We, the People of the Dog

When president elect Barack Obama recently equated the challenge of choosing a family dog with the same level of difficulty as securing a commerce secretary, I knew he was only partially kidding. The wheels on the canine political machine began churning long before that halcyon moment on election night when he said, “Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.”

Malia’s allergies were well known among dog people; but when soon after the election, the media caught wind that the Obamas were leaning towards a labradoodle or goldendoodle, the already mobilized American Kennel Club and the less cohesive, but no less influentional, Rescue/Shelter parties briskly began promoting their agendas. Thinly veiled offense was taken to the concept of the president of the United States owning a dog referred to as a “designer doodle.” After all, who wouldn’t be offended by the thought of two precious little girls wanting a dog who looks like this?:

The AKC started a website where we, the dog people, could be kept informed and vote on what we deemed to be the best purebred dog choice for the Obama’s, based most importantly on Malia’s allergies. Last November the poodle was pronounced the winner with the confidence of a diplomat who had hammered out a done deal, even though no one in the Obama clan had ever mentioned poodles. I like poodles, and I’m aware they’ve fallen victim to decades of bad public relations. But is it fair to make Malia and Sasha fully shoulder the burden of changing the perception of dogs who have been known to look like this?

Every major issue an American president must face comes mired with conflicting agendas, misinformation and spin coming from all angles. Everyone from Dog Whisperer star, Cesar Millan to Washington DC area shelters has been pulled in on the act. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in a worthwhile effort to educate the public about allergies and pet ownership even sent the Obama girls hypoallergenic stuffed toy dogs. Are these supposed to be substitutes for real puppies?

Bottom line: no matter what choice they make, it’s not going to make everyone happy. From what I’ve experienced on occasion with dog people, the Obama’s choice might even make some of them very angry. What I believe all dog people do share is a desire for the Obamas to be stellar role models of dog ownership. Lots of people, both dog owners and future dog owners are watching. The choices that are made after the little bundle of fluff n’ joy comes home are most important.

If the Obama’s want to do one more thing for dog people, some of us who seriously need to get a life, I have a great idea. A puppycam. Because what kind of sicko wouldn’t want to see this kind of action on The White House lawn?
Not that anybody’s asking, but I think the Obamas should get a labradoodle. And just because I own one and think that she’s the best dog in the world, doesn’t mean I’m the least bit biased. Malia doesn’t know it but we’re soulmates bonded through allergies and a love for adorable dogs.

Note:Labradoodle photos courtesy of Southern Charm Labradoodles. That’s Lily the Labradoodle, second puppy on the outside at 7 weeks.

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{ 4 comments }

1 ANovelMenagerie January 15, 2009 at 10:23 pm: I agree with puppy cam!
2 pearlsoftruth January 15, 2009 at 11:43 pm: Is that poodle for real? The one in the 2nd photo… It looks like a stuffed toy, or just simply stuffed. Taxidermis type stuffed, lol…
3 ANovelMenagerie January 18, 2009 at 8:47 am: Check out my Sunday Salon post today. I ratted about you!
4 Molly January 18, 2009 at 3:07 pm: I found your blog through Sheri’s Sunday Salon recommendation list. I LOVE your writing style and look forward to following your blog.