Obama Family Dog

Obama’s ‘First Dog’ Chosen

jhayes — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:46:20 GMT

Bo gets a second chance, but shelters don’t get the boost they were hoping for

By Best Friends staff

Since Best Friends launched the web site ObamaFamilyDog.com last summer, hopes have been high that President Obama and his family would choose to adopt from a shelter or breed rescue organization, and in so doing set an example that could help save millions of animals euthanized each year in our country. Since then, the President has said in interviews that the family would be looking for a “shelter dog.”

However, over the weekend, it was learned that the First Dog would be a Portuguese water dog produced by a breeder and given as a gift to the First Family by Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. Now named Bo, the 6-month-old pup needed “rehoming” after having been returned to the breeder by the original family who purchased him.

“We’re happy that a dog that needed a second chance has found a loving home,” said Kelli Ohrtman, campaign specialist for Best Friends. “But a great opportunity was missed to send a clear message that there are currently hundreds of thousands of shelter dogs in this country who are desperate for homes."

“We were so happy when the President announced that the family would seek a shelter dog and, naturally, we’re disappointed that this did not happen,” Ohrtman said. “He could have had a bigger impact on the overpopulation problem if he’d set an example for other Americans by adopting a dog directly from a shelter. Many people mistakenly see shelter dogs as inferior, and don’t even want to step foot into shelters. This needs to change, and we wish that the President and his family could have been the catalyst that would bring hope to these deserving dogs.”

Since last July, Best Friends’ ObamaFamilyDog.com site has attracted more than 50,000 signatures urging the President to adopt from a shelter. Best Friends also led an effort to list large numbers of dogs available for adoption and hosted a Facebook page dedicated to the Obama dog topic. “Our intention with the ObamaFamilyDog.com site was to spur a national conversation about the importance of adoption; and we did see that happen—people from all over the country participated, and we are grateful to all of them,” said Jon Dunn, social marketing manager for Best Friends.

One more thing to consider: along with other animal welfare organizations, Best Friends (through its Puppies Aren’t Products campaign) has trumpeted the importance of choosing not to purchase dogs from pet stores or via websites, which usually stock dogs bred in puppy mills. While the Obamas’ dog did not originate in a puppy mill, Ohrtman said there is a possibility that heightened media exposure of the breed could cause a spike in demand for Portuguese water dogs, which could, in turn, cause puppy mills — large commercial breeding operations — to flood the pet store market with animals that may ultimately find their way into shelters.

“It’s simply not necessary to go to a breeder for a purebred dog,” Ohrtman added. “Petfinder.com today lists several Portuguese water dogs at shelters in the United States, including a female right there in the D.C. area. We hope the general public will see that they can get the dog they want from a shelter.”

► Remember, there are thousands of homeless companion animals at shelters and rescues nationwide. Please help save a life and search through Petfinder to find one near you.

► Join the No More Homeless Pets community to learn more about how you can help animals locally and nationally.

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photos courtesy of The White House Blog

Choosing the "First Dog"

cmoon — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:08:02 GMT

Obamas’ decision could have "101 Dalmatians" effect.

For complete story, click here.

Photo by Lutz Mischa Heitmüller as seen on Wikimedia.org.
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff

Perfect Dog for the Obamas

jhayes — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:03:43 GMT

Rescued “golden doodle” in The White House would send strong message to future pet owners

Here’s the perfect solution to the Obama family dog dilemma.

Two golden doodle puppies from Missouri fit the Obama Family’s criteria for “First Dog” perfectly. Described as having a “ridiculous amount of adorable,” the standard poodle, golden retriever mixes, who were rescued from a puppy mill, are patiently waiting at their foster home in Colorado Springs for a call from The White House.

“Our two Golden Doodle Girls—Stella and Susie—are only four months old and waiting for a loving home—and The White House would be just fine with them,” said Theresa Strader of National Mill Dog Rescue. “They were not in very good shape when we got them; they had various infections including pneumonia, which is common with dogs rescued from puppy mills. But now they are in perfect health and are ready to get on with the rest of their lives.

National Mill Dog Rescue often partners with Best Friends helping to find homes for dogs—usually purebred animals—rescued from puppy mills, large scale commercial mass breeding operations that supply pet shops across the United States.

“Puppy mills are out-of-sight, out-of-mind with the general public,” says Julie Castle, director of community programs for Best Friends Animal Society. “If the Obamas were to adopt Stella or Susie, it would go a long way toward educating Americans about the conditions in puppy mills, which will decrease the demand for these dogs in pet shops.”

Best Friends’ national campaign against puppy mills made the headlines recently when the management of the upscale mall, The Beverly Center, announced it was terminating the lease of “Pet Love,” a store that sold puppy mill dogs for thousands of dollars. This followed months of peaceful, informational protests by Best Friends and other animal welfare groups.

The adoption of Stella and/or Susie would go a long way toward sending a strong message to current and future pet owners: Adoption, coupled with effective spay-neuter programs, enables abused, abandoned dogs to obtain a new lease on life and helps control pet overpopulation.

Strader said, “After helping Stella and Susie to become healthy, their foster family here in Colorado Springs has taught them so many new things. They are both really smart, in just one week they have already learned the basic commands; come, sit, lie down and stay.”

Stella and Susie are housetrained (which should put White House housekeepers at ease). “Stella is more laid back with a very sweet and outgoing temperament but happy to have several naps a day,” Strader added. “Susie is a bit more of a wild child - very energetic and a bit nosy, but also very loving and sweet.”

“We truly believe that adopting either of these darling girls would be a great choice for the First Family,” Strader added. “They definitely had a very difficult beginning but are perfect models for what can be achieved when tender, loving care is given to animals in need.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

► You can also set a good example for others, while knowing in your heart that you helped to save a life. When adding a companion animal to your family, please choose to Adopt, Don’t Shop. Go to your local animal shelter or rescue organization or visit Petfinder to search through thousands of homeless pets.

► Support organizations like National Mill Dog Rescue, which rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes discarded puppy mill dogs and promotes national educational programs aimed at putting an end to the pain and suffering of commercial breeding dogs.

► Join the No More Homeless Pets community to learn more about how you can help animals locally and nationally.

For more information:
• Obama Family Dog Website
• Obama Family Dog community
• Could This Be the Next First Puppy?

Courtesy of John Polis, Best Friends Animals Society
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff

Best Friends to President-Elect Obama on Adoption

scratchtopaz — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:06:47 GMT

“Criteria to be reconciled”? We have solutions!

by Jon Dunn, Best Friends Animal Society

The housing crisis, the war in Iraq, unemployment, and Wall Street are all important issues facing America today. But in his first press conference as President-Elect, Barack Obama addressed a major issue in his own life.

The family dog.

The Obama girls Sasha and Malia have been waiting for this day for a long time. And to hear their Dad talk about a shelter dog must have been a thrill, not only to them but the millions of Americans concerned about the millions of animals dying in shelters every year.

During the conference on Friday, Obama addressed the needs of the family.

"This is a major issue," he said. "We have two criteria that have to be reconciled."

He said his daughter Malia is allergic to dogs, so the lucky pooch will have to be hypoallergenic.

"Our preference is to get a shelter dog," Obama said. "But a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me."

What President-Elect Obama seems to not understand, is that purebred dogs are available from shelters!

Addressing the misconception:

On the vast adoptable pet website petfinder.com thousands of purebred dogs are available right now!

According to a search of Petfinder carried out Friday, there are more than 300 poodle and poodle-mix puppies available for adoption across the country right now! All told, there are more than 300,000 adoptable of all kinds available through Petfinder.com.

Anyone looking for a dog of any kind (regardless of breed, age, sex, or color) should take the following steps.

1. Get online
2. Get to Petfinder.com
3. Use the search function to find the kind of dog you are looking for
4. Find your perfect match, and contact that rescue group or shelter!

It’s just that easy!

President-Elect Obama (and the rest of us!), don’t let misconceptions stand in the way of adopting a rescued dog!

Obama Making Good on One Campaign Promise

scratchtopaz — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:11:14 GMT

On a night to accept the choice of the American people, Obama doesn’t forget a very important promise he made

By Jon Dunn, Best Friends Animal Society

It seems like an eternity ago that then candidate Barack Obama promised his daughters a dog should he win the Presidency. Best Friends members jumped into action after that announcement. More than 50,000 of you signed a petition, thousands joined a facebook group, a myspace group, helped us spread the word through Twitter, and dugg the story on Digg.

The message was a simple one. ADOPT a dog Obamas (and anyone else looking for a new family member!). With millions of animals dying in shelters every year, and commercial breeding operations supporting a pet store industry that puts more dogs out there than are needed, adoption is the best first choice.

About a month ago, the announcement was made on Entertainment Tonight. Michelle Obama clearly stated an adopted dog would find its way into their family. Success (should Obama claim victory)!!

Let us now fast forward to last night. Obama, fresh off the major news networks declaring his victory; he took to the stage in Grant Park in his hometown of Chicago. With 200,000 people at the park, and millions around the world watching on, the ‘Thank Yous’ began: his campaign manager, the American people, his wife and kids. But before he moved on to his first speech as President-Elect, he had one more item of note. He said to his kids, “I love you more than you can imagine and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."

So what now? Best Friends has made an offer to the Obamas to help them find their new puppy. With a world class staff knowledgeable in the areas of adoption and training, Best Friends would be more than happy to make sure the Obamas find an animal that has a first home, forever home with the Obamas.

Share your views with the New York Times on where the Obama’s should get their first pup!

Cast your vote for the first puppy on the Chicago Tribune website

Obamas to Adopt! Thanks, Petition Signers

jhayes — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:14:44 GMT

Announcement made on Entertainment Tonight

By Jon Dunn, Best Friends staff

Congratulations!!

Just a few months ago, we came together as animal lovers and told America how rewarding adoption can be. 50,000 of you signed a petition in just a couple of weeks (a record for Best Friends!) to ask the Obamas to ADOPT their dog after the election was over.

We are thrilled to share this wonderful news: Michelle Obama announced on Entertainment Tonight that they would indeed, “adopt a rescue dog.”

As you know, adoption is an amazing gift of life to a homeless animal… and it is something that all of us, no matter our political leaning, can enthusiastically support. The Obama family’s decision to adopt will be a great example, and will result in many dogs and cats being saved from euthanasia across the country. This is exactly what we hoped for when we launched obamafamilydog.com and we hope you feel as proud as we do about this development.

Thank you for helping us spread the message about the importance of adopting. Now let’s build on our momentum… there are many ways that you can continue to work with Best Friends to help save lives. From fighting puppy mills to raising awareness of the issues of overpopulation, to our work that takes place every day here at the Sanctuary in Southern Utah, none of it can be done without you.

• Click here to help us achieve a world of No More Homeless Pets.

• For resources on how you can help find homes for homeless pets, click here

• If you too opt to adopt, go to your local animal shelter or rescue organization or visit Petfinder to search through thousands of pets in need of homes

• For more Best Friends news click here

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Offers to Help Obamas Find Shelter Dog

jhayes — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:03:33 GMT

The petition worked – now it’s time to adopt

Dog lovers across the United States know Best Friends Animal Society, which operates the nation’s largest facility for homeless, companion animals--many of them dogs. And with the news that the Barack Obama and his family plan to adopt a dog from a shelter, Best Friends wants to help.

“Whether it’s a mutt or a special breed on their list, we can tap our vast network of shelters and rescuers around the country to help match the Obamas with just the right dog,” said Julie Castle, director of community programs for Best Friends, a place where approximately 600 dogs (and 1,400 other animals) call home. “Mixed breeds, purebreds, young, old, big, small, long-hair, short-hair, black, brown, white or any color in between—we can help the Obamas locate the perfect dog for their home.”

Dogs at Best Friends live in “Dogtown,” the subject of a national television series airing on the National Geographic Channel. It is also home to 22 of the pit bulls from the Michael Vick dog fighting case, a subject covered in a DogTown episode in early September.

Best Friends created buzz around the Obamas’ search for a dog in mid-July when it launched the web site, ObamaFamilyDog.com. In a matter of 24 hours approximately 20,000 dog lovers had signed a petition urging the Obamas to adopt from a shelter. The petition was capped at 50,000 in just a couple of weeks.

“We were trying to send a loud, clear message that adoption is the best option,” Castle said. “We’re so happy that the Obamas have decided to adopt rather than purchase a pet. Best Friends is the home of second chances, and adoption is so much a part of what we do that we are delighted to help in any way possible.”

Best Friends has been aggressively working to expose and shut down puppy mills, large breeding operations that mass produce and warehouse puppies before finally selling them in pet stores. Best Friends’ “Puppies Aren’t Products” national campaign spreads the world about the poor quality of life of young dogs who come from puppy mills. Each year, it is estimated that around 4 million dogs are bred in puppy mills, and Best Friends as an organization says this contributes significantly to the 4-5 million animals that die each year in shelters.

“In addition to overpopulation, many dogs are killed each year in shelters because not enough families know they are available for adoption,” Castle said. “Best Friends believes that adopting a homeless pet is the right choice, and the Obamas’ choice to adopt will surely help get the word out about this very important issue.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

For more information about adopting a dog, Best Friends suggests a visit to a local shelter or looking online at any of the following web sites:

www.1-800-save-a-pet.com
www.pets911.com
www.petfinder.com

Potential adopters can also find a purebred dog from a breed rescue organization by searching www.google.com. Enter a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word “rescue.”

For more information:
• ObamaFamilyDog.com
• Obama Family Dog community

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: taken by Jennifer Hayes

Amazing Response Pushes Petition Numbers to Record Heights

jon_dunn — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:16:00 GMT

Petition to urge the Obamas to adopt breaks the record for most signatures

By Jon Dunn, Best Friends Network

The idea is simple. If the Obamas are indeed going to bring a new canine into their family, let’s urge the Senator to set an example and adopt. Hopefully the message will filter through to the rest of America. But will it work?

In only two and a half days, the petition itself has garnered more signatures than any other petition Best Friends has ever taken on… more than 36,000!

While of course the Obamas are the target of the petition, the result is thousands of people spreading the word about adoption. Major bloggers and news outlets are pushing the adoption message through the campaign. Through use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Flickr and Twitter a whole new audience of people are learning what it means to adopt, and why it should be their first choice when considering a new companion.

On the Facebook and Myspace groups, the message of adoption and signing the petition is easily spread through bulletins and friend feeds (come join us!). Discussions are taking place on the merits of adoption. Civil discourse in action!

Twitter is what is known as a micro-blogging application. Through “tweets” short updates can be given on the campaign. Those interested in the subject can stay abreast of developments, and help spread the word through their Twitter “followers.”

Flickr, the internet’s leading photo community, is being used in a couple of different ways. Instead of suggesting specific animals to the Obamas, how about we just showcase what amazing animals are available for adoption? One group has asked rescues, and shelters to post pictures of their adoptable family dogs.

Very soon we will be launching another group for those of us who have chosen the route of adoption. It will be an opportunity to talk about what adoption has meant, not just to you, but to your best friend(s) too! So stay tuned, and let’s continue to spread the message that adoption is the greatest thing you can do for a homeless animal.

If you haven’t already, please help us raise the awareness of adoption by signing the petition. Please help us get as many signatures as possible, to make the strongest impact. Forward to all of your friends!

Rescue Groups and Shelters. We Need Your Help Too!

jon_dunn — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 06:26:13 GMT

Showcase your adoptable animals!

Show us the adoptable dogs YOU think would be perfect for the Obama family.

America 's shelters and rescue groups are filled with loving, friendly family dogs. It's been reported that Barack Obama and his family are considering getting a dog once the election is over, and the AKC has suggested they purchase a purebred.

Let's show the Obamas what incredible dogs, both mutts and purebreds, are up for adoption across the country. Rescue groups and shelters, please post pictures and videos of your favorite adoptable family dogs and puppies... be sure to include your contact information, in case Barack (or anyone else!) is interested in adopting.

Click to visit our Flickr group!

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Breeders Push for Obama to get a Purebred

jon_dunn — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 06:17:29 GMT

We vote for adoption! If you agree, please sign our petition today

Photo: is one "better" than the other?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has always been active in politics, (mostly to lobby heavily against any spay/neuter, breed-specific, or puppy mill legislation) and now they’re out in full force for the Presidential election.

The AKC was quick to note that the McCain family already has a Labrador Retriever, a Yorkshire Terrier and a variety of other pets, but the Obama family is sorely lacking in canine companionship.

It’s been reported that Obama has promised his two daughters that once the election is over, the family can get a dog. The AKC quickly jumped on the news and published a news story and launched a polling site for people to vote on what type of purebred dog the Obama family should get if Barack Obama wins the presidential election (currently, the Poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are tied for the lead).

Apparently, the AKC believes that only purebred dogs are worthy of the White House!

There’s nothing wrong with having a purebred dog, but there is one very important message left out. Nowhere in the article or polling site does the AKC mention adoption!

They’ve left out the millions of wonderful mixed breed and rescued purebred dogs and their families who know better. And so Best Friends has launched a website for YOUR voice to be heard.

Go to www.obamafamilydog.com to see why we believe adopting a dog (purebred or mixed) is the winning choice. If you agree, add your name (or your dog’s name) to the petition!

Posted by the Best Friends Network team

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