He's Here!!

Although he will be announced to the world tomorrow officially, this past weekend President Obama and his family welcomed a pet to the White House, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog - which the girls have named Bo - is now settling into the White House. They chose the name as their cousins have a cat named Bo and because mum Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, after rock'n'roll singer Bo Diddley. The PPP would like to take the time to official welcome him to his new home as we are sure he will be the topic of many more PPP's.

Of course the PPP is a little insulted that the Obama's did not chose a Maltese as we are hypo-allergic (Malia has allergies) and as we all know Maltese and little girls go hand in hand.

Many animal rights activists were disappointed in that they expected the Obama's to adopt a dog from a shelter. The new First Pet was a present from Senator Ted Kennedy, who owns three dogs of the same breed, and who originally suggested the family get one. Portuguese water dogs are known for their good temperament and since they don't shed hair are perfect for children with allergies – like ten-year-old Malia, who has asthma. It's hard to refuse a gift from Senator Kennedy.

Bo was in a home, but was apparently returned to the breeder because he was just not the right fit. For that reason, he is called a second-chance dog. And we’re happy for Sasha and Malia, who have been very patient in waiting for a pet to join their family.

Only 20 percent of dogs in homes come from shelters. And there are nearly 2 million dogs euthanized each year. If we just increased that percentage of homes with dogs from shelters—to 30 or even 40 percent—we would solve the euthanasia problem. So we here at the PPP encourage you out there to remember to adopt from shelters when looking for a family pet.

We do hope in the future that President Obama is more proactive in animal rights. As Wayne Pacelle from the Human Society of American says, "Hold him accountable to make other decisions that will have enormous implications for animals. He can still laud shelters and speak about the urgency of supporting them. He can also get Bo neutered, as a reminder of the importance of spay and neuter as a way to combat pet overpopulation. And, at the end of the day, he can actively support policies that crack down on puppy mills, eradicate Class B dealers, enforce laws against dogfighting, promote regulations to ensure safe food for our companion animals, and much more."

Chow for now!