"If You Want a Friend in Washington, Get a Dog!"

When Truman made this comment, he was making a very true statement about the mean spirited climate in Washington DC. As we all know, that climate is far worse today than it was during Truman's time. And it seems that our eagerly anticipated President Elect, Barack Obama, has taken President Truman's advice to heart and promised his daughters a puppy when they arrive at the White House.

In his acceptance speech President Elect Obama told his daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7: "I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us."

Although concern over the White House dog may seem trivial in light of all the serious problems President Elect Obama will face, it should be understood that a White House dog is a time honored American tradition. More than half of our presidents have owned dogs ranging from mutts to purebreds, pit bulls to poodles. So the question, "What kind of dog should President Elect Obama get?" is actually a very important and pertinent one.

There are some factors that the Obamas must bear in mind when choosing a dog. First, one of their daughters is allergic to dogs, so a "hypo-allergenic" dog would be a good choice. But, the dogs that are known to be fairly hypo-allergenic don't really seem to convey the image that one would hope the President of the United States would project. One dog that is said to be safe for people with allergies is the Chihuahua. Another is the Poodle. Then there are some other dreadful looking hairless varieties that I just don't even want to mention!

To my way of thinking, none of these choices convey the decisiveness, loyalty, dependability, steadfastness, and intelligence that should be emanating from the White House in the days to come. So, for my two cents worth, I say the Obamas should choose an American Bulldog or a mixed breed rescue dog of this type.

The American Bulldog is a handsome, all-American breed that evolved from the English bulldog. American Bulldogs are taller, leggier, easier keepers, and incredibly well-known for their loyalty, intelligence, friendliness, and all-American good character. My own favorite dog, Freckles, was an American Bulldog, type. He was surely no purebred, but he had that look about him, and he exhibited all the wonderful qualities of the breed. I believe my Freckles or a dog like him would be a great canine representative of our nation.

Many dog lovers have opined that President Elect Obama should get a rescue dog, and I agree. A rescue dog of this type would especially convey the sense of hope and recovery that we will need in the days to come. An American Bulldog or similar type from a shelter would be a great choice. Also, there are American Bulldog Rescues, just as there are rescue organizations established for ever breed of dog. Sometimes there is concern that rescued dogs are an "unknown quantity"; however, a thorough veterinary and behavioral examination would rule out any problems that the dog might face. As far as allergy problems are concerned, this type of dog has a short, easily groomed, coarse coat that should not pose too many problems with allergies. So, I would think that, with the resources at hand for both the Obama girls and the puppy, any medical problems that may arise could surely be dealt with effectively.

Or...there is another alternative as outlined by Meghan Daum in the LA Times. The Obamas could have two dogs! That is certainly not unheard of. George Washington had 10 hounds, JFK had 7 dogs, & Teddy Roosevelt had a regular menagerie* in the White House that included a bear, a badger, a macaw, a lizard, a hyena, snakes, guinea-pigs, a hen, a rooster with one leg, a rabbit, three ponies, a barn owl and a pit bull! So perhaps the Obamas should have two dogs: A cute little Poodle or Chihuahua for the girls and a calm, steady, loyal American Bulldog (type) for Dad.

As I write this, yet another solution comes to mind. President Elect Obama is well-known for knowing when to ask for help and being wise enough to consult with experts who can help him make informed decisions. Perhaps it is time for him to call in an expert to help him decide on a dog. Cesar Millan springs immediately to mind. I think he would be an excellent choice as an advisor to the White House in all matters canine! Yes, the more I consider it, the more I believe, this is a job for the Dog Whisperer!

*American Presidents' Dogs

http://www.dog-names.org.uk/american-presidents-dogs.htm