Barack Obama has promised his daughters a new puppy. It will be the latest in a long line of White House pooches.
If you want a friend in Washington,” Harry Truman said, “get a dog.” He was commenting on what a brutal, backbiting, primordial swamp the capital is. But the sentence could just as well be taken to mean: you won't make friends if you don't have a dog.
In his victory speech yesterday, President-elect Barack Obama told his daughters, Malia Ann and Natasha, they had earned a new dog for their support during the campaign.
"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," he said.
But this will be no ordinary pooch. During the election campaign, his wife Michelle announced on TV's Entertainment Tonight they would adopt a rescued dog*.
Also - as reported by Reuters:
Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, is also getting in on the act. He told reporters traveling with him earlier that his wife had promised him a “big dog” if he got elected.
...(big dog):
Elliott - Great Dane pup 8 weeks old - note enormous feet!********
Jill Biden had taped pictures of different dogs on the back of the seat in front of him on his campaign plane to inspire the candidate as he criss-crossed the country in the final sprint to Election Day.
“Jill had said the only way you are getting a dog is if you are president … we didn’t think about vice president,” said Biden. “She said at least if you live in the White House you are home.”
He dropped out of the presidential race but when Obama asked him to join the ticket, his wife Jill said if he did so she would let him have the dog he wanted.
The Obamas join a long tradition of first families with dogs. Here is an excellent website dedicated to American Presidents and their dogs. Did you know George Washington had 10 hounds; Mopsey, Taster, Cloe, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips and Searcher.
Related Links:
Happiness is a Warm Puppy by Charles M. Shulz
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*you go Michelle Obama: RESCUE DOGS ROCK
