The long wait of an anxious nation is over. The new first dog is here, and his name is Bo.
Bo's arrival, of course, played out perfectly for the times. He was selected in secrecy; the selection was leaked; a newspaper was promised the exclusive; but was beaten by the Internet and, of course, there is controversy. What about the campaign promise to adopt? There are quotes that every dog bought from a breeder is a death sentence for one in a shelter. (A bit of a heavy burden, I think, for little girls who just want a puppy.)
There are even same news-cycle talking points: Bo was previously with another family (and called Charlie then), but there seemed to be a conflict with the dogs already in residence. So he was returned to the breeder who provided the family dogs of Ted Kennedy, which then re-gifted Charley to the Obamas. So, go the talking points, Bo - as a first-family failure - could have conceivably met the fate of other dogs who don't fit in, and been dropped off at a shelter. I buy that. Really.
Anyway -- get used to it, Bo. You are more than a dog now.
Mr. President: I can only hope Bo won't star in holiday videos as Barney, the Bush dog, did. Toward the end, it was animal abuse -- or abuse of all dog lovers who watched in spite of themselves, and suffered the dialogue that even made the dog look embarrassed. Barney deserved better.
But it's a new day. The arrival of Bo is truly -- Change We Can Believe In. Once a puppy arrives at a house -- even the big white one on Pennsylvania Avenue, things will never be the same.
There will be lessons in the laws of puppies: "If I can reach it, it's mine. And what's mine, I'll chew if I want to." There are lessons in the lethality of puppy teeth, which shred wrists and forearms, and can clamp down mid-nuzzle -- on the occasional ear (and yours Mr. President, if you don't mind my saying so, are a puppy's idea of chew toy heaven).
There will be the realization your dog is, quite possibly, the smartest dog ever. When is the last time you heard someone say their dog is dumb? Aside from Dave Barry, I mean.
Prepare, also, to be one of "those people" you swear you will never be -- the insufferable ones; the ones who believe that the rest of the world finds your puppy stories as hilarious/heartwarming as you do. Word of caution, Mr. President. Putin doesn't care. Anyway, he seems like a cat person. That's fine - so are Buffy and I. We love them, but dogs take WORK!
There will be discoveries of the hard to define, but amazingly comfortable smell of puppy fur; the power of the loving gaze of big brown eyes, the joyous greetings that -- in their own way -- will be just as satisfying as your reception in the capitals of Europe.
Congratulations are also in order. You will quickly realize that Bo -- who will soon answer to nicknames like Bo-dog, B-dog, Bobo, Beauregard or Bo-dacious -- is the best dog in the world. Even when he's not.
Getting back to my headline, the White House has released a new photo of Bo Obama, the Obamas' new puppy, running though the halls with President Obama.
Here's the best version I could find of the photo:
Video from NBC's Today show:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
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96 comments:
pretty darn cute!
Cute!
Awwww :o)
Awhhh.
So this dog was for the girls?
Someone tell the dog.
wink wink
Adorable! I am glad the girls got their wish....from the Kennedy's no less.
Yeah, I think it's a nice touch that they got the dog from the Kennedy family.
that's one lucky dog.
Now watch the Portugese Water Dog become the most popular dog in America this year and people will be breeding them like there is no tomorrow. I wish I could have a dog where I live - I'd get one myself!
This is a real concern that all reputable breeders face...it's like when 101 Dalmatians came out, everyone and their mother started breeding them because they were so "cute". PWD's are a wonderful breed but they are not for everyone and the Obama's were wise to get some training under this puppy's "belt" before he came to live with them. Plus, they researched the breed, listened to other PWD owners and went to a good, reputable breeder for their puppy. Just think, if everyone did that, there wouldn't be nearly the number of dogs in shelters as there are now.
I bet the Animal Rights folks are beside themselves because the Obamas went about this puppy search very intelligently and carefully. I'm all for adopting shelter dogs when you can, but these girls have a specific need for a certain type of dog, and now they have their new family member! I couldn't be happier for them...
Dogs are really great companions and even though the puppy may have been for the girls, it will be hard for the adults not to get really attached, too.
Love Bo.
That is adorable. What a lucky dog to become a member of a great family!
Bo's keeping up with President Obama better than the GOP, he is a quick learner fo sho!
It's so nice to have some happy stories....White House puppy, freed from pirates captain.....I love it!!
I have a feeling Bo isn't Sacha and Malia's dog, Bo is Daddy's dog.
With times so hard, it's nice to be able to cheer Captain Phillips' rescue, Bo finding his forever home, and Sasha and Malia finally getting their wish. A little piece of light and love for all to carry in their hearts today.
That's a great sentiment. Thank you.
You can't argue with that picture. But hey, I thought this was the girls' dog Mr. President?
No, he said in the Barbara Walters interview he wanted the dog to be able to take jogs with him--so he had a little bit to say about what type dog they got (he didn't want a lap dog, that was for certain, from his comments!).
Love the Prez in that photo!
I love the Hawaiian lei to greet the new puppy.
It is great that they are sending the dog to training camp to make it easier for them, as first time dog owners, to have a pet that isn't destructive or aggressive.
Isn't it like the Obamas to take a studied, well informed approach to the seriousness of dog ownership? If the previous owner of the dog had taken the time to train the dog, they probably wouldn't have given him back.
Enjoy the new dog Obamas. You will love being a dog owning family.
I agree, having had puppies from age 8 weeks all my life and knowing about puddles and piles and the time it takes to house break a puppy as well as chewed shoes, it is a very good move, especially if the Obama girls were not raised with puppies.
I understand the family that had him before had another dog that did not like a rival puppy in the house and that is why he was returned. One has to keep peace in the house. Bo looks like a real cutie and very friendly!
I just hope they all enjoy lots of fun, happy, wonderful times together....Preferably 8 years in the White House!!
I love the dog. Cute choice. will it grow to be big?
I've seen pictures of them grown up and they are pretty big dogs. Really social and rambunctious too.
Happy for the family =)
Waiting for GOP & Fox News to ask "Why does Obama hate America? Obamas choose a PORTUGUESE Water Dog!!!! Socialism in WH runs rampant!!!!"
=)
Funny!!..You know it's going to happen!!!!
I'd say Bo won the Doggy Lottery.
True. Bo drew a wonderful family. He is a lucky dog.
I want one of those!!!
Puppy's cute too...
lol
BOBAMA looks like a real sweetheart. He's going to be one well-loved poochie.
There is something very special about having a dog (a good dog) for a pet. We purchased a dog for our 2 young boys, but as it often happens, "Buddy" quickly became my third child.
The companionship, and affection from an animal is a heartfelt gift. The president has given this dog to his daughters, but I know he will form a bond with Bo. As years go by, I have no doubt, Bo will give him a comforting "break" from the pressures of his normal day.
Flash forward 6 months:
and in other news today, there has been a spike in adoptions of Portuguese Water dogs. Record numbers have been ordered and adopted in the last several months.
Lol..that will likely happen too!
OMG, such happy photos! It is hard to listen to all the news for the past few years, and even now it is hard to put up with the negativity each day as we try to get out of this mess. But these photos bring a smile to our faces for a little bit of fun.
Agree.
I think so, too, and it shows the human side of Obama. My dogs make my days worth getting up when things are really bad.
hah Bo's a Kennedy and a democrat.
LOL
and the breed is used for water rescues, another Kennedy fit
Girls, start looking for a new puppy. Looks like your Dad is taking over.
I presume Bo had no income tax problems and was confirmed by the Senate.
BO WAS NOT BORN IN AMERICA!!!!! O.....M......G!!!!!!!
and he doesn't pal around with terrorists.
Go Bobama.
Bo looks like a socialist and probably reads teleprompters! I bet ACORN, Ayers, and Rev Wright were involved too!
--Newt Gingrich
Bet you that Newt has a new mistress.
lol
At last! A friend for the President in D.C.
Tonight on Hannity: Is Bo Obama a muslim?
L ... freaking O. L. !
LOL you got that right
The attention Bo is getting is not a new thing. Look at this picture (from MSNBC), It is VERY funny and creepy at the same time. The poor cat had no idea; he looked scared to death.
"Chelsea Clinton's cat, Socks, appears nonplussed by the demands of fame as photographers surround him outside the governor's mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas soon after Bill Clinton was elected president in November 1992"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27569597/displaymode/1107/s/2/framenumber/16/
Man, I wish we could just click on that and see. I copied it into my browser, and recommend everyone do the same. It's bizarre!!!
After Clinton was elected, he - unlike the Obamas - kept the media at arm's length and refused to buddy up to them - the Clintons were still angry about the saturation coverage of Gennifer Flowers - boy, the worst was yet to come.
The media really crucified them - largely because the Clintons wouldn't play ball with them - a mistake Barack Obama has carefully avoided.
I remember reading the media was camped out in Little Rock trying desperately to get some tidbit of info and the only Clinton they had any contact with, was Socks.
Socks - in fact - was a cat with attitude and not easily scared off.
He would wander out of the Governor's Mansion's gates to check out the press.
And the only quote the media managed to get from Bill Clinton was when he called down to them to tell them to "leave the cat alone".
Cute dog. I hope the Obamas train Bo Obama to bite Beck, Hannity, O'Reilly, Coulter, Bachmann, LImbaugh, etc. in the ass.
Make sure he has all of his shots first, we don't want Bo to catch something.
Hahahaha!
Bo is awfully cute, but please don't get him one of those silly poodle haircuts!
At least the dog was re-homed and not fresh from the puppy factory. Rescued dogs are the best, but I know the President and his family had specific needs.
'No kill' shelters socialize, do some training, and really know their dogs. Many facilities have puppies as well as purebred dogs. Humane Societies will have a mixture of dogs and might cost less but may not socialize the dogs. Anyway, Bo will be one beloved pooch!
If they have trouble house-training him, will they change his name to "Bo Piddley?"
He'll try to be a good Poopy Dog.
lol
Or they could change Bo's name to Liberace, because he's the
"peein' -est". (Benny Hill.)
I love the Obama family and am excited for them to have a loyal companion at their side. Dogs are great friends.
I look forward to getting home every day so I can hang out with my 13 year old chocolate lab.
I see Bo as a symbol of President Obama a little -- black and white mix and adorable. Plus, Obama's initials are BO. Maybe Bo will comfort the little girls when their dad is far away or on business.
Dogs are the best. I was always tempted to like Bush a bit more (or actually hate him a little less) when I saw him carrying Barney.
Bo and B.O. running down that corridor is one of those photos we'll find some day in the "coffee table" history books.
I really love our President.
We really got lucky America, recognize....
I love that photo! I love the Obamas!!!! You know, we'd never see GWB doing something like this!
GWB had a hard enough time remembering how to walk let alone run.
He would've tripped over that leash or run into the wall.
Cool!! Anybody that doesn't love our President, The First Family, and Bo Doggie is simply un-Amercain.
Still want our President to fail Limbaugh, you fat fuck.
I really don't like dogs, and kind of hate over-hyped feel-good stories -- but I've fallen for this one. Especially seeing our picture-of-health President able to balance his smarts with a little sprint through the White House with the new pup.
[Head explodes from cuteness]
Finally. Now maybe the media can have its orgasm over the dog and can get back to some investigative reporting on serious issues, like bush and cheney's war crimes and the republican deregulatory policies of greed that led to the financial meltdown.
Oh, wait -- they weren't doing that anyway. Nevermind. :-o
I might be the only one that feels this way, but I really think Prez's gonna have a special bond with Bo despite this being his daughters' puppy. as he's such a guy's guy but he never had a father presence or a brother or a son.
...or a dog of his own!
I want one!
Portuguese Water Dogs aren't just cuddly but also kindhearted, clever and loyal. Bo is a great choice for First Dog.
I've watched one grow up in my neighborhood and there is such a sweetness about her, I threaten to have her come live with me.
I'm a dog nut, but she is something special. You know, athletic, but what a love bundle!!
Good choice for a family with young children.
The PWD breed sure reminds me of my Standard Poodle named Sam who was part of my family for almost 10 years. Sammy was very similar in looks, temperament and stature to the Obama's new puppy. He was smart, sweet, loved to swim, loved to cuddle and he was a very loyal and great watchdog. It's really amazing how you can see the breeding from a PWD in the standard poodle lines. I sure miss my old dog Sam.
Fitness in motion--running with a puppy sets a great example in more than one way.
What I find really great about our pres is how much work he's done already.
Bo is only one of the many "campaign promises" he's already kept.
Here's a list of 24 campaign promises that have been kept and completed (there are more the list doesn't have all of them listed yet)
http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/promise-kept/
To all the people that are wondering about the Obama's not getting their dog from a shelter:
From ABC news:
"In the 1970s, Portuguese water dogs were nearly extinct, with only 25 left in the world. But they have since made a comeback. "
--
Considering Malia has allergies and Porties are very rarely found in rescue shelters, I am very happy that Uncle Teddy Kennedy found a good puppy for the Obama girls. Also, 'Bo' was returned by his previous owner so Bo is a 're-homed' dog. Best of luck to Bo and his new family ;)
BO BO BOMABA FA NAHNA FANAH FO FANAH FEE FI FOE FANAH ....BOBAMA!!!!
ROFLMAO, I haven't heard that since I was a kid LOL
The Name Game Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MJLi5_dyn0
Coming up next on FOX News: is the First Dog a socialist? our panel of blowhards weigh in.
I'm glad Malia and Sasha finally got their puppy, hope they enjoy and take good care of him.
Today (Tuesday) will be the 'official' unveiling of Bo and presentation by Teddy Kennedy.
There should be tons of new photos of 'Bo' coming out!
It looks like the girls are going to have to fight Dad for some Bo time of their own.
Opening Cuba.
Fighting pirates.
Getting Iran to the negotiating table.
Dominating the G20 and reassuring the world.
Planting an organic garden.
Having a hot wife who can both charm a Queen and inspire a whole new generation.
Following through on campaign promises.
Changing the political dialogue. Getting the cutest puppy ever. Fitting in date night.
Holding the first White House seder.
Ordering in pizza...from another STATE.
And so much more!!
AND it's STILL not the end of his first 100 days. (Ya know...maybe he IS Superman). Wow.
The most impressive President of my lifetime, so far.
me three
Very reminiscent of the JFK photo running with dog, except for the beach.......
yup, my first thought was..."how sad they're not outside"...
"You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals."
-- Mark Twain, 1894
"Dogs have masters, cats have servants."
So says my refrigerator magnet.
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