Washington Post: Congressman Touts Shaved Golden Retriever for First Dog

There’s been no shortage of advice at the annual gathering of allergists here in Washington when it comes to the Obama family’s hunt for a hypoallergenic First Dog.

The pressing issue of the would-be first pooch has dominated hallway and cocktail conversation during the five-day meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, which ends today.

The doctors have varying opinions on what breed the Obamas should choose in light of eldest daughter Malia’s allergies, but they all agree: there is no such thing as an allergy-free dog.

“There is a hypoallergenic dog. It’s called a cat,” jokes Rep. Steve Kagen (D-Wis.), an allergist who was elected to Congress in 2006.

Allergist Daniel Ein:

“‘Hypoallergenic’ is a relative term,” Ein explained further in an email Monday. “It means that it is less allergenic, not non-allergenic. So the safest dog is no dog; next safest, a stuffed dog; and then, someone else’s dog.”

Rep. Kagen:

…shared his unsolicited and biased opinion with first lady Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day before the start of the swearing-in ceremony. “Get a golden retriever and shave it,” Kagen says he told Mrs. Obama, who, according to the congressman, hasn’t come back to him for more advice.