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Okay, Here's the Freakin' Dog
| Mon Apr. 13, 2009 12:42 AM PDT
This definitely isn't "media," and it's probably not "culture," although the little pooch does seem to be wearing a lei, which is, er, kind of cultural, right? Whatever, you know you want to look at pictures of the Obamas' new pet, which whitehouse.gov has provided, and The Riff can use the traffic. As you already know by now (since the story leaked two days early) the President has finally made good on his campaign promise to get Sasha and Malia a dog. The puppy is a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, he's a gift from Senator Edward Kennedy, and his name is Bo. Hmm, "Bo Obama" is a little awkward, but the name is apparently the same as the Obama girls' cousins' cat, a phrase I can't believe I just typed, and is also an oblique reference to Michelle's father's nickname, Diddley, which is marginally more interesting I suppose. I have to say, Bo looks like he's pretty skeptical about this whole deal in the above photo, but I guess I would be too if I was forced to pose for photos in a nothing but a cheap-looking lei. (Again.) One more picture of the first family greeting their new doggy after the jump, and then I'm getting back to posting about indie disco dance tunes.
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Photos courtesy whitehouse.gov
Comments
Just feed me, plz
Submitted by Jonathan Stein on Mon Apr. 13, 2009 7:32 AM PDT.
Bo looks decidedly uninterested in this whole situation.
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Jonathan Stein
We found the PWDs!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Apr. 13, 2009 4:19 PM PDT.
Get ready for a massive run on Portuguese water dogs. ... The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America certainly hasn't wasted any time issuing a press release:
“While the PWD is a wonderful family pet, we want to use the increased interest in the breed as an opportunity to educate people about it,” said Stu Freeman, President of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA). “We encourage those who may consider adding a Portuguese Water Dog to their lives to do the proper research to ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle.”
“PWDs are classified as working dogs. That means they enjoy being given jobs to do where they can display their intelligence, strength and stamina.” Added Freeman. “Like all dogs, PWDs need training and socialization.”
Jean Hassebroek, Corresponding Secretary of the PWDCA said, “The best thing about the breed is it’s versatility – PWDs have been full-time sheep herders, R.E.A.D. therapy dogs and a FEMA 1 hero. But they can also be champion coach potatoes, content to just hang out.”
Because PWDs will form a strong bond with their families-even a “First Family”, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time or boarded in kennels. PWDs enjoy participating in activities with their “crewmates” or family like youth soccer, baseball and basketball games, picnics, hiking or any other family outing, especially those near water. They do well in homes with children, but it’s possible a PWDs could mistake a small child for a litter mate and play too hard. In general, small children should never be left unsupervised with a dog of any breed.
Right. And to make sure Sasha and Malia are not left unsupervised with Bo, the administration has appointed a new cabinet-level Dog Czar.
