Vetcetera Obama’s puppy promises and a question of family pets as good public policy

Ain’t it just like a woman to ask for something…only to crush it with her high heel upon receipt?

A week ago I wondered why animals had been so blatantly excluded from the Presidential candidates’ conversation. It wasn’t my most thoughtful post ever, I confess, and now I’ll also have to own up to the fact that I wish I could take some of it back. (And no, it wasn’t just because I have a problem spelling “Barack”).

At issue is the President Elect’s election night promise to take on a puppy on behalf of his two children:

''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.''

Sweet.

Of course, I’m gratified to see a President keep his promises. The acceptance speech statement was nothing if not a generous nod to his family’s sacrifices and a symbolic gesture that said: I plan to live up to your expectations by holding up my end of the bargain on all things.

Regardless, the Presidential family is in a bit of a pickle, it would seem. Speaking on Friday at a news conference, Obama answered one reporter’s question on the subject of the Presidential pet:

“We have two criteria that need to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypo-allergenic…”

Another is the issue of the breed:

“…But obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me, so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue in the Obama household.”

Well, you all know my take on the dubious hypoallergenicity of pets (it’s a highly individual immunological response that governs these reactions in humans, so sourcing any one hypoallergenic animal by breed isn’t as easy as it might sound).

Then there’s the issue of whether any “like me” mixed breed would ever be given a chance considering this “hypoallergenic” requirement (doubtful).

In any case, it’s clear the Obama family is in need of some advice.

To that end, The Miami Herald (my local paper) ran a weekend story on Obama’s most recent puppy promise. In doing so, it offered to reward readers with a chance to have their say:

“E-mail us at pets@MiamiHerald.com with your advice: What kind of dog should the First Family get? Offer suggestions on what a first-time dog owner should know or have on hand when the pup comes home.

Include your name and city as well as your dog's name and breed—and a picture. Keep it tight—150 words or less.

We'll run many of the responses in The Miami Herald later this month, and all of them on MiamiHerald.com, where the Obamas can check them out.”

I’m not so sure I would recommend that the First Family log on to MiamiHerald.com for the ultimate in pet advice (though they might do well to check out my column on the pitfalls of finding purebred hypoallergenic puppies), but I guess it’s a start.

In this case, what really concerns me is the larger question Obama’s promise and puppy search raises: Is a pet a must-have for a President—or for any of us—despite the presence of personal limitations (extensive travel, frequent moves, allergies, time pressures, etc.)?

To me it’s clear that not everyone should have a pet, just as not every woman with a set of ovaries is mother material nor is every man with a pair of testicles offspring-worthy.

Though our White House is a place where any pet should live—if only to highlight the importance of pets to American family life—I do wonder if promising puppies to children (especially as the Holiday season approaches) is always good public policy.

November 10th, 2008

Add Comment17 Comments

Point well taken.

But I'm pretty sure they are going to get that puppy . . .

Animals aren't toys, and it's unseemly to use them as a reward.

That said, since the thing is a deal that will be done . . . I hope they have been deluged by breed rescue folks, who will undoubtedly educate our new Prez that indeed, there are PLENTY of purebreeds who end up homeless. If you want a puppy specifically, and a specific breed, you may need to be more patient, but it can and will materialize for you.

Just wait for a puppy mill bust. Then the shelters get lots of purebreeds, some pregnant. They go fast, but I'm pretty sure several out there have already scored one for the Prez.

Stefani November 10th, 2008 11:11:00 AM

This has been discussed quite a bit on my doggy lists. People who have allergies to dogs have stated that it depends more how that person reacts to a particular breed of dog. One woman said she found out she was allergic to poodles but then went on to state what breeds of dog she could tolerate.

The suggestion has been made on several different lists that it is important for the children to visit the homes of several different breeds and interact with the adult dogs, not just the puppies. They need to get doggy "kisses" and give pats and lots of touching. Dander and saliva are two of the major allergic factors. Then go home and see what kind of reaction they get. This way the Obamas can determine which breed of dog will work best for their girls. I wish there was some way to protray this to the Obamas.

Diane November 10th, 2008 12:10:00 PM

One of the many pet rescue emails I get asked readers a few months back to pressure the Obamas into getting a rescue dog from them. There was a 'petition' to sign. I thought the whole thing was ridiculous. Wonder if he has ever owned, or for that matter, even wanted a pet.

Donna November 10th, 2008 12:14:00 PM

“Animals aren't toys, and it's unseemly to use them as a reward.”

I see where everyone is coming from on this, but I disagree. The Obamas aren’t running out and buying their girls a puppy as a surprise Christmas gift without doing any research. Their girls have wanted a puppy for some time now. They wisely said they were too busy during the campaign to properly raise a dog and told the girls they would have to wait until after the election. Now that the election is over, they are keeping their promise to the girls and seem to be doing so in a responsible manner. They haven’t explained every detail of their research but have pointed out that they are trying to balance their needs (likely purebred dog from a certain breed due to the allergies) with doing the right thing (adopting instead of buying). Barack is an intelligent man with lots of resources at his fingertips. I’m waiting patiently and betting they’ll end up with a dog from a rescue.

Shannon Watts November 10th, 2008 12:57:00 PM

I'm with Shannon in agreeing that they aren't being irresponsible in making this decision. They've done much more research and seem much more prepared than the vast majority of people who are considering getting a dog.

I just wish they would partner with a group like Best Friends to search for the best dog (keep the AKC out of this). A lot of rescue groups will do sleep overs for potential adoptees, and I'm sure the president and his family would be able to do the same. That would give them a chance to see how Malia does with her allergies.

Jen (SLC) November 10th, 2008 01:27:00 PM

Although I've worked for years doing greyhound adoption I can say I'd doubt seriously that my breed is the breed for the Obama familt. For lots of reasons I believe many breeds won't work but I do think since the family has called on David Frei that he, hopefully, will guide them in their choice of puppy.

Ellie November 10th, 2008 01:33:00 PM

For my part, I'd be very upset if the Obama family selected the breed of dogs I currently favor in my home. Frenchies have already had way more exposure than is good for the breed (Martha, et al). Imagine what would happen to most any underrepresented breed if the First Family chose one of its kind.

btw, I've already seen the first pet named Obama: a kitten who we (along with the Fire Department) extracted from the undercarriage of a car last week in our parking lot. For the record, he was a muttley black and white kitten with burns and car grease all over him--he was stuck in the chassis and had been driven all over town before the owner noticed a meow. He's all better now.

Dr. Patty Khuly November 10th, 2008 02:13:00 PM

I read an article on this issue. I'm going to look for it to see if I can link to it later. Basically, it discusses the 'puppy promise' and why there were ever misgivings about owning an animal (making sure the girls can handle the responsibility, and if they can't, that his wife or himself have the time to take over care) etc.

I think they've got a leg up on pet ownership over many owners.

Not that they are perfect, and I hope that the media keeps an eye on the issue (without ignoring other events and news).

Jenn November 10th, 2008 04:04:00 PM

please...like they will do anything but just simply use the dog as a show piece. It was the same thing with the Clinton's. The kids want a pet, all kids do, but hey, it's not like their lives are going to be less travel, less stress, less anything now...IMHO, they want the pet for all the wrong reasons (the parents...not the kids...kids will be kids ) How'd you like to be the secret service assigned to "walk the dog"

LorriM November 10th, 2008 08:36:12 PM

I think we can agree that even if the dog is primarily a showpiece, the dog won't care! This puppy is going to have it made. As far as other dogs are concerned, then -- if it were my choice, I'd go with a completely unidentifiable shelter mutt (cf. dooce's Chuck), so it won't create a market for anything else. Second best: a rescue pure bred. Worst case scenario: an identifiable mix ("shitzadoodle", etc.); those get enough media attention already! I agree that hypoallergenic seems to be person to person, dog to dog, but I'm confident that good, thriving rescues can handle that (especially for, you know, THE PRESIDENT). I hope it works out well!

sarah November 10th, 2008 10:59:51 PM

I keep hearing that they are planning on getting a Goldendoodle which really concerns me. Whether from rescue or not, there are too many people breeding these "Doodles" which often have health/skin issues, temperament problems, and many shed like crazy. (I have worked as a pet stylist for over 10 years,so have groomed many. Many people in the "dog business" dread seeing more and more of them, cute or not). Hypo-allergenic? I would bet, no. The country does not need more "Doodles", or any of the "designer breeds", being bred because the President has one. I'm all for mutts, as I have one, but a mutt that nature designed, not an ignorant "breeder". Hypo-allergenic-wise, a purebred is still probably a best bet. Ultimately, they should get the best dog for them, whatever it may be, but I really think they should rethink any kind of Doodle. (I admit, it makes me think less of Obama...I can't help it).

Shannon November 11th, 2008 10:27:17 AM

The point about allergies and individual animal genetics is a good one. I am allergic to cats, have had allergy symptoms from Siamese, BUT, I'm not having problems living with a Tonkinese (which is supposed to be a related breed). With cats there are antigen types and one can be allergic to some but not others. I am also allergic to dogs, but I am not asthmatic. According to allergists, by some contact with inhalant allergens (NOT FOOD) you actually desensitize yourself. However, if his daughter is asthmatic, it's a problem. Some physicians advise non-asthmatic people not to even bother with desensitization treatments for inhalants. Supposedly the only hypo-allergenic cats are the ones without any fur, but I like the look of fur.

My suggestion is that they go for poodle rescue, instead of the "Doodles". I heard that the "Doodles" have to be 3/4 Poodle to be sure they are "hypo-allergenic". I'd even say an adult animal instead of a puppy. Rescue groups that use foster homes are often able to tell you a lot about the animal you are getting, how it gets a long with children, other animals, etc.

Miss Kitty's Mom November 11th, 2008 11:58:09 AM

Oh, goody, a really tiny comment box. That'll make things easier. The goldendoodle mention came from one of the little girls; it's the parents who are going to be making the decision. Anybody who thinks they know right now what kind of dog the Obamas will get is kidding themselves, or else parading their political biases. Obama is, shockingly enough, a very smart person who knows how to research things--and who has access to lots of knowledgable advice. Everything the Obamas have said and done on the subject so far indicates they're going about this responsibly--including waiting until after the election was over (so that they know where they're going o be for the next few years, and will have a reasonably stable schedule while the puppy is young and new to their household.) While there's no such thing as a "non-allergenic" dog, some breeds do seem to be clearly LESS likely to trigger severe allergic reactions than others (hence the term "hypo-allergenic.") Individual response remains individual, but they'll have a better shot at finding the right match if they concentrate on those "hypo-allergenic" breeds. And anyone who thinks that the allergies are a trivial consideration that could easily be handled with medication has never experienced a serious attack of Not Breathing. Whatever you think of Obama, the little girls are just little girls. They want a puppy That's not evil or shallow. Getting them a puppy is not evil or shallow. Doing it with the care and thought that the Obamas clearly have given and are giving the matter, is not irresponsible. They're little girls, innocent little girls, no matter how you feel about their father. Give them a break, don't make them and their longed-for pet political footballs. And get a comment box that's bigger than 1 7/8 inches long and 3/8 of an inch high.:(

Lis November 11th, 2008 12:04:50 PM

I have the most perfect new pet for the Obama family! A Bichon Frise'!! They are hypo-allergenic and have a non-shedding coat. They have a "happy go lucky, carefree attitude" and are smart. The Obama children would just love this breed. I know many people that have them as pets and are very pleased. It is important to research the breed before buying - that is smart! I hope they read about this breed and find out all of the wonderful traits. I am sure they will pick the best possible pet! Good luck to them!

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