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rmforfair
1/14/2009 6:06 PM | I think this not as important as otherthings that are going on right now. |
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christi
1/14/2009 7:50 PM | This is VERY important. Highest on my agendy. It will prove that Obama is compassionate and does the right thing. |
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jiujitsugrrrl
1/15/2009 2:04 AM | This is very important to me! What a better way to represent hope for the "underdog." Adopting a rescued dog means you root for the little guy, are willing to be surprised with a charming character and most importantly-giving hope, care and compassion to a being who needs it. Best part about that, is that a rescued dog is grateful and shows it every day, when he hopes to play, to eat and to enjoy life every day. And then he does. |
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fishmor
1/15/2009 5:38 AM | Use the bully pulpit to do the right thing on two fronts: keep your promise to your daughters and make a huge statement in support of the folks working hard to honor human's responsibility of Dominion Over the Animals. Help the Underdog. fishmor |
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dcallon
1/15/2009 5:44 AM | I agree with Christi. This is VERY important and should not be overlooked in our society. Why breed more animals when there are thousands who have been abandoned and need good homes? This is a topic that needs to be put in the forefront!!! |
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RescueGirl
1/15/2009 5:53 AM | If I had a dime for everyone who posts a comment stating this or that is "not as important as other issues right now", I'd be a very rich woman. The new lucky dog in the White House is not an issue of importance, but an issue of compassion. The dog(s) that Obama chooses for his daughters, like the dress his wife chooses for the inauguration will have a major impact on many citizens in this country. So I hope he chooses the compassionate route and picks up one or two from a high-kill shelter in D.C. before they visit the gas chamber. It wouldn't take much time, just a matter of filling out a little paperwork, and then he can get on to other important issues. |
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nanvan108
1/15/2009 8:02 AM | Everyone I've met who cares about animals also cares about people. Conversely, people who eshew animal welfare as not being very important don't, in the end, really give a hoot about people, either. So, absolutely, President Obama and his family should set a clear prededent on caring across the board and adopt a shelter dog -- better yet -- two dogs and a cat! As has been pointed out, there are "non-allergenic" dogs in shelters nationwide. Those not in the know about the overwhelmed shelters in our country should visit one -- or several, particularly in urban areas. The housing crisis has been particularly cruel on animals, who are being abandoned in even higher numbers at this time. Compassion is compassion -- period. |
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DenaMeyer
1/15/2009 8:29 AM | Killing helathy pets in shelters is a social discgrace and it is gooverment run. It is absolutely appropriate for the leader of our country to set an example of how to responsibly obtain a family pet. Please adopt a mutt for the white house! You said dogs in shelters were "mutts like me". |
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LindaAH
1/15/2009 8:41 AM | The adoption of a "1st Dog" has taken on a life of its own in all venues of the media. The message President-elect Obama will send by adopting a shelter dog will ring through these venues as well. Not only will the message be one of compassion and intelligence, but also mirror his (and our) concern with the economy. Many others will follow his example, which will reduce the numbers of shelter animals, and their associated costs. In addition, drawing attention to the plight of animals in our shelters will help drive home the spay / neuter message. This will also result in decreasing the stray population and shelter costs. The choice to adopt a rescue dog makes is a win-win for homeless animals and our economy. |
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AllAboutChange
1/15/2009 9:04 AM | I agree that Obama and his family need to adopt and stop pinpointing a specific breed. His campaign administration and now transition team have talked constantly about change in America and how everyone has a voice in this country. However, we must speak on behalf of those that have no voice - our loving animals, many of those waiting at shelters for a loving family, or to die, whichever comes first.
Obama said that animals in shelters are mutts like me! Yet, by picking and choosing, such as Labradoodles and Portuguese Water Dogs, you are doing the SAME thing as saying, I want a Chinese chef in the White House, a Caucasian secretary, an African assistant, etc. It is discrimination and as an administration of change, I really hope you stay away from that mindset and set an example for all Americans by adopting a mutt. You can find many many hypoallergenic dogs at shelters -- and Adopt-a-Pet.com is the perfect place to start!
I saw on the news the other day that Shepard Fairey, the artist that designed the Obama "hope" poster and has played a big role in designing the face of your campaign, is encouraging you to adopt a mutt and has a new poster with a mutt that says "adopt." Fairey is on the cutting-edge and knows how to create change through art. Please listen and adopt from a shelter. |
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Soycatty
1/15/2009 9:48 AM | A Labradoodle or a Portugese Water dog are NOT "mutts"!!!
Please get a terrier or other mix and let AdoptAPet help as they said they would. This is the right thing to do and you want to do the right thing, right?
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Murrie
1/15/2009 10:07 AM | This is very important as it sets the tone of the nation in terms of animal/pet care. If people see the Obama family adopting a pet, they will accept pet adoption as a better alternative to buying a specific breed. On the other hand, if the Obama family purchases a specific breed or accepts one as a gift, it will give people the "permission" to buy a pure bred rather than adopt. The old feeling of 'well, Obama did it so it should be OK for me too" ... We expect change and this is one change that is simple yet will make a huge impact. Please adopt! |
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madsteve
1/15/2009 10:35 AM | Every single pet I've had has been a rescue and I can't imagine obtaining a pet any other way. There are too many animals destroyed in shelters to justify purchasing an animal from a breeder, puppy mill or pet store. Please do the right thing and adopt an animal from a shelter and set an example for the country. If a completely hypoallergenic animal is not available in a shelter, there are lots of effective antihistamines with no side effects. Please adopt! |
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malibu
1/15/2009 10:39 AM | It is high time an elected official in this position rescued an animal (or several) from a shelter. It would raise awareness and hopefully spur more individuals into copying his decision.
All of my dogs have been hypoallergenic and all have come from shelters or rescue situations. It can easily be done. Please Mr. President elect - do not disappoint us. |
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mixedbreed resQ
1/15/2009 11:54 AM | Millions and millions of tax dollars are spent housing and killing adoptable pets.
Spay/neuter legislation, puppy mill legislation and encouranging people -- EVEN THE FIRST FAMILY to adopt a mixed breed from a shelter is a step in the right direction to stop this waste of money.
It is the right, responsible and ethical thing to do.
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adoptdon'tshop
1/15/2009 12:39 PM | Mixedbreed brings up an important point. In these economic times, conserving dollars is vital. A great example of that would be to point out the HORRIBLE PET OVERPOPULATION problem we have by adopting a mix breed dog.
That could help start looking into the problem of spending money on a local level to house and then kill adoptable pets.
This runaway tax expenditure is a solveable problem. Imagine a world where there are enough loving homes for pets in need and that hundreds of thousands of unwanted pets are not killed in our shelters AND the billions (yes, if you add up all state-by-state) is spent for human needs such as education, healthcare, clean air and water, safe roads and parks.
The solution is free or low-cost spay and neuter for all pets and educating people about what happens when they allow their pets to breed. |
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Happy Jilly
1/15/2009 1:16 PM | This is extremely important. Our president needs to set a precedent in this country for the adoption of companion animals. There are millions of cats and dogs who die each year in this country. Spay/neuter and adoption are crucial to fixing this problem. There are thousands of people who work tirelessly to help animals in shelters, despite the lack of laws prohibiting puppy mills and punishing animal cruelty. We need some big decisions made in big places!!! This needs to be part of "the change". |
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tobylara
1/15/2009 1:28 PM | Being a volunteer at a shelter in Orlando, I see the thousands of animals that are surrended by their owners ... not to count the ones that are abandoned on the street which go to animal services across the street. It is absolutely heartbreaking. If the animal is so scared that it strikes out it will not pass the adoption screening and will be 'sentenced to its death', if the shelters are too full, again healthly, loving animals that are not there due to any fault of their own will lose their lives - if they are too 'old' by adoption standards, again they are euthanized. My shelter will not put animals over 10 up for adoption - regardless of personality - cat's as an example can live to over 20.
This is a very serious matter and should not be ignored or put aside due to what some may consider, more 'important matters'. Animals should be treated with compassion and respect.
Adopting an animal is the only way to go and will set the best example possible. Please don't disappoint us and bring a loving shelter animal into your home. |
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Beverly T
1/15/2009 1:35 PM | By opting to locate a dog - from a rescue or shelter, the First Family would set a wonderful example and send a positive message about animal care, pet selection and making win-win choices ... for change. The Carolina Boxer Rescue, where I volunteer (CBR.homestead.com) has some animals that are available who would make a wonderful addition to the White House. If they are set on a Labradoodle or a Portugese Water, I hope they scour rescue groups first.
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Leeschwa
1/15/2009 2:13 PM | This issue is important, along with many others. There are many dogs out there that can be hypoallergenic and fine pets. I grew up with "mutts" and loved them all because of their personalities, not their breeds. Choosing a pet by breed rather than appropriate personality can lead to problems in the future for a family. There are so many dogs waiting at the animal shelter here in my town, where my partner has worked for 25 years, let alone in other places... You should see how quickly dogs come and go. And check out the rate at which dogs are euthenized in various places because the adoption rates are not high enough to give everyone a home. Jeeez. |
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adoptamember
1/15/2009 2:14 PM | The lack of education about the overwhelming importance of spaying and neutering results in 1000s of adoptable animals being euthanized daily. It's a social disgrace we treat our "pets" this way!! WE are responsible for turning these stats around. Setting an example by adopting a unique mixed breed -- which CAN be allergen-free, sends an important message that this is an important issue of compassion and social responsibility. |
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Lory S.
1/15/2009 2:14 PM | Having been an owner of many dogs - some adopted and some not, I strongly believe the first family should first make a very serious effort to find an animal who has the traits they require and rescue it from a shelter before taking the easy way out and buying a puppy. Rescued dogs love you more if possible, as you change their life for the better. They truly appreciate the opportunity to be in a home filled with love and security - knowing that you have taken them from a very insecure situation and given them a loving home. Please adopt a dog. |
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TeamSheltie
1/15/2009 2:15 PM | For those of you who don't think this is an "important" issue I challenge you to work in an animal shelter for one day. They'll be easy to find because there are many in every community in this country. While you are there perhaps you can fill in for the staff who day in and day out have to make the decision as to which ones live and which ones die. And then you can hold the needle that will inject an animal to death or you can shove them into a gas chamber with 10's of others who will be gassed to death - not because they are sick or dangerous...simply because there are not enough homes for them all. |
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jfry
1/15/2009 2:18 PM | I beleive that this is important, it gets the message out to adopt rather then BUY. I will say that I am extremely frustrated with this matter. First Obama says they want to adopt but then says they may not do to allergies. I for one think that is just an excuse. I have allergic reactions to one of my RESCUEs but that is just part of life. If someone is set on a "purebred", there are rescues out there for them as well. I AM JUST SICK AND TIRED OF HEARIING PEOPLE MAKE EXCUSES FOR NOT ADOPTING. If you say you are going to then do, don't make excuses. Check shelters, the majority of dogs that end up there are "purebreds". Many times do to stupid owners who say "the dog is too hyper" or some other BS reason. |
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Good Karma
1/15/2009 2:19 PM | Adopting a dog is the socially moral and right thing to do. This administration has already promised CHANGE. This change should extend to all beings. A presidential rescue/shelter dog would help to the much needed attention to the millions of dogs and cats that lose their lives each year in shelters due to overpopulation, and misconceptions. Labradoodles (a mix) can be found in shelters and rescues just like any other dog-- being "pure-bred" doesn't save dogs from the same fate of a mixed breed dog. The same issues, and reasons for getting rid of a dog come up for folks that buy dogs too. Some statistics show that almost 50% of dogs relinquished are "pure-bred" dogs. In my 11 years in shelter/rescue work I've lost of count how many of these dogs I have met. I very much hope the Obamas do the right thing here and adopt! |
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foofy
1/15/2009 2:20 PM | A rescue dog is the only way to go. What a precedent it would be for the Obama's to do this. There are so many dogs that need homes. Please do not support anything other than shelter dogs! Please adopt a dog. There are several types that would be just great for the girls. The shelter dogs love you more than any other dog would they know they are being rescued and given a second chance! |
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Charlann
1/15/2009 2:20 PM | You have a perfect opportunity to set an example by adopting a shelter dog. You know whatever animal you adopt it will create a huge demand for that type of dog. Please adopt a mutt and lets help these dogs find homes. It is the right thing to do. |
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Sbornak
1/15/2009 2:21 PM | Though I think all of us here realize there are exponentially more important things in this world than this adoption, it still is important. It is to see the true character of who he is. I mentioned a long time ago to my friend he should get a labradoodle, but knew they are not really shelter dogs. They are really expensive hybrid dogs.
There are plenty of dogs out there who need a home. I can only hope the true character of Obama will come out with his choice of Top Dog.
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Barkwheats
1/15/2009 2:22 PM | Absolutely an important issue. Adaoption is crucial when there is such an overpopulation of dogs in shelters. It's no different than children in foster care. As for a mixed breed versus purebred... my vote is ALWAYS for a mixed breed. They don't seem to have any poor genetic traits that purebreds can sometimes have depending on the breed. Plus... like Obama said... he's a mut himself. :) He understands! |
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caseywa
1/15/2009 2:29 PM | This very small decision, considered by many to be insignificant compared to the many thousands of crucial decisions the President of the United States must make could easily saves thousands of innocent lives. The simple choice of going to a local shelter and selecting a forgotten or abandoned dog will have reprecussions that can only bring a change for the good. Just ask your children.. wouldn't they rather save thousands of dogs lives of all breeds, ages and temperments rather than give just one a good home? I know what my daughters would answer: "Please mom, lets save the dogs!"
As the president does, so will thousands of US citizens in an effort to emulate him. Suddenly, this little decision becomes a very, very big one.
Make the right choice! Adopt a shelter dog!
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Allicat
1/15/2009 2:31 PM | President Obama - Please, please set an example to millions of Americans by adopting a dog who would otherwise be killed. Please don't buy from a breeder. Chose to save a life instead. There are plenty of rescue dogs who will meet all your family's needs, including being hypoalergenic. I have two myself. |
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wendybg
1/15/2009 2:32 PM | Adoption is the only option! Millions of pets are killed each year at shelters simply because they do not have a family to love them. Both of my dogs are rescued mutts...they are wonderful pets and I can tell they are grateful for the home they have. More people in this country need to stop turning a blind eye to the overwhelming problem of pet overpopulation. The President opting to resucue a dog, be it pure bred or mutt, could jumpstart a popular trend of saving animals' lives...something that we should all be doing! |
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ForeverHomes
1/15/2009 2:34 PM | Of course there are a number of important matters and everyone understands this is not of utmost importance to our country.
Nevertheless, as an animal lover I think it is extremely important for our President to care enough about animals to adopt a shelter dog. There are TONS of dogs to be adopted and it is selfish and pathetic to feel that you HAVE to purchase a dog from a breeder. Silly... I hope our new President thinks a bit about his decision.
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DaveMay
1/15/2009 2:35 PM | Please let the people at Adoptapet.com help you find the First Dog. They are experts.
I list animals I rescue on the site and it is awesome -- super easy to use and very effective.
I understand they are also a non-profit group, so it is really the right way to go.
Thanks.
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Mila90
1/15/2009 2:38 PM | I urge you to help out one of the shelter dogs and adopt one of them or maybe 2, one for each daughter.
Thanks |
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TobyBear
1/15/2009 2:40 PM | This IS an important issue. Any breed or mix of breeds can be found at either a shelter or rescue organization. PLEASE adopt a dog - don't shop.
Thank you. |
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Mary Pat
1/15/2009 2:41 PM | Ghandi said it best that a nation can be measured by the way that it treats its' animals. I encourage the First Family to adopt a shelter animal and create Change that you are so big on. This will only have a positive effect on the pet overpopulation in this country. It is horrendous how many helpless animals each year are killed in shelters around the country due to neglect, over population and owner surrenders.
Please do the right thing and set an example for your children-ADOPT A SHELTER PET. |
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buffygirl
1/15/2009 2:42 PM | Please help a rescue dog,in this time and the ecomony the way it is has effected all of our pets also. They need our help also. Please adopt a rescue "kid"
Thanks
Doberman Pinscher Rescue |
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schnzermom
1/15/2009 2:45 PM | No dog is 100% hypoallergic but some breeds (normally ones that require grooming) are among the lowest allergy producting dogs. I think the your family should research the Portugese Water Dog and see if it is really a good fit for your family. Being in rescue, I know there are so many dogs that need adopted that are not purebreds, but may be mixes of "hypoallergic" breeds that I wish the you would go onto www.petfinder.com and search the rescues in your area for dogs that appeal to them, meet the dogs, and judge on personality and "fit" more so on breed. There are also alot of breed-specific rescues they may want to check.
If a mixed breed was adopted by your family, it would certainly say alot to this country about our "throw away" attitude and that purebreds are better then mixed breeds. Please think long and hard about this issue. I trust you will do the right thing. Keep in mind, this is a monumental decision that will affect more then your family, but all of the rescue groups in the US.
Thanks!
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user_71762609
1/15/2009 2:46 PM | My sister, a director of a local humane society, gave me a book called "A Week in an American Animal Shelter". To read these short stories about the animals that passed through a shelter in California during one week is more to the point than hearing any speeches. It poignantly shows the real tragedies and small victories that our companion animals have to live through when they are signed over to a shelter or abandoned by the person who originally took responsibility for their lives. I have adopted "trouble" animals from her shelter this past year (1 dog and 1 cat), and it always amazes me how resilient animals can be after they have lived through abuse, neglect, and abandonment. I knew that hatever problems these innocent animals brought with them when they came to live with me, that with proper patience, love, care and training, they would respond...which they always seem able to do! |
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bichonmomma
1/15/2009 2:49 PM | Hello, I have been in the Rescue end of saving dogs lives, for over 15yrs now. I have 6 rescues, 5 are Bichon Frise, and one Havanese, BOTH ARE NOTED BY DERMATOLOGISTS AS HYPER ALLERGENIC DOGS, THEY DO NOT SHED, NOR HAVE DANDER. There are alot of these darling dogs in rescue now....either in a rescure organization or in a shelter. I was suprised to see that the 2 dogs that were being seriously considered were a Labrdoodle or Portguese Water Dog. All one has to do is put in the dog breed name ie: www.smallpawsrescue.org THIS IS A SITE FOR BICHON FRISE OR BICHON/MIX OR JUST GO TO www.Havaneserescue.com, or whatever breed your wanting to get. BUT A RESCUE IS A MUST. THERE ARE TOO MANY DOGS AND CATS THAT NEED HOMES WHETHER THRU THE LOCAL SHELTERS OR RESCUES THAT PROVIDE FOSTER HOMES UNTIL ADOPTED.
PLEASE SAVE A LIFE ADOPT A PET FROM EITHER A SHELTER OR RESCUE ORG.
A DOG IS FOR LIFE, I always tell my friends, and family, I CHOSE THE DOG THE DOG DID NOT CHOOSE ME...so no matter what the problem may be if one arrises THEY STAY..they are FOR LIFE!!!!
Good luck President elect Obama and your family in choosing a dog that needs a home.
GHClark Yuma AZ |
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anuragi
1/15/2009 2:50 PM | I volunteer for a no kill shelter. But there are plenty of shelter's out there that "kill" animals for lack of caring, creativity, and commitment of placing them. Over 5 million animals are killed each year. Think of that!!
It would be terrific for him to set a precedent for the adoption of companion animals for the world!
Anuragi
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gminard
1/15/2009 2:52 PM | Please get a shelter dog; I am sure the local shelters will be more than happy to find a hypoallergenic dog. I agree, that whatever you get, a lot of people will want one, too (just like 101 Dalmations gets released every few years). |
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EEETX
1/15/2009 2:54 PM | This is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ISSUE and I urge the new First Family to adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue group. For the Obamas to purchase a purebred dog would cause me great concern and make me wonder why I voted for President-Elect Obama in the first place! How one treats animals speaks volumes about how one treats people.
The President-Elect has an invaluable opportunity to show the American people the importance of adopting a pet and saving a life--which in turn will have a dramatic effect on the welfare of animals. |
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Sheila M.
1/15/2009 2:55 PM | We have a voice, a forum: Let's talk. That's what is important.
I say that as long as he chooses from a source that is for the benefit of animals in need, and that those different sources get some coverage in the mean time, it is a win-win situation.
Breed specific rescues. I am sure there are at least a few Labradoodle and Portuguese Water Dog rescues in the U.S. |
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sheilaandbob
1/15/2009 3:04 PM | Thousand of dogs need homes, please check the shelters and rescue organizations and obtain a dog in that manner. |
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Dallas Doggy
1/15/2009 3:05 PM | I applaud the Obamas for wanting to adopt a dog from a shelter/rescue organization. Nobody should ever buy a dog! It is a national disgrace that millions of cats and dogs are euthanized each year because people don't adopt/rescue them.
However, I am concerned that the dogs they are looking for are so obscure (Portuguese water dog and labradoodle) that this will encourage people to go to a breeder when they can't find the same dog in a shelter.
The Obamas can do the most good for homeless animals by setting an example and adopting a mutt that is part poodle, schnauzer or other hypoallergenic breed. |
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JackieCatperson
1/15/2009 3:09 PM | Get a dog from a shelter. Make a big splash and promote a spay and neuter day at the same time. Get the shelter and local veterinarians to offer discounts on the procedures. Don't discriminate - get the same discount for cats. Let the big pet food companies give away free food or treats at the same time. The economy is crummy so this would offer the people who are trying to be responsible pet owners a little help. Win Win Win |
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ZeuBear
1/15/2009 3:12 PM | Lead our country's moral growth by example. Get a sweet mutt! Others will follow your lead. What a difference it would make. You said you were a mutt and most of the rest of us are, too.
Was disappointed in Biden's choice & you can do better. |
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rmiller190
1/15/2009 3:15 PM | Get a rescue dog. Help put puppy mills out of business. |
