Dog in the house–the White House, that is
By Kim Campbell Thornton
December 1, 2008
The economy continues to tank, terrorists strike India, and Thailand is facing a coup, but America’s 68 million or so dog owners–and just about everyone else, it seems–are waiting with bated breath to find out which dog will become the Presidential Pooch.
Okay, so I’m one of them, but not because I want the presumptive First Family to choose my breed (Dog forbid!) or because I want them to make a statement by adopting a mutt from a shelter or a purebred from a rescue group. I want for them the same thing I want for every individual or family who is considering acquiring a dog: to make the right choice for themselves, their circumstances and their lifestyle based on solid knowledge about types of dogs and what they’re like to live with, not just on their looks or reputation.
I laughed at the current New Yorker cover depicting Obama–assisted by Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod–interviewing a candidate for the position of First Fido as a line of other dogs await their turn. But ya know what? Meeting lots of dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and mixes and talking to lots of breeders and shelter and rescue personnel and other dog owners is exactly what the Obamas should be doing in their quest for a dog. It’s what everyone should do, especially when facing special circumstances like, oh, I don’t know, a child with allergies, life in a fishbowl, frequent contact with dignitaries and the press (and I don’t mean tooth-on-flesh contact), and family members who have different desires and expectations for a dog, such as big and rambunctious versus “girly.”
I’m not going to get into the whole “girly dog” controversy except to say two things. One, Obama strikes me as someone with a dry sense of humor, so he could be pulling our collective leg. Two, there’s a reason we have more than 400 dog breeds and an infinite variety of mixes and crosses: different people want different things from dogs. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
As we watch the Obamas seek out their new dog, what I’m really hoping is that we all learn some patience as well as some tips on the dog search process. That’s a big burden to put on a family that’s already piled high with expectations, but what I’m hearing from them so far makes me happy. In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, Michelle Obama said:
“The deal with the dog was we would get a dog after we got settled, because as responsible owners, I don’t think it would be good to get a dog in the midst of transition. So when we settle, get in a routine, we think late winter or early spring, we’re going to get the dog. We cut that deal with the kids before America knew about it, so they’re good with it, but Americans, they’re ready for us to get the dog now.”
Her husband (whom I suspect will be outvoted when it comes to type of dog unless he can do some of that fancy talkin’ he’s known for) added: “People are sending suggestions and we’re taking it all under advisement.”
Who knows? Maybe getting a dog on impulse will become passe. If Malia and Sasha can do their research and wait more than two years to get their dog, America, so can you. (I can dream, can’t I?)
And once they’ve made their choice, Obama can tackle the really big questions of our time: what to feed the dog and how to train him.
Wouldn’t it just rock if they got a pitbull?
Comment by Janeen — December 1, 2008 @ 9:23 am
Excellent piece!
Patrick
Comment by PBurns — December 1, 2008 @ 9:59 am
Over-analysis can lead to paralysis. Too many choices are not a good thing either. Getting a dog isn’t that big a deal. Raising a dog is the big deal.
However, if they got an ABPT, AST or SBT it would sure send a positive message to the millions of dog owners who are living as second-class citizens across N. America because of the breed or appearance of their dogs.
On the other hand, a little dog with personality and joie de vivre might be just what the Dogtor ordered for the kids.
I’m sure that once they make their move, prominent trainers will be lining up to assist them. I would advise them to avoid celebrities and go for those with lots of references from owners of happy, well-adjusted dogs. Just saying…
Comment by Selma — December 1, 2008 @ 11:09 am
I think it would be fabulous if they got a pitbull or a retired racing Greyhound, but mainly I want them to have what they want, not what’s politically correct or what will send a message, wonderful though that would be. And I’m curious whether Michelle or Barack had a dog as a child; no one has asked that as far as I know.
Comment by Kim Thornton — December 1, 2008 @ 11:18 am
I think they should get something graceful like a Dane. I think a Boxer in the office would be great and it create a reporter frenzy.
Comment by Animals Away — December 1, 2008 @ 11:21 am
Aren’t all these short haired breeds a problem with allergies?
Comment by straybaby — December 1, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
Well, gosh, we just finished an article on this for Parade magazine. Short-haired dogs SHED more (because their hair falls out more frequently, in a faster grow-shed cycle). But HAIR has little to do with allergies. It’s the dander, not the fur.
So, a short-haired dog could be less likely to cause sneezes and wheezed because the hair cycles more frequently, while long hair holds more dander. BUT … you can even the score with weekly bathing.
No dog is truly non-allergenic. But some breeds seem more tolerable to some allergy sufferers than others.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — December 1, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Actually, dog allergies are caused by the proteins found in dog dander. But also the saliva, blood and urine. Hence why there is no such thing as a non–allergenic dog. So a true hypo-allergenic dog would have to have no skin, no spit, and it couldn’t bleed or pee.
The reason why Poodles and Schnauzers are usually a good dog for someone with allergies is because they only shed their skin about every three weeks. While many of the short haired dogs do so every three-four days.
Comment by Danielle — December 1, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
I suspect that the White House staff will stay ahead of the dander and various other proteins. Just don’t let the dog sleep with the allergic child …
Comment by schnauzer — December 1, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Actually, I was hoping for a cat.
Actually, I was hoping for a Siamese cat (classic type).
Actually, I was hoping for TWO totally independent, highly snobby, demanding, vocal, Imperial Siamese who would (trust me, I know!) re-organize the White House in a whiff, teach everybody - including the President - humility and would shred every piece of dachshund-legged furniture …. :)
One can dream, neh?
;)
MaKo
Comment by MaKo — December 3, 2008 @ 6:12 am