First Lady: First Dog Arrives in April

Some of the questions that will be raised about the First Dog are serious. The ways in which the Obamas deal with the following issues are sure to send important messages about responsible care to those homes that already contain America's 60 million dogs.

* Considering the pet food debacle, what will the First Dog eat? Organic pet food? Wheat and corn-free? Vegetarian? What brands?

* Will the snow and ice-melting products used on the White House sidewalks be pet-safe?

* Does everybody know not to use cocoa mulch on the Rose Garden?

* Who is in charge of patrolling the premises so plants and foods that are toxic to dogs - grapes, raisons, chocolate, onions, artificially sweetened products -- aren't at drooling-mouth level?

* Where will the Obama dog sleep at night? In the bedroom with the children or in a crate somewhere else? Will it be the right size crate?

* Are the Obamas using biodegradable poop bags? It might sound like a funny question but savvy environmentalists will want to know.

Then, there will be fodder for comedians and national news segments:

* Who will train the most famous dog in the world not to bite reporters or will that lesson be discreetly skipped?

* Will the dog have a Secret Service code name? What should it be?

* Will the dog sport a diamond-studded collar and sleep on a $500 dollar doggie bed as befits its celebrity status?

* When the Obama children have sleepovers, will friends bring their canines for doggie night out?

* What famous person or figure from history will the dog dress as for Halloween?

* Who will be the official White House doggie photographer?

* Which dog toys will grace the gleaming and carpeted floors and new playground?

* Does the dog's name have ethnic or historical origins? Does it more creatively top previous First Dog names such as Spot, Buddy, Millie, Lucky, Grits, Liberty, Checkers, Him and Her, Feller, Heidi, Duke, Pushinka, and King Tut?

Well, Caligirl, I now wonder if you understand the definition of "extemporaneous". Truly. Have you ever seen either one of the Obamas interviewed? They both can expound extemporaneously at the drop of a hat. They are both extremely educated and knowledgable. But you know what? You've shown your hand. You hate them. Pure and simple. No matter what, you're going to find something awful to say about them.

It amazes me, that most of you crazed people sit and read about the Obama's then write your nasty, stupid comments. If you don't want to know, or you don't like, then don't read. Don't you have jobs or a life, or is it that you don't want anyone else to have a life. Is life so miserable that you sit and think up reasons to complain or is it the fact that an African-american family now resides in the White house. Everyone of you except the American Indian are Immigrants. You don't have a priority on being citizens. The fact that the president's ancestors were brought to this country in CHAINS, and against their will seems to escape your understanding. One would think that the white bigots of America had some injustice done to them or that they have reason to complain. I say bigots because, millions of marvelous white Americans support our president. The rest of you should find out where you came from and go back and let the rest of us Americans who support one another have some peace without your nonsense.

"after the family takes a vacation for spring break."
Nice to see that they have their priorities in order. Rome burns and the messiah fiddles. This bum makes Ike look like a workaholic! Can you imagine the media if Bush had spent as much time loafing as M T Suit?

wow - that is really surprising. I was all about the Labradoodle - guess I just lost $20. I had to do a little more research on why they picked the PWD, and found an OK description of it: It seems like a good choice the more I think about it, wish I had my $20 back though.

Rachel,

Try listening to what they actually say, instead of how they make you feel while reading their teleprompters.

Neither Obama can speak extemporaneously on subjects they should have at least the basic grasp of the details by now. Especially, considering how long they have been in politics.

When they spoke on the campaign trail and now in DC, there are still caveats large enough to drive a bus through. That type of rhetoric needs to go and real policy needs to be discussed during these difficult times.

Now, if you need to believe that they are articulate. Then great. You are easily impressed as well.

Reading a teleprompter better than Bush doesn't qualify as 'ultra articulate'.

It is just better reading skills...lol

typo...infinitely

Eleonora27,

If you notice, MY biggest complaint was their lack of policy knowledge in response to your belief they are articulate.

It is you who seemed compelled to insult people over her clothes and now the dog.

If you would like to debate the finer details of politics concerning the Obamas or others. Then offer something to debate.

However, don't confuse staying on topic of YOUR insulting response to "I", with my vast interest in politics.

In fact, "I" post was about the respect for the Oval Office and his experience, is infinately more substantial than trying to support fashion trends for the Obamas in a post. Though this is a trival thread so I guess that escaped you.

How many of you did not see the word "rescue" before Portuguese Water Dog??? That means a shelter pup, folks. They are NOT intending to buy a pedigreed dog. Not to mention, you can find pure-breds at shelters. Mickey Rourke has dogs that look like pure breds, and they all came from shelters. And Caligirl-- if you think that the Obamas are anything less than ultra articulate, that I'm not sure you understand the definition of the word. They are extraordinarily articulate.

Caligirl, sweetie: you need to grow up and stop sweating the minor things. Why anyone cares enough about clothes and dogs to complain so vociferously is beyond me. There are plenty of substantive, intelligent issues on which to focus. However, some people can't manage to move beyond the trivial.

BlofeldBuildings, so how many vacations has President Obama taken since he was sworn in as President. I know of only one, but in this same time period after Bush was sworn in, he had been to his dads place in Maine and back to his ranch for two weeks. I do not count weekends at Camp David as vacations for any President, that is part of the White House to me. I can't believe some of you, I really can't, this poor guy has only been in office a little over 30 days and he has done more for the average American the Dubya did in eight years. It kind of reminds me "Damn if you do and Damn if you don't" mentality in many of you. Even if McCain has won, I would have at least given him a chance before I started critizing him and remember The First Lady was not elected to this office, so why criitize her, I think she is doing a fantastic job, at least the first thing her and the President did was reopen the White House to the public again for tours. It had been closed since 9/11 unless you were invited. (at least that is what I heard)

What's with the sleevless dresses????

Labradoodle! They are so beautiful! The Portuguese Water Dog is too wild!
But as long as it's not a "little yappy dog" - the Pres will be happy!
And I'm sure the girls would love it!

Eleonora27,

It doesn't take much to impress you. The Obamas are not as articulate as you would like to believe unless they are attacking someone. Which says a lot about them as people...but nevermind....that is the game of politics.

However, any kind of policy discussion which requires a wonk, which is also the game of politics.

Both Obamas are incapable of delivering any details or substance....for years now.

As far as the sleeveless dresses. Remember the quote that Obama could grow orchids it was so hot.

I suspect Michelle is following the mantra. 'Never let them see you sweat.' Trying to keep cool from the hot house temps that Obama likes.

But if you need to, you can keep thinking that the woman who is required to have a large wardrobe as the First Lady. Is concerned with getting more uses out of her clothes....lol.

You should utilize Occam's Razor, instead of insulting people's intelligence and then offering faulty logic. ;)

Did I not read sometime ago when the Obama's first considered looking for a dog that they would look to animal shelters for their dog? Did they not find the perfect 'fit' at the many animal shelters and have to spend tax dollars on a full breed?

We have one. He's amazingly funny and energetic. But watch out. He's a master of mischief and thievery. Pillows, shoes, the walls, the doors, clothes, socks, paper, mail, checks - I don't recommend anything important be left in the reach of the pup!

I now know why the stimulus bill was passed. The note left on Mr. Obamas desk had to have read (President Obama DO NOT SIGN THIS BILL) But the dog is potty training and must have crapped on the word NOT and he read (DO SIGN THIS BILL). Make the world to me??!!
Posted by: Jim Rod
************************************
Gee Jim, Are you doing this during work? People
are looking for jobs like yours these days. Better
do something productive today, like picking up that
dish and soaking it!
Regards
Your Boss

I certainly hope his new dog is going to be a rescue from an animal shelter.

For those who seem to take offense to this type of story, the First Family does have children, and not every story is going to be political in nature. As for the time spent selecting the best dog, I think that is wise. First, it ws necessary to find a dog that was as hyperalergenic as was possible, and secondly, given the ages of the children, the size of the dog was also important. You just don't go out and pick out a dog. Responsible ownership dictates that you do your research. I wish more people did that--maybe we would have fewer dogs either running around as strays or living in shelters if people wanting that "perfect" pet did a better job of researching which dog is best suited for their lifestyle. And while I am on that topic, it would not also hurt for folks to be more responsible owners once they get their dogs. I hope that the First Family takes the time to teach the dog good behaviors. A well-behaved dog is appreciated by others who come into contact with it. AS a guide dog users, I can't count how many times my guide dog has been interfered with by uncontrolled pets. So, let us not only hope that the First Family selects teh best dog possible, but that they also demonstrate good pet ownership.

Vanessa and Griffin, Seeing Eye dog (R)

To “This is News?” 3:04:12 PM....Cast your mind back...remember the 8 years of Wall Street deregulation and job outsourcing? 8 years of Republican tax cuts that barely created 5 Million jobs? The massive off-budget spending for two wars? How is that Obama’s fault? YOU who voted for Bush “got what you asked for”, and “now we're paying for it”.