Obama Drama Over Dog Decision

Everyone is weighing in on the Obama doggie drama. Even the American Kennel Club gave advice to the First family on those breeds which may be best for children with allergies such as the Maltese. I suspect that president elect Obama is going to choose a pet who makes the best impression. Perhaps he will pick the most photogenic or one full of character. He recently told CBS' 60 Minutes that the dog will not require a "transition team" but the breed of dog will be picked after they have had time to settle into the White House.

Last September CBS televison aired a reality show called "Greatest American Dog. " The dogs were initially chosen from videos sent into the producers and the winner of the competition was chosen by contest judges hand-picked from famous canine magazines like "Dog Fancier" and "Dog World." The dogs of all kinds were put through tremendous challenges each week for obedience and character. Amazingly during one of the shows the patient pets were asked to sit and stay while a live elephant swung his trunk, bellowed and even stood over the dogs which was absolutely frightening and unsafe for the dogs. I remember one tiny white Maltese-cross named Andrew who stood fast at the handler's commands despite the experience. Unfortunately this faithful little dog lost out to a younger and more personable speckled hunting breed named Presley, because the loyal and loving Maltese had "separation anxiety issues" with its owner and the show's producers needed a dog that could be shown to the public and media comfortably away from the owner at times. All the dogs were trained to go through obstacle courses and taught to dig out hidden objects as well as jump into their owner's arms from a high and dangerous scaffold. They were asked to do tricks television and movie dogs are usually asked to do like "go back" and "touch this" from a distance and by voice command without being touched by their handlers in any way. The White House dog should be this smart and special.

A dog's personality can be as diverse as the people who care for them. Shelter dogs make great companions when they come out loving and thankful to be adopted. Unfortunately many have experienced tremendous abuse or lack of appropriate healthcare or other traumas which might require a lot of work from the handlers before the dog would be ready to be put in highly social situations. The disposition of any dog would be more important than the bloodlines. Registered purebreds only ensure what kind of dog you have and are not necessarily any guarantee of a good doggie disposition or temperment.

Any White House dog cannot afford to be camera shy nor aggressive toward people and small children in any way. Dogs which have nonallergenic hair also require excessive grooming. Large dogs grow rapidly and require special bone, teeth and dietary care. Any presidential dog would need to be expertly trained and exercised each day. I believe a retired greyhound, police K-9 or former guide dog for the blind would be an excellent choice because they are used to people and social situations and have a special grace and intelligence as former working animals. They know how to behave under pressure.

Starting with a puppy may sound like fun, but it is a lot of work. The upside of adopting a six-to-eight week old puppy is that hopefully there is no emotional or psychic baggage and you can train the dog specific to your own needs. The downside is the house-breaking, but with so-called "puppy pads" and other modern supplies that are pre-scented, this should not be an issue. A puppy needs a lot of love and attention, something which the First family may not be able to afford right away during the administration adjustment. A small dog would be a good choice for traveling since they are easy to carry in a car or plane, but a large dog can do tricks and maneuvers tiny dogs cannot such as opening doors and pulling a cart or sled. Dogs need regular checkups and vaccinations, collars, leads and feeding dishes. It would be nice to see a female dog give birth inside the White House and to watch the puppies have the run of the lawn.

Whatever dog the Obamas choose, I am glad to see they feel it necessary to add a dog to their new environment. Dogs truly are our best friends and loyal companions and will help them cope and even lower their blood pressure as they move forward into the frantic future challenges ahead as First family.