing all of the previous ignore is that this is the first dog the First Family has had. Even the “Dog Whisperer”, Caesar Millan, said that this family needed to take as their first dog one that was balanced, not one that had “issues” or “problems” that had caused it to be abandoned or ended up in a shelter. The Obamas do not have the skills or knowledge to deal with that yet and it would do no good for any dog they “rescued” unless a professional handler moved into the White House with them. What kind of gift would that be for the children, living with a potentially dangerous dog? On the other hand, this dog has been given a second chance at a new family and a start by a friend with being trained. Now the Obamas can take over and learn how to be dog owners responsibly. That is a rescue all in itself. So all the Abbie Moores have to be realistic and a bit empathetic to the children, to the family, and to the dog also.
193. Allergies | 11.15.09
It would have been ideal that Obama adopted a shelter dog but in this case it was necessary to get a dog that was hypoallergenic for the kids.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Nancy | 04.13.09
Thank you for bringing this up. I for one, was very disappointed when I found out that he did not rescue a dog! He promised!!! And there was no mention of the broken promise.
I think it’s a disappointment for all those involved in rescue work. It would’ve been an inspiration to all to rescue.