OK, OK you can all calm down now - Michelle says they are looking for a RESCUE dog!

[luvspeas]

From People via Huffington Post:

And what kind of dog will soon be frolicking on the South Lawn? Mrs. Obama says the family is looking for a rescue Portuguese Water dog who is "old enough" and a "match" for the family dynamic.

[MISSDem]

1. I realize that there are many serious things to be concerned

about but I think that the idea of adopting pets instead of buying a new one is one of those important things. So I am very glad that the First Family is looking for a rescued dot whatever kind it may be.

[pnwmom]

2. Uh-huh. And the rescue society for P.W. dogs said they only get 4 or 5 a year.

And the main reason for their return -- too rambunctious, especially for inexperienced dog owners.

I think they'd be better off getting a younger puppy from a breeder, so that they could make sure it was well trained from the beginning. And then someone with more experience but less cash could adopt one of the few rescue dogs in that breed.

[EmilyAnne]

8. I think there may be more available through other rescue organizations. My dog is a papillon that

was rescued from a horrible puppy mill. Well, actually all of them are horrible, so this one was so awful that it actually got shut down. Anyway, there was a small dog rescue group out of Ohio that had her. There is also a papillon rescue society, but she wasn't featured on their website or anything.
I think pet finder is the best resource for all of these rescue groups.

That said, you are on to something about the potential behavior problems of some of the rescue animals. Because my Lucy was almost a year old when she was rescued, she learned many bad behaviors and is a very challenging animal. Took almost a year for her to "get" the whole potty outside thing because her instinct was killed by being contained in a tiny wire cage. She is absolutely terrified of men, She has major separation anxiety. Add the health problems due to bad breeding, and she is quite a bundle of potentially expensive joint, dental and respiratory problems, I took Lucy knowing that she would be a challenge and I do not regret it.

Rescue groups do attempt to size up a dog's disposition and the Obamas will also have access to the best trainers, the best vets and a huge yard that the dog can use to burn excess energy. It could be a challenge, but I don't think it will be a nightmare as long as they don't get one who came from a puppy mill.

[jberryhill]

15. I hate to suggest this....

...but I'll bet there will be something of an uptick in the number of Portugese Water Dogs being rescued real soon now.

People are odd, but sometimes predictable.

[DeepBlueC]

3. people need to lay off the kids and their dog

The family can make their own decision and it is just fine by me. The presumption of people who are wedging their opinions about what they "should" choose has just got to be too much for me. Christ, the poor kids had to navigate parental reservations and having got through that they should now have to answer to every high-minded advocate of whatever?

[sandyj999]

4. I Totally Agree. Why do people think they should have a voice in this? n/t

[WindRiverMan]

19. Yes! Let the kids get a damned puppy if that is what THEY want!

A dog is an investment (I should know, I have four right now). Get what you like because it is a twelve to fifteen year relationship and if the dog is not right for you, neither will be happy. My dogs are carefully selected for traits that I like and want. It is a relationship. The two most important decisions in life is who are you gonna pick for a spouse and who are you gonna pick for your dog. I am batting .500 :)

[Diane R]

10. Thank you. A voice of reason. It's. Just. Not. Our. Business. Let the kids choose their puppy.

[Peacetrain]

14. Thank you!! I have gotten so tired of this attitude that the kids

could not choose a dog unless it meets certain specifics.

[chollybocker]

5. The Obamas are getting a dog? How cute!

;)

[Thrill]

6. Ted Kennedy released a photo of his Portuguese Water dog

[Fire1]

7. So pretty and sweet!

[kwenu]

9. Pretty dogs but I agree people need to butt out. It's the family's choice not yours.

[Captain Hilts]

11. That's tough if there are allergy issues. nt

[mrs_p]

12. PW dogs are supposed to be good for

people with allergies

[Captain Hilts]

13. Yes. Do they show up at shelters?

[jberryhill]

16. Bold Prediction '

I have this feeling that an unusual number of them are going to show up in shelters real soon now.

As the result of well meaning, but shall we say "odd", individuals.

[Lyric]

17. Meh. If the Obamas are getting one, then demand will go up too.

Any extras that end up in shelters or at rescues will be scooped up fast by people who want an "Obama dog."

[mrs_p]

18. not according to the shelter folks

i know (i'm a vet student). but, there are rescue groups out there, and i suspect it is just waiting until they can find the right match.