1/22/09 Canine in Chief
There are more than 1,000 Labrador retrievers and Lab mixes and more than 2,000 poodles and poodle mixes looking for homes at this very minute. ©iStock.com
President Obama announced earlier this month that he and his family plan to adopt either a Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) once they are settled in at the White House.
Shelters and rescue groups across the country scrambled to showcase dogs of the "doodle" persuasion waiting for new homes. But helping to land one of their dogs in the ultimate home is only one of these organizations' post-election objectives. They're also making use of the opportunity to raise awareness in their own communities about how many adoptable dogs are available on any given day—many of whom fit the presidential bill.
Finding the Right DogWhile purebred Portuguese Water Dogs aren't quite as easy to come by in a shelter, a quick search for Portuguese Water Dogs on Petfinder.com, a site that lists thousands of adoptable pets at animal shelters across the nation, resulted in 10 pure or mixed-breed Portuguese Water Dogs looking for a family and a forever home.
There are more than 1,000 Labrador retrievers and Lab mixes and more than 2,000 poodles and poodle mixes looking for homes at this very minute, too. These two breeds will undoubtedly grow in popularity since President Obama's announcement. Animal advocates are already gearing up to help ensure these breeds don't fall further into the profit-driven pockets of puppy mills across the U.S. and to raise awareness about their unique needs.
What to Consider Before AdoptingIf you're considering adopting one of these two breeds or any breed of dog, it's important to make sure the dog fits with your lifestyle.
Like many breeds, both Portuguese Water Dogs and Labradoodles require lots of exercise, attention and training. While no surprise given the name, it's important to note that PWDs are avid swimmers and happiest when they have routine access to water.
Know Where to GoThere are several types of organizations from which you can adopt a dog, whether purebred or mixed breed. Not all sources are the same, however, so it's important to learn as much as you can, and then choose carefully.
To find a purebred rescue group or animal shelter near you, visit Petfinder.com, Pets911.com or search the Internet for shelters in your area.
It's very important to make sure that you don’t support puppy mills when you add a purebred or "designer mixed breed" dog to your family. Visit our Stop Puppy Mills website to learn more about these cruel, mass-breeding operations.
A Note About Presidential Pooches
No matter which furried friend the Obamas brings home, they're sure to make a welcome addition to the family. In a letter to Sasha and Malia Obama, Jenna and Barbara Bush offered the following advice on White House puppies:
"Our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide."
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"Dog-O-Pedia" by Mary Francis Budzik (Metro Books-NewYork) is a "Compendium of Doggone Facts" and a really great book for first time and long time dog owners that I found on the sale book area in Barnes & Noble.
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