First Dog

Jino on Petfinder.com-Basenji/terrier

When Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech, he thanked his campaign manager, his wife, Michelle and then his two girls, Malia and Sasha. He promised them a new puppy. The problem comes in when allergies to said puppy enter the picture.

I grew up with allergies in our household. I was lucky, I was not the one with the allergies to animals and I love them dearly. I have been craving a dog for years but the thought terrifies me. Don't ask why, I don't know, it's something that I was brought up with. But I think I'm getting much better. I can now pet and even let any dog lick me. I have to wash my hands right away, though. But isn't that normal??

Anyway, I think have an answer to President-elect Obama's dilemma, get a mutt. Not just any mutt-get a Basenji/poodle/terrier mix. Basenji from Africa, to celebrate the African background, poodle to show a stiff upper lip, American style, and of course, a bit of terrier, the standby of White House dogs, which had showed themselves to be stalwart animals always! The nice thing about all three breeds is that they all hypo-allergenic. Go to a local shelter and check it out. In fact, go online to Petfinder.com and look for a breed. You can find anything there. There are shelters all over the United States and Canada so your options are limitless.

I go there just to dream. I love Dachshunds. I always thought you should get a mix because they would be healthier. That's what everyone has told me. I've also been told to go to a shelter and save a pet. I also have a friend who will help me find said pet!

So, Mr. President-elect, I doubt if you will have time yourself to find the girls a pet, ask someone who is knowledgeable about the breeding of dogs and have them check on a good pet for the girls. Again there is great information on Petfinder about which dogs are compatible with kids. Good Luck and may you find the puppy you will love!

For anyone interested click on Petfinder.com and start your own search for any dog OR cat!

Cheers!