Disappointed in Obama's decision.

[willow1]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

I'm disappointed to learn that president Obama chose not to adopt his dog but rather get him from a breeder. Also, last I knew a Portugese water dog was not hyper-allergetic. Also, realize that the dog was a gift from Ted Kennedy but still I am disappointed that he chose this route after all his supposed advocation of rescue. As a person with rescue very dear to my heart it was just so disappointing. I think we need more that are in the media involved with adoption. I commend Oprah for all she's done and I wish that our president had followed in her footsteps. Elaine

I am sorry to hear that you feel that way. I on the other hand am happy they are getting the puppy from a breeder and not thru a pet shop. Isn't that what everyone raves about if you cant adopt a rescue for whatever the reason may be then buy from a reputable breeder. I see it as they chose what is best for their family I don't think that makes them bad people. Yes we all wish they could have saved the life of a little one but at least they are not supporting puppy mills by buying from a pet shop. Thats just my opinion of course I could be wrong.

[pea496]

I am sure that the Obama girls had input into what dog they would finally get. This has been something that they have looked forward to during the whole campaign. I would rather the President disappoint people who wanted him to get a rescue than disappoint his girls. Also, this dog was a gift from Ted Kennedy, who supported the President during the campaign. Hopefully, they have done their research and Bo will have a very happy home with two beautiful little girls.

[jrsygal37]

This was not meant to start a debate or argument. The big point about all of this is that he came on as an ADVOCATE for adoption and even appeared in the book Baby (About a puppymill rescue) and everyone was excited over the headlines that he planned on adopting his dog and then in the end he got his dog from a breeder. I was not saying that where his dog came from was a bad place. What I'm saying is that I was disappointed that he did not follow through with his plan on adopting. In so far as allergies or looking out for his daughter's health, well I hate to tell you how many hyper-allergenic dogs are in rescue or at a local shelter. And, if their heart was set on the particular breed they just got, I'm sure even that breed could have been found through a rescue. My point is that it was disappointing that this route was taken after all the hype about adopting. That's all I'm going to say on this. Elaine

[jrsygal37]

Portugese Water Dogs in rescue on petfinder. With one young female right there in Washington DC.

Petfinder.com

[phfgkl]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

Portugese Water Dogs in rescue on petfinder. With one young female right there in Washington DC.

Petfinder.com

The ones on Petfinder that you find in rescues, hardly ever let anyone with kids under 10 adopt

[kalina82]

we do not know all the details of the process in finding this dog. for all we know he could have looked into PWD rescues but the dogs weren't right for him.

I remember his speech where he said he wanted to get a mutt but it wouldn't have been easy to find a mutt that was hypoallergenic for his daughter. Even if he got a doodle (which i'm glad he didn't) it probably wouldn't have been hypoallergenic.

what would have happened if he did adopt a rescue that they thought would have fit in with the family and then his daughter had an allergic reaction to it? the whole country would have been pissed that he needed to rehome the dog.

after what happened to Biden i really think this is a no win situation. I'm just glad that he did this for his daughters and not the rest of the country. they are what counts and he needed the right dog to fit in with his family.

[stovesj]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

Portugese Water Dogs in rescue on petfinder. With one young female right there in Washington DC.

Petfinder.com

The only one I see there is a mix and depending on the mix it may not be hypo allergenic. I'm just glad they got a dog that is a good fit for their family and situation. Obama said he would prefer to get a rescue dog but sometimes that doesn't work out especially when you are limited in your choices. In any event, he has opened awareness of rescue dogs, even though he didn't get one himself.

This dog was a gift from Ted Kennedy and trained by his personal dog trainer. Personally I would rather see the Obama's get a pup that fits with his children and family than to appease public opinion. This pup if for two young girls and what fits them comes first in my opinion.

[kpstoybox]

Originally Posted by Sugar's Mom

It was his and his family'ss choice and I think that even as President, he has the right to put his family's wants before what the public wants. We chose our dog and he has the right to choose his. I know there are lots of peoplee on here that are very hard working for rescues, but rescues are not for everyone and people that do go to a worthy breeder should not be put down because they don't buy rescues.

Well said!!

[MeganS]

I personally don't see why it is such a big deal. Many people choose not to rescue dogs if they have specific needs and situations, which the Obama family does. They got their dog from a reputable breeder, and in a way that dog was even a rescue.

I am glad that they took the time to research the breed and find a dog that was a good match for their family. That is what is important, that they are doing what is best for their family and the dog. I would prefer to see them go to a breeder and get a dog that is a good match for their family than to go to a shelter and "settle" (for lack of a better term) on a dog that doesn't necessarily click with them, to please the public.

I believe I heard something about them donating a large amount of money to a local rescue, as well.

[zoeybear]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

This was not meant to start a debate or argument. The big point about all of this is that he came on as an ADVOCATE for adoption and even appeared in the book Baby (About a puppymill rescue) and everyone was excited over the headlines that he planned on adopting his dog and then in the end he got his dog from a breeder. I was not saying that where his dog came from was a bad place. What I'm saying is that I was disappointed that he did not follow through with his plan on adopting. In so far as allergies or looking out for his daughter's health, well I hate to tell you how many hyper-allergenic dogs are in rescue or at a local shelter. And, if their heart was set on the particular breed they just got, I'm sure even that breed could have been found through a rescue. My point is that it was disappointing that this route was taken after all the hype about adopting. That's all I'm going to say on this. Elaine

I understand what you were trying to say. I think it is great that you care about rescue dogs.

[wemple2]

I am not at all disappointed in the Presidents choice...there are other ways to support rescues and animal shelters without actually adopting from them. You can still be an advocate for the homeless pets...without fostering or adopting...financial means by way of donations help the shelters continue to do what they do. I donate to our local shelter...but I have never adopted from them, this does not make me a lesser person...I support them in the best way I possibly can.

[yorkiegirl83]

I don't know the severity of his daughter's allergies, but really no breed is hypo-allergenic although some are a better fit for allergy sufferers.

I think the Portugese Water dogs are beautiful and I hope it's a wonderful fit for their family!

[MIZBROWN]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

This was not meant to start a debate or argument. The big point about all of this is that he came on as an ADVOCATE for adoption and even appeared in the book Baby (About a puppymill rescue) and everyone was excited over the headlines that he planned on adopting his dog and then in the end he got his dog from a breeder. I was not saying that where his dog came from was a bad place. What I'm saying is that I was disappointed that he did not follow through with his plan on adopting. In so far as allergies or looking out for his daughter's health, well I hate to tell you how many hyper-allergenic dogs are in rescue or at a local shelter. And, if their heart was set on the particular breed they just got, I'm sure even that breed could have been found through a rescue. My point is that it was disappointing that this route was taken after all the hype about adopting. That's all I'm going to say on this. Elaine

Its understood what you are trying to say... However, sometimes things just dont work out the way you plan.. that's life! I think the first family should be commended with their first intentions to rescue and not judged on their choice not to do so. Neither you or I know their reasons, and for the most part their family is happy and that's what matters.

Not to mention, there are hundreds of Yorkies in rescue shelters, however, Im sure more than half of YT members have purchased their pups form breeders...does that mean we are all disappointments too

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by MIZBROWN

Its understood what you are trying to say... However, sometimes things just dont work out the way you plan.. that's life! I think the first family should be commended with their first intentions to rescue and not judged on their choice not to do so. Neither you or I know their reasons, and for the most part their family is happy and that's what matters.

Not to mention, there are hundreds of Yorkies in rescue shelters, however, Im sure more than half of YT members have purchased their pups form breeders...does that mean we are all disappointments too

No, of course not. We're not just talking about a random citizen though, we're talking about a world leader. He has many more resources at his command to find a perfect rescue dog. Do we imagine that Obama is calling shelters in his area and putting his name on waiting lists? I highly doubt it. My guess is that when he said he wanted a rescued PWD, every rescue with that breed in the country got in line to offer their dogs up. He literally has a staff of people to check the dog out and train it. I expect more from him because it should be much easier for him to get a rescue; because he IS the President, and should be held to a higher standard of behavior; AND because he said he wanted to get a rescue.

[phfgkl]

Now, it's making the aol main screen page news.
Bo White House Dog