Guessing is over: It's Bo!
First Family Dog - In a long-awaited and guessed-about move, the Obama family has opened the White House to the new first pet -- a Portuguese water dog named Bo.
APRIL 12: In this handout image released by the White House on April 12, 2009, the first family dog, Bo, a six-month old Portuguese water dog sits in the White House in Washington, DC. Bo is a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and and his wife Victoria to the President's daughters, Sasha and Malia. PETE SOUZA / GETTY IMAGES BY PHILIP ELLIOTT ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- Bo? No jest.
The first family dag has settled by the first family -- a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog that the Obama girls are naming Bo.
The selection was one of the White House's most tightly kept secrets.
The first pooch is a gift from Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass, who owns three so-called porties and wanted the Obamas to follow suit.
''We couldn't be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha,'' Kennedy said in a statement. ``We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls -- and their parents -- will love theirs, too.''
The housebroken puppy, which has been undergoing extensive training in recent weeks, was named ''Charlie'' by his original owners, but first daughters Malia and Sasha rechristened him Bo.
The Washington Post reported in its online editions that Obama's daughters chose the name Bo for the pup because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley. The name for the dog was an apparent reference to the singer ''Bo'' Diddley.
Throughout the day Saturday, celebrity websites and bloggers were abuzz with rumors of the first family's selection of a Portuguese water dog; one site even claimed it had pictures of the future first pet.
Obama promised his daughters a puppy during the campaign.
''This is Washington. That was a campaign promise,'' Obama said when he appeared on Jay Leno's talk show last month, as the audience roared with laughter. ``No, I'm teasing. The dog will be there shortly.''
The president and first lady had said their choice was down to either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle because they were considered good pets for children who have allergies, as Malia does.
First Family Dog supplemented with material from the Chicago Tribune. Article pulled from Miami Herald.
First Family Dog posted by David Apperson http://kids.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/first-family-dog
Hear the tribute of Bo Diddley performed by Buddy Hollyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUEKu2nOLCw
Listen to the President's Message of Renewal from the White House -http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/11/Weekly-Address-Passover-and-Easter
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
By President-elect Barack Obama
Publication Date: 01/18/2009 Photo By Kwaku Alston/Corbis Barack and Michelle Obama with daughters Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10.
Inauguration Specials Headline-Making First Kids Spotlight-stealing moments from the White House's younger set Who Said It? Match the president to his memorable quote Wise Words Watch the most famous inaugural addresses More on Parade.com • Hope and new beginnings Great inaugural moments »
On Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them. Dear Malia and Sasha, I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey. When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity. I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other. Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
'What I Want for You — and Every Child in America'
Inauguration Specials Headline-Making First Kids Spotlight-stealing moments from the White House's younger set Who Said It? Match the president to his memorable quote Wise Words Watch the most famous inaugural addresses More on Parade.com • Hope and new beginnings Great inaugural moments » On Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them. Dear Malia and Sasha, I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey. When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity. I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other. Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility. Sasha (l) and Malia Obama at play in New Hampshire in 2007. Bumper cars at the Iowa State Fair in August 2007. That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something. She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be. I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential. These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure. I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House. Love, Dad Inauguration Day is a time of hope and new beginnings. Read about the greatest inaugural moments »
Greetings from the Obama family. Awesome Video. Hope you enjoy. Click the link below.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1348330398?bctid=1349141721
Please post your comments regarding our blog or email Nina@BarackObama4change.us
Granted, I CANT stand the Hanna Montana franchise. But, I will record and watch ONE episode should Malia and Sasha appear on the show. I hope they do, actually. The girls are a fan of Hanna Montana and it would show that the girls are being just girls! Girl power, ya know?
Plus, those girls would surely take the show by storm! ^__~*
Heres the link with the news about Malia and Sasha possibly being on the show: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081111/tv_nm/us_obama
Dear Obamas: I hope that you will consider adopting a poodle puppy from a rescue organization.
Here is why:
1. Since you have to be concerned about allergies you may not be able to adopt a dog from a shelter.
2. If you can't adopt a dog from a shelter, then get a dog from a rescue association. All pure bred dogs have rescue associations.
3. Two of the best known breeds of dogs with "hypo-allergenic" coats are poodles and wire fox terriers.(*)
4. Poodles have fallen out of fashion, mainly because people associate them with: silly haircuts, little old ladies, being too girly, and the French. (And people associate all of those things together also but whatever.) However, you can show people why their ideas about poodles are not correct and why they should not be prejudiced against poodles!!***
5. Poodles are much easier dogs to have as pets than terriers.
6. Poodles were originally bred to be guard dogs which means that they make good family dogs. Guard dogs just bark to warn of intruders. They are not mean. In fact they are quite gentle. They are more focused on people (than terriers which are focused on chasing after animals) and they are easier to train. Poodles also make good search and rescue dogs.
7. The standard poodle is a wonderful dog: smart and gentle and loyal and protective. It might be a little big for the girls at this age--although they are growing fast. You are a tall family so you might want a bigger dog. However, the larger the dog, the more dander. (No dog is completely allergy-free.)
8. The minature poodle is a great size. (15-20 lbs.) They have a big dog spirit in a more portable package. They can sit on your lap and you can carry them around. (The smallest size is a toy but that is more of the "little old lady" sized dog).
9. Even though everyone thinks poodles are French they actually originated in Germany. But the French will still be excited if you adopt a poodle because they are very fond of this breed. And the French have not been very happy with our country lately so that is an additional bonus.
10. Poodles are energetic enough for two active girls. Poodles love to play.
11. Poodles are one of the smartest breeds. They are acrobatic and can be trained to do lots of tricks.
12. ***If poodles are "girly" then being "girly" means being smart, and athletic, and affectionate and fun! And adorable. So there!
13. Poodles can be different colors: black, brown, white, golden (apricot), and grey. Just like Americans!!
14. You do not need to trim their hair in the silly frou frou styles that you see in dog shows.
15. When you let poodles' hair grow naturally it is very fuzzy and curly and cute.
16. The great thing about these dogs' coats is not only are they non-allergenic (because they are hair rather than fur) but they don't shed!!
16. To help with allergies keep the dog clean -- use a good non-irritating shampoo -- and feed it a good diet so that you don't have dander -- that is the other problem with allergies.
17. The best thing for allergies is to have poodles professionally trimmed by stripping (it doesn't hurt the dog -- don't worry!) rather than cutting the hair with scissors.
18. DON'T get a labradoodle. A labradoodle is no guarrantee that the dog will have the coat of a poodle. You could end up with the very allergenic and higly shedding coat of a lab. Also these "designer breed" dogs are a marketing hoax (for the very reason that you can't guarantee what a mixed breed will be like) and they have become a breeding fad which has made the problems with puppy mills even worse.
19. (*)I am a wire fox terrier (see my profile picture.) Wire fox and some other terriers also have the poodle kind of non-shedding coat. But terriers are much more independent and fiesty than poodles. My human person doesn't recommend that you get a wire fox terrier because we are notoriously difficulty to train. People who don't understand us think we are insane. People who adore us say that we are highly energetic and have lots of personality.
20. Remember that the dog you pick will become a popular dog in the entire nation. If the first family adopts a dog like a wire fox terrier then this breed will become a fad across the country. Lots of people will adopt us. Then they will discover that we are kind of nutty and they will want to get rid of us. They won't spend the time it takes to train and exercise us. Then they will abandon us to shelters.
21. It is great to support a rescue organization. Very often these are puppies that have been rescued from puppy mills. Rescue organizations will call attention to the problem of puppy mills and that is also a very good thing to do.
22. Here is a picture of cute poodle rescue dog:
http://www.bumperfound.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/xpresso-2.jpg
23. You can also donate to a shelter to show your support for all the wonderful mutts that need homes. Mutts generally are the healthiest dogs you can find. And too many of them need good homes.
24. In the end the most important thing is that the girls should get the dog they love.
Makiah's Bill
NOW, that WE have children in the White House, let's make 'the children' the nation's TOP PRIORITY, as they are in Barack and Michelle's life.
Let's be a part of the integral age, while surfing the agriculture, industrial, information, conceptual, integral, magic and utopian ages. Let's ALL be part of the Dream Team, of playing the ultimate game of life.
Let's get Makiah's Bill on every desktop of every congressman, senator and the President of the United States of America. This is a TOP PRIORITY bill coming from the bottom UP...Let's start the NEW Year, January 20th 2009 with the world's highest priority, the children.
makiah.com
Okay, I was on cnn.com, as usual, (I really need to find a life) and read a post about the Obamas promising to get Sasha and Malia a dog whether they win the White House or not. Then, I went and read a bunch of comments on said article and was OVERWHELEMED by the number of people insisting that Obama should "lead the country" by adopting a dog instead of buying one. Now, I guess I'm about as fond of animals as the next guy or gal, and I understand the need for pet adoptions, but give me a freaking break!
Am I to understand that we now want to have control over every aspect of our candidates lives and personal choices so that we can mold them into 2 dimensional, cookie-cutter, PC automatons that make every decision in their lives based on favorable polling?
Dear Sasha & Malia:
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PARENTS WITH US!!!
I know that it must seem very unfair that so much of thier time is spent away from you. And in truth, it is not fair. But it is NECESSARY.
You see your Daddy is a very special man who can do things that other Dad's can't do. And the things your Daddy can do will help children just like you all over the country. The ability to do great things is an awesome responsiblity and now we as Americans have to ask you to also do a great thing....continue to share your Daddy with us.
Many people will say mean things about your parents and when you hear those things, remember that there are many more of us who think your Daddy is a great man. Thank you again for sharing him with us.
From all of us in America.
