Disappointed in Obama's decision.
 

I think those that rescue are wonderful wonderful people. I hope to rescue a pet one day in the future but I know I will buy my next dog from a reputable breeder. I don't think buying a dog from a reputable breeder makes you a bad person. Portgese water dogs aren't a very popular breed so I wonder how many are actually in rescue? And then they'd have to make sure the rescue was right for their family, esp having kids. I think it was wonderful they hoped to rescue but maybe the right dog just wasn't out there for them. If the puppy came from a reputable breeder than I'm totally fine with them getting one from a breeder. What makes me so mad is when celebs go buy from petstores, puppymills and bybs. I want everyone to either buy from a reputable breeder of rescue.

Well, I guess he was a puppy returned to the breeder, so that's something. I still think he should have gotten a large yorkie. There's a lot of room for dogs at the White House, so I'm still hoping. :)

Seriously, it is a little disappointing. If anyone can get a good rescue, it is the President of the United States. It seems like it would have been pretty easy to lead by example here. :(

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Oh, forgot to mention, how funny is it that the dog's initials (and name) are B.O.?? HA!

Actually, Bo basically could be considered a rescue, since he lost his first home. Fortunately, fate intervened in this case and he was returned back to the breeder...

Bo is reported to be a gift from Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. He is the litter mate of the Kennedy's newest dog Cappy. Apparently, Bo had a previous owner, but didn't get along well with the other dogs in that home, so was quickly returned to the breeder.

How many dogs end up in rescues for similar reasons? I applaud Obama's choice in finding a dog that fits into his family, as that is the most important thing, especially when children are involved...and they didnt just settle on the cute "puppy in the window" scenario. Not that Bo isn't adorable, but he is reported to be a six-month old and not a new little pup. They even referred to him as a "second-chance dog" on the news...no disappointment from my end! CONGRATS to the FIRST FAMILY on their new addition!!! :thumbup:

Presumably a responsible breeder would not dump a returned puppy in a shelter, though, right? In my opinion, the First Family is trying to spin this as a rescue when it isn't really. Just my opinion.

To be honest, I think we should just be happy that two little girls get the opportunity to experience the joy that a dog can bring to life. In my opinion, there are bigger issues out there to worry about than whether or not the president's puppy is a rescue. :confused:

I agree. :thumbup:

American Kennel Club - Portuguese Water Dog

The breed is Hypoallergenic;) Personally I am glad that a Yorkie did not end up as the White house. Could you just imagine the headlines every time the kids were spotted with a little Yorkie, just look at all the hype Miley, Britney , and Paris Hilton have caused in the past when they were spotted with their Yorkies! I am just so happy for the girls that they have their MUCH wanted puppy:)

I don't get how this is such a bad thing..why can't a family just enjoy their dog? Portugese water dogs are really really hard to find in a shelter. They are just like a normal family and its unfair to judge them because they got a dog from a breeder...:confused:

i think this breed was a wonderful choice for them. this dog is a great family dog and also wonderful with children no matter what age.:aimeeyork

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.

could not have said it better myself:thumbup:

I agree that they are getting the dog that best suits them. I heard they were going to donate a large amount to the Washington Human Society. I have the greatest respect for rescues and volunteer at a Rescue and an Animal shelter as my way of giving back as all of my dogs are from breeders. So there are more ways to help dogs in need

Well said :thumbup:

Agreed...I don't see why it matters so much. Is it because he didn't get a rescue, or because he's the president?

I guess the breeder Biden got his from MAJORLY regrets it now. She's getting death threats from animal rights people.

I am NOT an Obama supporter in the least, but I don't understand why that family should have to adopt. I have two rescues, a lab and a golden, and my two yorkies. I don't know that I will ever rescue again, although it does feel good and I know I saved at least the lab's life. However, at this point, it is pretty frustrating having to deal with all of his health issue's stemming from poor breeding. Our golden also has hip problems, which is due to the fact she was locked in a tiny crate for the first year of her life and her hips didn't develop properly. I am also dealing with my yorkie who just had bilateral luxating patella surgery, which our surgeon stated was genetic.

Needless to say, I will only purchase from a REPUTABLE breeder in the future, as this heartbreak is too much.

I think when there are children involved it is a lot scarier to adopt than to purchase a puppy and mold it into the perfect family dog. Oh, and BTW, there is no truly hypoallergenic dog. While some do not shed hair, they are always shedding dander which is a huge allergen. ;)

I am glad to see I'm not alone in my thinking. I was in a crabby mood last night. :(

Totally agree with you. This family are first time pet owners. Although, I'm an advocate for rescue, why would you put these little girls in that situation. We know that rescues can at times come with their own set of issues. What a wonderful gift for the Obama girls.

I think it has to do with Obama's daughters allergies, and how long it's taken them to get a dog since getting to the white house. I think it's a good idea to get a pup that's been trained a bit. I think this is Obama's very first dog ever, so it would be nice to be able to read books on the standard and what to expect. I'm not sure they would have the time to deal with behavior issues that an abused or not used to humans dog would create. I think it's smart of them to get their first dog in this way.

i think its great the first family got their dog from a breeder. They had specific requirements because of the kids and they did their research. Isn't this what we tell people all the time on here??

I hope they all have a wonderful life in the white house and can't wait to read about them in the news. I saw a picture of the pup this morning and he is a cutie!

Ok, so no offense
 

Why all the hulabaloo. In the course of my day, why is it important what dog is adopted by the Obama's? And the name....surely to goodness he was not named that because it is the president's initials???? Please don't tell me that.....I would hate to think there was any narcicism in the White House.

I am all about RESCUE.....and I do participate; any attention on helping disadvantaged animals find homes is wonderful....and I agree that this would be the proper time to show his support of these efforts.......but, he choose not to do that. I do understand the dog being a "gift" but, not sure I believe that this poor dog was truly a "rescue" because he was brought back to his owner.......I think we are spinning that fact a little to thin.....


I hope I did not offend anyone by my lack of compassion about the "pet in the White House", what is much more important to me is what is being done about job losses, taxes, war, crime.....victims of disasters.....etc.....more attention to helping our neighbors, or helping your friends pay their mortgage, or finding a job......

Yea, its all relative.....but, he too had a choice......to rescue, or NOT to rescue.....to adopt or NOT to adopt. Oh, this was a "gift" I forgot.


and I will get off my bandwagon for the day.....

I agree with you!!!.. we should not be quick to judge people...:thumbup:

I agree, what kind of dog and where he gets his dog from is his and his families decision, but, we also have to remember, although the animal shelter will adopt dogs out to people with kids, most rescues won't. Rescues that won't adopt out dogs to other people with kids can't adopt out to Mr Obama just because he's President, or that would be discrimination.

The Portuguese water dog is a great breed. Teddy play with one sometime in the park and I like him a lot.

IMO

I think it is a personal choice and i am just happy he didn't got the dog from a pet store or from a commercial breeder.

I can't really be disapointed as this is as close to rescue. {How about labeling it private rescue.} I've seen alot of breeders having to do just that. This breed is not a poplar breed, can be hard to find,and hard to work with. I think O getting a young rescue for a fast paced family. and getting it trained is a good if not great idea. I'm abit sad that the first home did not work out for the pup but the second can take care of it.

Speaking of history,how many Presidents or even VP's had rescues? I think President O,did well sticking to his guns waiting til the time was right and researching the breed before hand should give them some kudos. I seem to remember not long ago a President bending over about a first dog and chucking out the first cat, I think it was Socks. That should have been cause for censure. Seem to remeber that the dog ended badly.


{PS I did vote for Obama but was more I can't stand the other guy more thing.}

AFAIK, all of the Presidential dogs have been from breeders. To me, that's the point though - it would be nice if Obama led the way in something that I believe had to be relatively simple. It's not a given that if you get a rescue, you have years of rehabilitative work ahead of you. The shelter I work at generally gets mixed breeds, but the large majority of the dogs are perfectly friendly and well adjusted. Most just need work on their leash manners.

I have nothing against ordinary people going to a breeder, but Obama could have done a lot for unwanted animals in this country with such a simple gesture. It makes me sad.

Okay but if you go by that point He'd have to endanger his daughters {not sure if both have alleriges} ,so to make rescues all over the World happy ,they'd have to fore go a dog, or go with this,I should think rescues would be happy givin the fact,he's still suporting by WORDS and money rescues. He could have gotten a doodle thingy from a rescue sure, but would that make everyone happy. No, simply put Danged if you do and Danged if you don't. It'a breed the Family likes, it works for them. it is in all purposes a rescue or second home dog. They are making a large donation to the rescues in DC,{can't remmeber which one} Which is better then alot of Presidents/VPs or other worthies in DC.

Good for them, atleast it's not a another starlet who thinks small dogs make great purses.as soon as it's no longer cool boots them to a nana who them lets fido and fluffy have a ton of babies. {Paris Hilton},{Brittany Spears}

Why would he have to endanger his daughters? I'm sure that SOMEWHERE in the U.S., there is a non-crazy PWD in a rescue. Maybe not a puppy, but I'm sure there were young dogs available.

Anyway, I hold Barrack Obama to a higher standard of behavior than Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. :p I mean, it would be great for them to get rescue dogs, but it's not the same as the leader of the free world doing it.

I'm not planning to march on Washington or anything, I just think a huge opportunity was lost here, and it's one that he created on his own by announcing they would get a rescue.

I hope maybe next year they get another dog, and that one is a rescue.