Spring Break
Presidential pooch gets a warm welcome
Emily Abbate
Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: Focus
Yesterday's Easter celebrations varied across the United States; the UConn campus, for example, looked desolate as a significant chunk of undergraduates left for a relaxing weekend with family. But, there were more reasons to celebrate than just the holiday at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
A 6-month-old Portuguese water dog is now calling the White House home, according to People magazine.
Bo, the Obama family's newest addition, was given to the family by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), according to the Washington Post. Kennedy, who owns three dogs of the same breed, claims that the dog is perfect for children with allergies.
"Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, chose the name because their cousins have a cat named Bo," according to People. "And because Mrs. Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, as in Bo Diddley."
And for a dog, there seems to be a bit of controversy over the canine's first appearance in front of the media. A Web site called firstdogcharlie.com published a picture of Bo Saturday morning, complete with fake question-and-answer interview.
I think the bigger question here is why would someone really waste their time making a Web site devoted to the new pet and spending their time writing a fake interview.
"FDC: Charlie, cat's out of the bag on your big debut, we broke the story first. Your country awaits your first official comments," writes firstdogcharlie.com. "Charlie: You called me Charlie! Someone was calling me Bo earlier. I think I'm in the midst of an identity crisis. New house, new family, new name, neutered? Not sure on the last one yet, but I will say the new name hurts a bit. I like Charlie."
The Obama family originally had hopes to rescue and adopt a dog from a nearby shelter, but I guess a presidential-caliber pooch wasn't exactly available.
In order to ease the pain a bit, according to the Washington Post, the first family is planning on making a donation to the District of Columbia Humane Society.
"Bo is said to have lived with a family that decided not to keep him," according to People, "but that won't likely satisfy animal rescue advocates who wanted the Obamas to take in a stray."
One thing's for sure, according to firstdogcharlie.com- this dog's got some serious swag. "I always have my "Game Wag" on," according to the Web site. "That's one thing this country can count on. Me, waggin', lickin', fetchin', being noble and friendly. Welcoming guests and representing the USA is my top priority. God bless America!"
A 6-month-old Portuguese water dog is now calling the White House home, according to People magazine.
Bo, the Obama family's newest addition, was given to the family by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), according to the Washington Post. Kennedy, who owns three dogs of the same breed, claims that the dog is perfect for children with allergies.
"Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, chose the name because their cousins have a cat named Bo," according to People. "And because Mrs. Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, as in Bo Diddley."
And for a dog, there seems to be a bit of controversy over the canine's first appearance in front of the media. A Web site called firstdogcharlie.com published a picture of Bo Saturday morning, complete with fake question-and-answer interview.
I think the bigger question here is why would someone really waste their time making a Web site devoted to the new pet and spending their time writing a fake interview.
"FDC: Charlie, cat's out of the bag on your big debut, we broke the story first. Your country awaits your first official comments," writes firstdogcharlie.com. "Charlie: You called me Charlie! Someone was calling me Bo earlier. I think I'm in the midst of an identity crisis. New house, new family, new name, neutered? Not sure on the last one yet, but I will say the new name hurts a bit. I like Charlie."
The Obama family originally had hopes to rescue and adopt a dog from a nearby shelter, but I guess a presidential-caliber pooch wasn't exactly available.
In order to ease the pain a bit, according to the Washington Post, the first family is planning on making a donation to the District of Columbia Humane Society.
"Bo is said to have lived with a family that decided not to keep him," according to People, "but that won't likely satisfy animal rescue advocates who wanted the Obamas to take in a stray."
One thing's for sure, according to firstdogcharlie.com- this dog's got some serious swag. "I always have my "Game Wag" on," according to the Web site. "That's one thing this country can count on. Me, waggin', lickin', fetchin', being noble and friendly. Welcoming guests and representing the USA is my top priority. God bless America!"
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