The “First Pup” Question is No Joke

Many observers have been having a grand old time making light of President Elect Barack Obama’s promise to bring a puppy into the White House for his children. I would like to suggest that there is a bit more to this story than throwaway fluff pieces and one-liners for Leno and Letterman. Obama addressed this briefly during is first press conference.

Between addressing his plans for the economy and his transition to the White House, Obama noted that whatever dog they get will have to be hypoallergenic so as not to aggravate daughter Malia’s allergies.

He also confirmed that the family’s intention is to adopt a dog from a shelter, although Malia’s medical concerns may preclude that.

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

Having volunteered for and supported the Humane Society – as well as other animal support and rescue groups – for most of my adult life, I applaud anyone who makes room in their home and their life for our four legged friends. I’ve also picked up a thing or two along the way and would like to bend our next president’s plus sized ear on the subject. (Yes, yes… now that he’s officially elected, let me be among the first to begin making fun of Obama’s “open taxi door” ears. If you don’t like, you can go whistle.)

First of all, let’s take a look at the issue of allergies. While many people have some reaction to pet dander (which is the common cause of allergies, not the fur) only one in five people who also have other serious allergy issues suffer from severe reactions to pet exposure. For most folks, minor medication when needed, along with good cleaning habits and the use of a HEPA filter in the home can make sharing your life with a pet fully possible for the vast majority of us. My wife has these same allergies and we’ve had pets for our entire life together. If one of Obama’s daughters is among the few who have severe reactions, a pet may simply not be an option.

Obama has also said they would like to adopt from a shelter. I would suggest that purchasing a pet from a store or (worse) buying from a breeder to get a fully hypoallergenic dog should not even be options under consideration. The problems with pet stores and breeders are complicated and I won’t go into them all here, but there are plenty of animals in need of homes who could be helped by the President, allowing him to best serve our companion animals while setting a good example for the nation. If he must insist on a specific breed to answer the allergy question, there are rescue groups across the nation for every registered breed. These folks take care of the animals spit out by the show dog industry due to age or being “unsuitable” because of some perceived “flaw” compared to the breed standard.

That’s exactly how we got our basset hound, when he was too old for the show circuit and was abandoned. The same goes for our new dog, Hammish, who was rescued by animal control officers from a cruel puppy mill breeder. (Sorry, Shaun, but the dog was simply never going to be named “Barry.”) Our cats, likewise, were all older, hard luck cases, including one – Tom – who was a refugee from Katrina. He is older and arrived blind in one eye, missing half an ear and has only one tooth left.

That brings us to another point. The new president should not automatically decide that his children need a “puppy” by definition. We always make sure to take older pets and leave the puppies and kittens. The baby animals will always find homes. They fly out of the shelters like hotcakes compared to older animals. I’m not saying the Obamas have to take in an elderly dog with only a few years left (though it would be nice) but dogs at the age of one or two years have a far lower chance of being adopted than the puppies do and will still many years of love to offer. Other families will take the puppies, Mr. President. Give an adult dog a chance at a good life.

Finally, while I hope it shouldn’t be necessary, I would remind Barack Obama that you are adopting a new family member, not a political showpiece, and you’re accepting a commitment to take care of that dog for the rest of its life. Say what you will about the presidency of George W. Bush, but he has a long history of caring for dogs. I am confident that his will go home with him and have a good life. Compare that with the pets of the Clinton administration and you’ll find a tragic contrast. Socks, the White House cat, was unceremoniously dumped as soon as Hillary left the White House and the unfortunate feline’s political usefulness was at an end. Bill’s dog Buddy fared somewhat better, making the trip to the new Clinton home in New York, but was run down by a car in 2002. Proper supervision and containment of your pets is a must to keep them safe.

I’m glad to see the Obama family will open up their new home to a pet, and wish them all the very best in their life together. The President of the United States has the opportunity to lead by example in many areas, and the care of needy companion animals is one of them. Set a good example for the nation, sir, and you will likely increase your support.