First Dog

Media is swimming with the news of the Obamas finally getting a puppy. They decided on a Portuguese water dog. They named the dog "Bo" apparently after Michelle's father who's nickname was "Diddley" (after the famous Bo Diddley who was one of the founding fathers of Rock n Roll). The Obamas decided on a Portuguese water dog because Malia has allergies to dogs and it is one of the breeds that is somewhat hypo-allergenic. Portuguese water dogs, or "Porties", are known to be excellent companion dogs and have a great temperament. They also have webbed feet which helped with catching fish in Portugal (thus the name). They are expected to live 12 years but 14-16 years is not uncommon for a Portie.

Bo was a gift from senator Ted Kennedy and his wife. He was one of their dogs' littermates. Ted Kennedy (and his dog Splash) wrote a children's book called, "My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington, D.C. ". In this book, "we follow Senator Kennedy and Splash through a busy day in D.C., from press conferences to meetings with school groups to committee discussions to a floor vote. The result is an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the most energetic figures in American politics -- and, of course, his equally famous owner."

It's encouraging to see such admirable political people who are so in love with their dogs. I wish good luck to the Obamas in their newest adventures as dog owners.