View Full Version : First puppy decision
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 04:04 PM
The first family is getting a puppy..
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27556259/
I think they should get a cat.
I think they should get one from the local animal shelter. With kids, a puppy would be a good decision.
And, yes, the girls should go through a dog obedience class with the new dog when it's around 6 months old or so. Classes like that are a lot of fun even for an adult. They'll probably have to have a personal trainer work with them instead, which is too bad.
:biggrin: That's hilarious. Would be the first dog to call his boss.
I think he should get a Dobermann. I'm not in any way biased of course, they just happen to be the best dogs. :smile:
SticksandStones
Nov6-08, 05:22 PM
There are so many abused animals that need good, loving homes.
It's a shame they'll probably go buy one from a breeder :(
I think he should get a Dobermann. I'm not in any way biased of course, they just happen to be the best dogs. :smile:
It's probably going to be either an Obamalamute (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Malamute) or an Obamastiff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Mastiff)
Shame he didn't want a fish. Then he could have got a Barrackuda.
Greg Bernhardt
Nov6-08, 05:37 PM
What is more American than a Boston Terrier?
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 05:44 PM
I think they should adopt a puppy from a shelter. They should get an animal behaviorist to help recommend a good one for them...do they want a lap dog, or a rambunctious pup to frolick with the kids? Obviously, they'll need one that isn't easily frightened...it wouldn't be very nice to have lots of photos of the president with a puppy cowering behind him trying to hide from the photographers and flash bulbs. Actually, I'd recommend taking a group of people and some cameras when they go to select a puppy, and try some flash photos to see how the puppy reacts. If it just doesn't care or heads over to check out the camera/photographer, great, but if it cowers, growls, piddles, etc., then move along to one who can handle being in the limelight of first puppy.
Of all the things I don't care for about Obama, I did think it was cool that in his victory speech, he commented that his daughters had earned a dog and promised it to them right then and there. :biggrin: I just hope he makes them be responsible for their puppy and doesn't just assign some staff member to clean-up duty (doody?). It would be good to make sure they don't wind up spoiled like so many other children of politicians or other famous people.
To be fair, they should have both a cat and dog.
I like Labradoodles for their playfulness, they are really clever, and packed full of cuteness. They were first bred for Guide Dogs to combine a low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentle nature and train ability of the Labrador, for use with people with allergies to fur and dander.
mgb_phys
Nov6-08, 06:19 PM
Actually, I'd recommend taking a group of people and some cameras when they go to select a puppy,
I'm betting the new crews are already being booked - although they might want to wait for the first screw-up before using the puppy card.
I'm picturing a crack teamof PR advisors are currently in a meeting trying to decide if it should be a black puppy or if a white one would be 'healing'. They will probably end up getting a dalmation as a compromise.
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 06:56 PM
I'm betting the new crews are already being booked - although they might want to wait for the first screw-up before using the puppy card.
I'm picturing a crack teamof PR advisors are currently in a meeting trying to decide if it should be a black puppy or if a white one would be 'healing'. They will probably end up getting a dalmation as a compromise.
:rofl: That's terrible! :rolleyes:
It would be too elitist to get a pure-bred puppy though... he definitely has no choice other than to get a nice mutt from the pound/shelter. :approve: He better make a big fat donation to the shelter too, while he's at it.
Gokul43201
Nov6-08, 07:06 PM
Malia Obama suffers from asthma, and is allergic to pet dander. You folks will need to restrict your suggestions to hypo-allergenic breeds.
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 07:25 PM
Malia Obama suffers from asthma, and is allergic to pet dander. You folks will need to restrict your suggestions to hypo-allergenic breeds.
:rolleyes: In that case, Barack should have never promised a puppy! "Here you go sweetie, don't worry if your airway closes off and you wheeze and sneeze all the time, you have the puppy you begged for, you little spoiled brat." :rolleyes:
How about getting a lizard, or turtle? They're much better choices for a kid with asthma/allergies.
Maybe working water-dogs, like poodles would be a good choice. I think it's nice for kids to have exposure to pets, and for them to be assigned responsibilities for those pets. When I was about 8 or so, we got a beautiful mixed breed dog who had been badly abused. She was distrustful of adult men for a few years, but she and I bonded and I could teach her any kind of trick in no time. She wasn't a real food-hound, but she loved to please, so after a year or so, if I hauled out a little treat (like those nasty Hartz mountain bits), she'd speak, sit, shake, beg, lie down, play dead, roll over, etc in quick succession - the whole drill. Owning a pet as an abstraction (that's my dog, but the staff feeds and bathes it) is VERY different from owning a pet, bonding, and taking responsibility for its care. If the Obamas are not going to task their children with training, feeding, and otherwise caring for a dog, they should not bother. If you had a dog as a kid, and remember some bad times, I'll bet you'll remember that in those bad times, your dog was sensitive to your distress and sorrow and gave you more silent support than any humans did. There is a lot of give an take with a dog that is locked in on you.
Cats..... er not so much. "Where's the Fancy Feast, Sucker, not that kibble crap!"
:rolleyes: In that case, Barack should have never promised a puppy! "Here you go sweetie, don't worry if your airway closes off and you wheeze and sneeze all the time, you have the puppy you begged for, you little spoiled brat." :rolleyes:
How about getting a lizard, or turtle? They're much better choices for a kid with asthma/allergies.
Grow up.
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 08:15 PM
Grow up.
Um, so you'd advocate promising a puppy to a kid with allergies to puppies? :rolleyes: Perhaps you need to do some growing up. It sounds irresponsible. I thought it was cool until it was pointed out that one of his daughters has asthma and dander allergies! That's not so cool, that's pretty lame parenting.
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 08:18 PM
I don't know if there has ever been a pet reptile in the White House. First Iguana sounds pretty cool.
Um, so you'd advocate promising a puppy to a kid with allergies to puppies? :rolleyes: Perhaps you need to do some growing up. It sounds irresponsible. I thought it was cool until it was pointed out that one of his daughters has asthma and dander allergies! That's not so cool, that's pretty lame parenting.
Yep. Just like going on shopping sprees and having a pregnant daughter. You know, just for a point of comparison.
Nice job beating up on a 10 year old kid though. Really, spoiled brat? Have you ever even met his kids?
Also, you mean you want him to give 'welfare' to the animal shelter? Interesting.
Gokul43201
Nov6-08, 08:22 PM
Um, so you'd advocate promising a puppy to a kid with allergies to puppies? :rolleyes: Perhaps you need to do some growing up. It sounds irresponsible. I thought it was cool until it was pointed out that one of his daughters has asthma and dander allergies! That's not so cool, that's pretty lame parenting.It was discussed at length with her doctor and decided that it would have to be a hypo-allergenic breed. Where were you when this was all over the news some months ago?
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 08:26 PM
It was discussed at length with her doctor and decided that it would have to be a hypo-allergenic breed. Where were you when this was all over the news some months ago?
Why the heck would I be paying attention to news stories about puppies? There were REAL issues I was paying attention to. Good grief folks! I can't believe how insane people have gotten about Obama. You can't even point out that MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, a dog is NOT the right choice for his kids. :rolleyes: I'll remember, the dictator should not be questioned.
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 08:27 PM
How safe are those hypoallergenic dogs? My friend got a hypoallergenic cat ($600!) for her daughter and she still got sick. They had to give the cat away.
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 08:28 PM
Yep. Just like going on shopping sprees and having a pregnant daughter. You know, just for a point of comparison.
Off topic.
Nice job beating up on a 10 year old kid though. Really, spoiled brat? Have you ever even met his kids?
Also, you mean you want him to give 'welfare' to the animal shelter? Interesting.
Oh, puleease! Do you not understand the meaning of SARCASM!? Hey, he's the one in favor of welfare. He should put HIS money where HIS mouth is before he expects me to put MY money there.
I'm sorry that you all think he's such a golden child and above reproach.
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 08:32 PM
How safe are those hypoallergenic dogs? My friend got a hypoallergenic cat ($600!) for her daughter and she still got sick. They had to give the cat away.
Exactly! Thanks for injecting some sanity here. Even poodles have dander. There is no guarantee a kid with such bad allergies won't be allergic to one of them. It's irresponsible to promise a puppy to a kid without making sure the kid isn't going to have an allergic reaction. Why do people think so many wonderful dogs wind up in the shelter in the first place? It's parents who promise kids puppies without thinking about what caring for a puppy requires that end up having to give them away.
And, no, I don't think his kids are spoiled, and I don't know anything about them. More likely, the poor kids are flat out neglected by the dad who's too busy with his career to really pay them much attention. Daddy can't be home to spend time with them, so he promises them presents instead, and even presents that they might not be able to keep. I feel a bit sorry for his kids in reality.
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 08:32 PM
Why the heck would I be paying attention to news stories about puppies? There were REAL issues I was paying attention to. Good grief folks! I can't believe how insane people have gotten about Obama. You can't even point out that MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, a dog is NOT the right choice for his kids. :rolleyes: I'll remember, the dictator should not be questioned.
Ahem. I think you mean "dear leader", Moonbear. :biggrin:
Why the heck would I be paying attention to news stories about puppies? There were REAL issues I was paying attention to. Good grief folks! I can't believe how insane people have gotten about Obama. You can't even point out that MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, a dog is NOT the right choice for his kids. :rolleyes: I'll remember, the dictator should not be questioned.
I think you're the one being 'insane' here calling 10 year old kids you don't even know spoiled brats. Good grief indeed.
Really, two little girls wanted a puppy.....and that makes them spoiled brats? A 7 year old wanting a puppy is now a 'spoiled brat'............wow. Talk about being insensitive.
What you don't get is that them not having a puppy becuase its not healthy is fine. Calling them spoiled brats because a small kid wants a puppy (what small kid doesnt?) is total crap.
Moonbear
Nov6-08, 08:34 PM
Ahem. I think you mean "dear leader", Moonbear. :biggrin:
:rofl: :tongue:
Off topic.
Oh, puleease! Do you not understand the meaning of SARCASM!? Hey, he's the one in favor of welfare. He should put HIS money where HIS mouth is before he expects me to put MY money there.
I'm sorry that you all think he's such a golden child and above reproach.
I suggest you read my reply about this 'welfare' nonsense you're spouting in the other thread. McCain's checks to families in the form of 'tax breaks'.........are ..........also......welfare. You sure you payed attention to REAL issues?
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obamas_welfare.html
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 08:39 PM
OK, this is NOT about puppies anymore. I think this thread is played out.
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 08:42 PM
VOTE FOR CATS!!!!
Thread locked!
VOTE FOR CATS!!!!
Thread locked!
NO KITTY My POT PIE!! Mewwwwww.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2K-vIXB1o&feature=related
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 08:44 PM
All cats are Libertarians, you know. :)
Gokul43201
Nov6-08, 08:56 PM
Where were you when this was all over the news some months ago?
Why the heck would I be paying attention to news stories about puppies? There were REAL issues I was paying attention to. Good grief folks! I can't believe how insane people have gotten about Obama. Wow! You really couldn't tell that was meant to be tongue-in-cheek?
You can't even point out that MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, a dog is NOT the right choice for his kids. :rolleyes:Sure you can. But for someone that has never come across this story before to suddenly decide that it constitutes lame parenting based on a sentence that I wrote (and there were no maybes in the post) seems a little ... drastic.
I'll remember, the dictator should not be questioned.The dictator? Good grief, Moonbie! Take it easy! This is a puppy thread, after all.
Back to puppies y'all. No politics here.
CaptainQuasar
Nov6-08, 09:18 PM
All cats are Libertarians, you know. :)
Libertines, at least. :tongue2:
Perhaps if there's an allergy problem the puppy could be in a large hamster ball.⚛
OmCheeto
Nov6-08, 09:50 PM
Perhaps they can convince the children that a blind mole rat is a dog.
mgb_phys
Nov6-08, 10:01 PM
Mr Bigglesworth
Did you see that?
Wow! fast......
(edit)
Math Is Hard
Nov6-08, 10:13 PM
As for the kids learning to clean up after puppy, Obama is going to be cleaning up the same kinda mess for 4 years too. They can make it a real family thing. Cleaning up the doodie.
We should send him a forklift!
Mr Bigglesworth
Ha ha...I second that...
We should send him a forklift!
I don't know. Who gets paid more, an American President for this next term or a Roto-Rooter plumber?
Just last night I warred with the plumbing, I don't envy anyone taking that job at all. Hope he's handy.
OmCheeto
Nov6-08, 11:40 PM
Ha ha...I second that...
Ok..... What's a bigglesworth?
Ok..... What's a bigglesworth?
COME Mr. BIGGELSWORTH!
OmCheeto
Nov6-08, 11:44 PM
COME Mr. BIGGELSWORTH!
No. I'm serious. I don't know what a biggelsworth........
CaptainQuasar
Nov6-08, 11:46 PM
Ok..... What's a bigglesworth?
This is a reference to the Austin Powers series of films. Mr. Bigglesworth is Dr. Evil's cat.⚛
mgb_phys
Nov7-08, 12:00 AM
And is hairless http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Bigglesworth#Mr._Bigglesworth
:biggrin: That's hilarious. Would be the first dog to call his boss.
No one? I guess humor is not my thing, :cry: Barrrk
Chi Meson
Nov7-08, 10:33 AM
How safe are those hypoallergenic dogs? My friend got a hypoallergenic cat ($600!) for her daughter and she still got sick. They had to give the cat away.
I have a very close friend who is severely allergic to pet dander. So allergic, that she has never been able to go to any party at anybody's house if they own a pet (unless she loads herself with steroids, and then she can only stay a short while). By the way, she is Denise the Woodworker, for those who need a name and profession.http://yellowpages.norwichbulletin.com/Wood--27ja+Woodworking.327672.106224654.home.html
Anyway, true story: we know her from our triathlon days; she too being an athlete. Right after our local race (Mystic River Valley Triathlon, 2004), she was hypothermic at the end. She went to the First aid tent, and they wrapped her in a blanket. She asked "is this wool?" (very allergic you see) they said "no." After one minute, she nearly went into shock. She had to be helped to the shower and her inhalents. Turns out there was some cat hair on the blanket. Not much, but some, and it nearly hospitalized her.
"So what?" you are asking? Well get this:
Denise has always had a dog. Her last dog was a Portugese water dog, right now she has a standard poodle. The difference? "Hair, not fur."
Point being: get the right kind of dog, and it's not a problem. The people who have these allergies, and the parents of those who do, will be quite aware of the choices if they are slightly educated. I propose that, despite anyone's political opinion, the Obamas are at least slightly educated.
Hmm I wondered if my post on the first page was invisible.
Ivan Seeking
Nov7-08, 01:59 PM
Mrs. Calvin Coolidge and the first racoon.
http://rdr.zazzle.com/img/imt-prd/isz-1000/pd-228033224480200893.jpg
President Harrison's first goat.
http://www.whitehousehistory.org/04/subs/images_02/photo_404c.jpg
Ivan Seeking
Nov7-08, 02:09 PM
I thought this was particularly amusing photo of President Johnson and his beloved dog, Yuki.
http://clinton4.nara.gov/media/jpg/howl.jpg
Johnson also had two beagles named Him, and Her.
Integral
Nov7-08, 02:16 PM
Seems like politics brings out the worst in everybody. Sure glad this election is over... now all I need to do get through the next 4 years without saying the Obama word in my house.
Ivan Seeking
Nov7-08, 02:19 PM
I corrected your statement for you. :biggrin:
... now all I need to do get through the next 8 years without saying the Obama word in my house.
Nice shots, Ivan. My wife has a picture somewhere of her grandmother with a family of young raccoons climbing all over her. She had a camp on a lake, and she used to feed the raccoons on her front porch.
Rebecca, the raccoon, was sent to the Coolidges to be part of the White House Thanksgiving feast. She wound up living better than most Americans at the time, dining on shrimp, chicken, persimmon, and eggs.
They also had a pet bobcat and two lion cubs, which reminds me of something I saw on TV:
Elly (showing off her new pet): "The man at the zoo says he's gonna grow up to be more'n 300 pounds! Cause he's a lion!"
Granny: "Darn right he's a lyin'! Not even a bobcat gets that big!"
Math Is Hard
Nov7-08, 04:54 PM
The Obamas will adopt rather than buy:
http://www.mercurynews.com/petsheadlines/ci_10908907
Thumbs up!!!!
SticksandStones
Nov7-08, 05:08 PM
The Obamas will adopt rather than buy:
http://www.mercurynews.com/petsheadlines/ci_10908907
Thumbs up!!!!
BIG thumbs up. A great example for everyone to follow! :)
physics girl phd
Nov7-08, 06:23 PM
Did anyone else just see this clip (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#27600175) on NBC news where Obama, in his first press conference as president-elect discusses the puppy-decision and refers to himself as a "mutt"? :rofl:
Of course this has been in some of the negative media already -- so why not embrace it to render the criticism less powerful?
Did anyone else just see this clip (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#27600175) on NBC news where Obama, in his first press conference as president-elect discusses the puppy-decision and refers to himself as a "mutt"? :rofl:
Of course this has been in some of the negative media already -- so why not embrace it to render the criticism less powerful?Most of us ARE mutts! I am French-Canadian/Indian on my mother's side and Irish/German/Scottish/Indian on my father's side. On my father's mother's side his founding male was a Hessian officer who accepted land in PEI in lieu of some of his payment, and on his father's side, the founding male was an Irish refugee fleeing the Potato Famine. The notion of racial/ethnic purity in a country built by immigrants (with some degree of intermarriage/devastation of the native population) is pretty silly.
Its even silly in Europe to consider oneself pure.
The oddest (or most interesting) mix I've come across is my friend, a linguist whose grandfather on one side was a Nazi officer and whose other grandfather was a German Jew who fled to Britain.
mgb_phys
Nov7-08, 09:43 PM
Probably the only people in the world that could consider themselves 'racially pure' are Australian Aborigines which must delight neo-nazis
CaptainQuasar
Nov7-08, 10:39 PM
Most of us ARE mutts! I am French-Canadian/Indian on my mother's side and Irish/German/Scottish/Indian on my father's side.
I'm half German Shepherd.⚛
I'm half German Shepherd.⚛
Im the real deal.
OmCheeto
Nov8-08, 12:46 PM
Its even silly in Europe to consider oneself pure.
The oddest (or most interesting) mix I've come across is my friend, a linguist whose grandfather on one side was a Nazi officer and whose other grandfather was a German Jew who fled to Britain.
Ha ha! That's the best I've heard. I used to love to tell the story of how my mother, a member of the German Luftwaffe during WWII, later married my father, a member of the U.S. Air Force. The joke was that they kept the war going for another 50 years.:tongue2:
But we are getting way off topic.
Perhaps the Obama's can find a Chinese Crested/Xoloitzcuintli mix.
Both hypoallergenic dogs.
Chi Meson
Nov10-08, 09:40 AM
Perhaps the Obama's can find a Chinese Crested/Xoloitzcuintli mix.
And the humane society shelters are always overcrowded with those things.
OmCheeto
Nov10-08, 10:16 AM
And the humane society shelters are always overcrowded with those things.
Interesting how many of the Chinese Crested are in the top ten of the annual "ugliest dog" competitions:
http://www.everyoneloveselwood.com/about.html
2008 Champion
http://www.everyoneloveselwood.com/images/FAQs.jpg
Elwood is an all American MUTT - part Chinese Crested part Chihuahua.
Just like our president. awwwww.....
The first family is getting a puppy..
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27556259/
I think they should get a cat.
Looks like quite the bad *** type to me...
CaptainQuasar
Nov10-08, 05:35 PM
Wait just a second...
http://www.everyoneloveselwood.com/images/FAQs.jpg http://i34.tinypic.com/1pxo9s.jpg
Obama isn't the only Democratic politician the First Dog may be like! No disrespect meant to Senator Clinton (okay, maybe a little) but I was trying to find some world leader it'd be good to name the dog after, I searched for "bug-eyed dictator" and that image was one of the first hits, and it was too funny to pass up.
BTW, the image host I uploaded that to generated this advertisement:
http://i38.tinypic.com/169i36h.jpg
I would go to answer my phone and be like AAAAHHHHHHHH!!! :surprised⚛
Ivan Seeking
Apr12-09, 11:44 AM
"Bo" has arrived and just in time for Easter.
Original posting | 10:24 a.m. President Obama might have initially expressed interest in selecting a mutt to serve as the nation’s first dog, but when it came down to it, a puppy with Kennedy connections reportedly got the nod...
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/04/12/us/12dogblog2.jpg
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/hey-bo-puppy-obamas-finally-choose/?hp
mgb_phys
Apr12-09, 11:55 AM
Since portugal isn't part of the Iraqi invasion - will they have to be renamed "freedom water dogs"?
OmCheeto
Apr12-09, 12:05 PM
"Bo" has arrived and just in time for Easter.
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/04/12/us/12dogblog2.jpg
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/hey-bo-puppy-obamas-finally-choose/?hp
O....M....G....... :rofl:
Fox is going to have such a field day...
"They're letting gay dogs run around the White House! What's next, gay marriage?!"
Southpark could do a skit, but they've squandered their "gay dog" episode. Perhaps they can do a sequel: "Sparky goes to the White House" :cool:
Ivan Seeking
Apr13-09, 06:17 PM
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gen/74319/original.jpg
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/13/bo-the-puppy-runs-with-ob_n_186150.html
Ghost803
Apr13-09, 08:29 PM
I thought huffington was banned here. Btw, whats up with the dog being named after the president? Barrack Obama, B.O
Ivan Seeking
Apr13-09, 08:36 PM
I thought huffington was banned here. Btw, whats up with the dog being named after the president? Barrack Obama, B.O
Heh, the HP is banned as a source of information. This is just a photo.
It just happened that as often happens, the Huffington Post had it first. :biggrin:
The dog is named after Rush limbaugh's call screener Bo Snerdley:biggrin:
OR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ixaXBWtyc
Moonbear
Apr13-09, 09:56 PM
Huffington had a hilarious satire too, written as the First Dog's address to the nation.
The puppy is really cute. It's good to hear it's an energetic breed, because after watching Obama reading stories to kids today, I can really picture him rolling around on the floor with kids and puppy piling on top for a tumble. Can't you just imagine someone walking in on him in the Oval Office playing tug-of-war with a puppy? (It was really nice watching a president acting out stories for kids rather than struggling to sound out the words.)
Huffington had a hilarious satire too, written as the First Dog's address to the nation.
The puppy is really cute. It's good to hear it's an energetic breed, because after watching Obama reading stories to kids today, I can really picture him rolling around on the floor with kids and puppy piling on top for a tumble. Can't you just imagine someone walking in on him in the Oval Office playing tug-of-war with a puppy? (It was really nice watching a president acting out stories for kids rather than struggling to sound out the words.)That was really refreshing, Moonie! He acted out the parts, stuck in sound-effects, stuff that I'm sure he's done for years for his own kids. It's nice to have a President who's not a pompous stuffed-shirt or an idiot.
Moonbear
Apr13-09, 10:18 PM
That was really refreshing, Moonie! He acted out the parts, stuck in sound-effects, stuff that I'm sure he's done for years for his own kids. It's nice to have a President who's not a pompous stuffed-shirt or an idiot.
Yep, and I just keep thinking what a wonderful role model he and Michelle are to parents everywhere. If the president isn't too busy to make time to spend with his family, anyone can make that time. It's such a nice example of good parenting.
Yep, and I just keep thinking what a wonderful role model he and Michelle are to parents everywhere. If the president isn't too busy to make time to spend with his family, anyone can make that time. It's such a nice example of good parenting.
Those girls just seem like nice, normal kids. Not that previous White House kids haven't been nice and normal, but there's something very uncoached and real about the Obama girls.
Kudos to their parents -- and grandma.
Moonbear
Apr13-09, 10:39 PM
Those girls just seem like nice, normal kids. Not that previous White House kids haven't been nice and normal, but there's something very uncoached and real about the Obama girls.
Kudos to their parents -- and grandma.
A substantial part of it is simply that we see them! Maybe I just am forgetting, but I really don't remember seeing any candid sorts of photos of the Clintons playing with Chelsea. Most of the time, she was never seen, and only when she was all dressed up and standing quietly for something formal. She never looked like she was allowed to be a kid...at least not in public. Obama's daughters, you actually see running about, playing, and just being kids, not stage props. The other recent presidents all had grown children (or pretty close to grown for the Bush twins) by the time they were in office, so they were already getting into more adult political roles and we didn't see them as kids.
I still love Michelle for telling the White House cleaning staff not to clean the girls' rooms. It's all part of keeping them unspoiled.
physics girl phd
Apr14-09, 12:07 PM
I just love that PETA offered to neuter an already-neutered pup (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/4/13/peta-urges-obama-to-snip-bo-the-first-dog.html) (Huffington Post link NOT used here... though my personal view of US News and World Report isn't high and the HP beat it to the punch):
"We are sending you a coupon good for one free sterilization at PETA's SNIP clinic, which you are welcome to use or pass on to a member of your Cabinet or someone in a low-income neighborhood of Washington, D.C."
At least the organization was good to include the "pass on" caveat.
I'm personally quite OK with the first family getting the pup from a "breeder"-source. Obviously research went into the choice, and in the case of his daughter's allergies, a pup needed to be carefully selected. This careful consideration of pet selection is what people should model... not the selection of a PWD itself. It's clear a high-energy pup will be mutually healthy with this high-energy but disciplined family. The only things sketchy and unfortunate are the Kennedy connection and "rescue" status!
My Cha-Cha was a stray kitty, she certainly had some try-out time before I let her in for "rescue". While I had to rid her of fleas, I was lucky that during the decision process, I found out from the vet she was already fixed! Bonus! -- But I don't have allergy considerations, and her personality was found compatible via the trial period where she reappeared consistently at my front porch for food and attention.
I have a friend with mild allergies, and her shelter-kitty Annie didn't get the love and play-time it needed from her. Fortunately she just married, and her spouse frolics and dotes on the kitty; I hear Annie's never been so happy! (Prior to her marriage, my friend was beginning to worry that she needed to pass Annie on to her parents and save up money for a hairless kitty -- almost as scary as a Chinese Crested!).
Moonbear
Apr14-09, 05:14 PM
"We are sending you a coupon good for one free sterilization at PETA's SNIP clinic, which you are welcome to use or pass on to a member of your Cabinet or someone in a low-income neighborhood of Washington, D.C."
Hmm...that seems like quite a deal. Which member of the cabinet should we send for the free sterilization? :rofl: "SNIP" clinic? Really? PETA is just endless comedy. :rofl:
mgb_phys
Apr14-09, 05:34 PM
"We are sending you a coupon good for one free sterilization at PETA's SNIP clinic, which you are welcome to use or pass on to a member of your Cabinet "
I think that was a typo - it should have said
We are sending you a coupon good for one free sterilization at PETA's SNIP clinic, which you are welcome to use ON a member of your Cabinet
edit - moonbear got their first
Ivan Seeking
Apr14-09, 08:47 PM
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/04/14/first.dog/art.bo.family.cnn.jpg
..."The only concern we have is that apparently, Portuguese water dogs like tomatoes. Michelle's garden is in danger," he said.
"We don't have tomatoes," the first lady said. "Not yet," Obama reminded...
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/14/first.dog/
Moonbear
Apr14-09, 08:54 PM
They just sound like such a typical couple with banter like that. :rofl:
Though, who's walking whom in that photo? :biggrin:
Foreign relations between the US and Portugal have never been better :wink:.
Ivan Seeking
Apr14-09, 09:25 PM
Though, who's walking whom in that photo?
I don't know if you caught it or not, but Bo nearly caused Barack to take a nose dive on the White House lawn today.
LowlyPion
Apr14-09, 11:09 PM
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/04/14/first.dog/art.bo.family.cnn.jpg
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/14/first.dog/
I think I can see an episode of the Dog Whisperer coming up.
Cesar Milan teaching the First Family to be pack leaders?
Moonbear
Apr15-09, 06:04 PM
I don't know if you caught it or not, but Bo nearly caused Barack to take a nose dive on the White House lawn today.
No, haven't caught that one. Hopefully there'll be reruns of that footage. :rofl: That looks like one strong puppy! Apparently, pulling is what they're best at...amidst all the articles about the puppy, I've learned that they're working dogs that assist fishermen by hauling nets from boat to boat. Fishing nets can be pretty heavy. I bet Bo will be fun in winter...wait for some snow, and let him tow the kids on their sleds (I don't think there are many good sledding hills around the White House). :biggrin:
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