Like many others, I believe that the Obama family should first and foremost adopt a dog from a rescue/shelter. Far too many die a lonely death there either by euthanasia because their is no one adopting them, or they get sick from the stress and cramped spaces. Dog breeding (or any animal for that matter) promotes an unrealistic set of standards. Breeders are often irresponsible "backyarders" who cannot offer proper care and have no idea how to breed for good traits. And buying from pet shops promote puppy mills, the very thing I hope this administration can help shut down. There are all sorts of dogs in rescues. Many are purebred, and even hypoallergenic.
So, if the Obamas are looking for a rescued, hypoallergenic pal, they should adopt a Greyhound. Due to the racing industry, many need homes. And many more will soon now that Massachusetts has banned it. They come in all genders, ages, and colors. And they fit the first two requirements. They are great family dogs too!
Not only would it be a great choice for anyone as a pet, but it would show the entire country that adoption is the BEST OPTION! It would also bring attention to the plight of the dogs in the racing industry, and thirdly it would show those with allergies that they too can own a dog! There are no excuses not to open your heart and home to one of these amazing creatures!
Top Ten ReasonsWhy President-Elect Obama is Like a Greyhound
10. He's elegant.
9. He's lean.
8. He's smart.
7. He listens really well.
6. He knows how to handle a crowd.
5. He surrounds himself with smart people.
4. He loves his family.
3. He looks you in the eye when he talks to you.
2.He's unfailingly polite and well-behaved.
1. He knows how to run a race and win.
The Obama family needs a greyhound in the White House. Thousands are discarded yearly, so this would be a 'shelter' dog, needing rescue. They are perfect for people with allergies. They are quiet and don't bark, so wouldn't interrupt any major decisions being made. They don't shed a lot, so the White House furniture would not be destroyed. They look as gorgeous in public, as the Obama family, and so would fit right in, though Obama may have to budget for the greyhound's clothing. This Greyhound Guide tells more about what they are like as pets. A Washington, DC local greyhound rescue organization can answer questions and more.
I. and others in Greyhound Rescue, know we change the world for the better, one greyhound adopted at a time. We know "we must be the change we want to see" (Gandhi). We know President-Elect Obama is the change we need.
Claudia Presto & Greyhound Gang
http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/art/2008/01/barack-the-ital.html
See my dog interpretation of all the candidates (especially Hillary Clinton as a dog named Trouble) here...
http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/art/dog_art_politics/index.html
Enjoy! Go Obama!
