Join Best Friends to Ask the Obamas to Adopt a Family Dog More>

Prev6 of 10 stories Next

Obama Family Dog

Obamas to Adopt! Thanks, Petition Signers

October 3, 2008 : 11:14 AM

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

Comments

May 8, 2009 at 1:31 PM
posted by: Shell357

I am very annoyed that the Obama's did not keep their promise to adopt a rescue dog. Even though this dog was supposedly given to them by Kennedy, it would have had a 100% chance of finding a loving home if the Obama's refused to take him. You cannot say the same about that rescue dog that was waiting to come into thier lives. I cannot believe that Obama just threw away an opportunity like this to make thousands (perhaps millions) of people totally enamoured (sp?) of his actions...but, he did....why? I would like to know the reason.

April 12, 2009 at 8:33 PM
posted by: ruthy92

Word that I have heard is that MIchelle Obama, who tends to be overly status conscious, thinks it is more impressive to get a purebred puppy.

Too bad she isn't even aware that the dog is NOT hypoallergenic.

It is a sad day when Oprah's eyes have been opened, but the Obamas cling to the past, and sales tactics of breeders.

April 12, 2009 at 8:12 PM
posted by: Mimi

Yes, but the dog is a gift puppy from Senator Edward Kennedy, who is special to the Obamas. Let's see what the White House can come up with to fulfill the spirit of the President's commitment while accepting this gift. I can't think of anything he could do, except adopt a second low-allergy dog from a shelter or rescue (it's not like the house isn't big enough). But the President is smarter than I am, and maybe he has an alternate solution.

April 12, 2009 at 5:29 PM
posted by: njanmlrsq3

Interesting that back in October the Obama's would be adopting a rescue dog. That is not the case this month. It appears that the Obama's will be getting a dog from a Kennel and not a rescue. The dog is suppose to be arriving on Tuesday.

November 8, 2008 at 10:46 AM
posted by: L23Basket

I am so glad that the Obama's are adopting. It is the right choice. They are setting a good example for America.

Breeders create animals while shelter puppies get put down by the thousands daily.

Barack & Michelle,

Please consider adopting from the Almost Home Foundation. A great animal rescue of the Chicagoland area.

www.AlmostHomeFoundation.org

Thank you.

November 6, 2008 at 7:10 PM
posted by: D2or3

What I'd like to get across to Obama is compassion -- compassion that starts with every living creature. He seems to have it, but with all the hoopla about the bad economy, war, etc., I fear animal issues will go by the wayside. But Obama said he'd like us to think about others, to help/service others, and I'd like us to make sure he knows that "others" should include all life forms. From the get-go, I'd like Obama and Biden to push this message along to promote compassion to not only those who CAN help and speak for themselves...but also those who CAN'T.

November 6, 2008 at 4:28 PM
posted by: lucysmom

Here's a link to PAWS Chicago (referred to in the article posted below) http://www.pawschicago.org/history.htm. I'll bet they can find a rescue of whatever breed (or mixed breed) that best meets the Obama family's needs. Personally, I think a greyhound would be a greyt choice. They're less likely to trigger allergies than many other breeds, and they're just downright awesome dogs! But then I'm pretty biased...

November 6, 2008 at 12:47 PM
posted by: Tonyp

Way to go Obama!!! I am trying to put my rescue dog Rio on the Milkbone box. I think this can help bring Rescue dogs to the media. If we win, we could bring major attention to animal sheleter and pet rescue groups.

http://milkbone.icmodus.com/?id=362

If you can please vote for Rio,we really appreciate it.

Thanks
Tony and Amy

November 6, 2008 at 11:52 AM
posted by: cattees

Chicago Cat Lady... it doesn't surprise me the AKC reared it's ugly head with Pres-Elect Obama's statement during his acceptance speech. However, I feel Obama is a man of his word and will make good on the adoption of a new family member. I also found it interesting that when he professed to get his children a puppy, the TV cameras panned immediately to Oprah... who, if has a say, will definitely lead him down the road of adoption. Paws crossed!

November 6, 2008 at 12:10 AM
posted by: Bullybuddy

I am so proud that the Obama family will be moving into the White house, what a great time for our country! I know they will adopt a dog if Michelle talked about it already and I know that as is with every other decision, Barack will be sure to make the right one... I will pray that it is a pit, wouldn't that just add to history in the making :)

November 5, 2008 at 3:30 PM
posted by: Chicago_Cat_Lady

Please tell me this article is false. It indicates that the Obamas may buy a dog from a breeder.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/11/obamas-first-appointment-a-first-dog.html#more

November 2, 2008 at 1:05 PM
posted by: ninammam

I had no doubt that's why i chose him from the beggining to be our next president, he has a lot of good thing's in store for us. The Obama's are a wonderful family. And a BIG Yaaaaaay to the lucky dog!

October 15, 2008 at 1:10 PM
posted by: cattees

Yes a pit bull and one of those big red lipped chew toys... (sorry, I couldn't resist)!

October 15, 2008 at 7:04 AM
posted by: cookks

I am so pleased to learn that the Obama's plan to adopt the next "First Dog". It is important that the Obama girls get to adopt the pet they truly want, but wouldn't it be a great day for rescue if the choice is a Mutt or a Pit Bull!

October 13, 2008 at 10:20 AM
posted by: rmlamasney25

I really don't think Sen. Obama and Michelle would put their kids' joy out there as a political ploy. They are notoriously protective of their children. Also his voting record on animal rights is very strong, stronger than his opponent's. And I love the photo of him posing with Baby at the Lincoln memorial. If I know my little girls, they'll probably want a fuzzy cute companion, which of course they'll find at a shelter

October 10, 2008 at 4:45 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

I don't know, angintn10 and pdwlqw . . . I'm gonna have to go with Georgia. Still a former Vick dog but one we already know loves to dress up in pink rhinestones and work a crowd. ; )

http://www.bestfriends.org/video/georgia/vidPlayer.html

October 10, 2008 at 11:47 AM
posted by: angintn10

I'm with pdwlqw - Little Red for first dog! Great idea.

October 10, 2008 at 11:22 AM
posted by: mvburger

Surprisingly, the presidential candidate with NO pets, Obama, has a far better record on animal welfare issues than McCain, who has numerous pets. So much so that the Humane Society of the United States, which has never endorsed a presidential candidate, has endorsed the Obama-Biden ticket. Regardless of your political party preference, if animal welfare issues are important to you then voting the Obama-Biden ticket is the best possible choice.
"The choice for animals is especially clear now that Palin is in the mix. If Palin is put in a position to succeed McCain, it could mean rolling back decades of progress on animal issues."
Please see link for more detailed information about how this determination was made.
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/09/humane-society.html

October 10, 2008 at 10:07 AM
posted by: pmurrell

I am happy the Obamas decided to adopt a dog, however I think this was a missed opportunity to highlight the McCains and where their animals came from. They seem to have a house full and also seem to be real animal lovers. Just seems to me to balance the whole issue out.

October 10, 2008 at 9:37 AM
posted by: luane

Good that they are adopting, but contrary to some here it's a political gambit. If they had done so quietly, after the election, I'd be more inclined to feel the gesture more sincere.

October 9, 2008 at 10:58 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

They told their girls (who have been wanting a dog) that they would get one after the election craziness was over, regardless of the outcome. How is that political? And adopting one is just the right thing to do.

October 9, 2008 at 9:43 PM
posted by: pamm718

Adoption is always the best option. At the risk of being cynical, however, adoption for simply political purposes is not the best option- by the way, his opponent, Sen McCain and his family have 2 dogs, a cat, a ferret, three parakeets, two turtles and tropical fish. Cindy McCain does alot of dog rescue.

October 9, 2008 at 4:30 PM
posted by: ttorres

Yeah!!! Just one more reason to like the Obamas!! The media coverage of this should be fantastic for shelters!!!!!!!!!

October 9, 2008 at 4:14 PM
posted by: mbalsack

That is fantastic news for all animals waiting in shelters.

October 9, 2008 at 3:36 PM
posted by: juliayhula

yayy!! i'm so happy that we were HEARD!!

October 7, 2008 at 4:49 PM
posted by: sandyp

I literally got tears in my eyes when I read this because our efforts were heard! I'm so proud of everyone for working so hard on this important issue! The Obamas are setting a wonderful example for the rest of the nation to follow in speaking up for adopting pets that have been rescued. FANTASTIC!

October 7, 2008 at 2:23 PM
posted by: pdwlgw

I nominate Little Red for First Pooch.

October 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM
posted by: emergencyops

Terrific news! It just goes to show that if enough voices come together, a difference can be made one homeless animal's life at-a-time.

I hope this is followed-up on to ensure that they keep their word. If they do, they will set a terrific example for others.

October 5, 2008 at 1:00 PM
posted by: Marnan

GREAT EXAMPLE! We ALL are feeling the effects of the economy and this is the PERFECT way to Lead By Example. I am a little confused, will the Obamas adopt even if they don't win (LOL)? Anyway...THANK YOU!

October 5, 2008 at 8:21 AM
posted by: jonwsix

GREAT NEWS FOR OUR ANIMALS, and I personally hope the pet lives in the WHITE HOUSE :-) THANKS BEST FRIENDS!

October 4, 2008 at 9:29 PM
posted by: marybear1

awesome! i hope there is a follow up story on here :) i'd love to see a pic of their adopted pup, and im very excited that our petition made a difference!!!

October 4, 2008 at 12:53 AM
posted by: Maxie88

Great news

October 3, 2008 at 10:52 PM
posted by: marla

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 3, 2008 at 9:20 PM
posted by: keawa

Amazing! This will help all rescue animals waiting for a forever home. Now we must make certain Obama gets in the White House.

October 3, 2008 at 5:31 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

Whoo hoo! How wonderful if the First Dog is a rescue! I hope the Obama kids get their new best friend from Best Friends, wouldn't that be terrific?!

October 3, 2008 at 3:36 PM
posted by: cattees

Whee!!!!!!

October 3, 2008 at 2:37 PM
posted by: ncstorace

Very exciting news! What a boost it will be to the no-kill - adopt-a-rescue movement!

October 3, 2008 at 1:03 PM
posted by: lmiller

Hurrah