New Presidential Pooch A Good Fit

[SkySoaringMagpie]

http://www.pennlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2013/08/new_presidential_pooch_sunny_a.html

Some controversy surrounds the arrival of “Sunny”, a 14-month-old Portuguese water dog, to The White House.

While many well-wishers expressed delight over Bo’s playful new pal, others are outraged the President didn’t rescue a dog from a shelter.

No surprise there.

From the ridiculous to the absurd, I read such rants as “Are they too good to rescue a dog?” or “When the girls go off to school both dogs will be dumped on the street”, or “Great, the dog trainer's salary will be doubled - our tax dollars at work” and (my personal favorite) “You wait, they’ll breed the two just adding to pet overpopulation”.

That would be a neat trick, since Bo is neutered and I’m fairly certain Sunny has been spayed. Of course others twisted it into a political maneuver which makes no sense.

This is about family, plain and simple. The dogs’ quality of life and compatibility with each other, let alone family health issues and the bustling White House environment had to be considered.

I’m often criticized for owning purebred Newfoundlands, even though they’re a perfect fit with our lifestyle and other pets. Guess the President and I actually have something in common.

Isn’t that what we’ve had drummed into our heads over the years? To find a best friend that suits your home and lifestyle?

I admire anyone who adopts in lieu of purchasing a purebred animal, but it’s not right for everyone.

While I have owned rescues (including all of our cats) our home has been transformed into a haven for Newfoundlands over the years. It’s a breed we know and love to work with. Is that so wrong?

Now consider what it’s like to be a dog at the White House--nonstop activity, important visitors, group tours, noisy events, and photographers endlessly snapping pictures. While the First Dogs enjoy perks and pampering beyond anyone’s imagination, the atmosphere itself would freak out any dog that lacks solid socialization.

I’m familiar with both Bo and Sunny’s breeders who selectively breed fine animals and will only place pets in quality homes. Should things not work out, back they go. So, in effect, they rescue their own dogs—the hallmark of a responsible breeder.

Further, Sunny's parents Henry and Slipper passed all requisite health clearances for this breed. I checked.

If Obama was just a regular Joe on the street, he’d get high fives from people who realize mixing genders is a good idea, as is waiting a few years to add a second dog, so that each can be trained separately before bonding.

Yesterday I spoke with a top Portuguese water dog breeder in Michigan who drove this point home. “I talk more people out of acquiring a second dog too soon and no respectable breeder would ever sell two puppies at the same time – not even to the President.” she emphasized.

Daughter Malia’s allergies also influenced their decision. Yes, there are other hypoallergenic breeds out there, but the Obama’s are now familiar with the breed and knew where to acquire a well socialized, even-tempered companion for Bo. Sunny will be greeting heads of state in no time and joining Bo in his therapy rounds at Walter Reed Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center, and the annual Easter egg hunt.

First Lady Michelle Obama was concerned Bo wasn’t interacting enough with other dogs. Thus, she organized a “play day” for doggie guests at the White House last year.

In honor of Sunny’s arrival the Obama’s have made a donation to the Washington Humane Society (amount undisclosed).

Many purebred owners, including me, support rescues either through financial donations or volunteer efforts. Breeding has become a dirty word these days thanks to people buying poorly bred dogs over the Internet and not doing their homework. Responsible hobby breeders continue to take the heat for the “bad guys.”

So I give the Obamas' decision a firm paws up. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Sunny’s co-breeder in New Jersey bred and co-owns “Matisse”, the #1 Portuguese water dog in the country, rumored to be a top Westminster contender this year.

As the First Family roots for Matisse, we’ll be cheering the Newfoundland on, knowing the real Best In Show winners are lying at our feet.

[Guest Ams]

I recently was given grief at a Fair as I rescue Shar Pei but my own girls are pedigree dogs. My girls were there on the day as none of the rescue dogs were suitable at that stage to bring out in public. I was asked why I wasn't anti breeder. If I am a breed specific rescue why would I be anti breeder? I chose my own dogs carefully as I need to know the resident dogs are of a solid temperament to teach the rescues the house rules.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I recently was given grief at a Fair as I rescue Shar Pei but my own girls are pedigree dogs. My girls were there on the day as none of the rescue dogs were suitable at that stage to bring out in public. I was asked why I wasn't anti breeder. If I am a breed specific rescue why would I be anti breeder? I chose my own dogs carefully as I need to know the resident dogs are of a solid temperament to teach the rescues the house rules.

Yes, it is weird. I also do breed rescue but all my dogs were purchased from a breeder. We sometimes get inquiries that demonstrate to me that people don't really understand what rescue means. The ones who want a cream feathered dog, good with kids and cats, not destructive or a house soiler, able to be alone all day and my favourite "not a fruitcake" - and a rescue as well. I think it would be more likely that they could adopt a unicorn ahead of a rescue Saluki with those characteristics.

I love rescues, they have a lot to teach and a lot to give - but in most cases they would not be rescues if they were easy dogs.

[persephone]

That is a nice read , thanks. :)

[coogie]

I recently was given grief at a Fair as I rescue Shar Pei but my own girls are pedigree dogs. My girls were there on the day as none of the rescue dogs were suitable at that stage to bring out in public. I was asked why I wasn't anti breeder. If I am a breed specific rescue why would I be anti breeder? I chose my own dogs carefully as I need to know the resident dogs are of a solid temperament to teach the rescues the house rules.

Yes, it is weird. I also do breed rescue but all my dogs were purchased from a breeder. We sometimes get inquiries that demonstrate to me that people don't really understand what rescue means. The ones who want a cream feathered dog, good with kids and cats, not destructive or a house soiler, able to be alone all day and my favourite "not a fruitcake" - and a rescue as well. I think it would be more likely that they could adopt a unicorn ahead of a rescue Saluki with those characteristics.

I love rescues, they have a lot to teach and a lot to give - but in most cases they would not be rescues if they were easy dogs.

This is so true, I have friends who lean towards Whacktivist tendencies, and they cannot grasp the finer points of breed rescue; or how anyone who is not anti breeder could be interested in rescue. Makes for some interesting conversations.

[minimax]

Luckily she's adorable!

Aww, and a cute video of Bo and Sunny playing

https://www.youtube.com/embed/iGZ2nlkTuEE

Edited August 24, 2013 by minimax

[kelpiecuddles]

Funnily enough a large proportion of people I know who rescue also have pedigree dogs. Both have their place and I don't think it's one is better than other, simply that some circumstances dictate that you need to make an informed choice either way. The number of responsible registered breeders out their would I'm sure be incredibly less than the number of people backyard breeding(and they also tend to breed fewer litters per dog) so proportionally speaking their contribution to dog overpopulation would be small.

[dee lee]

I recently was given grief at a Fair as I rescue Shar Pei but my own girls are pedigree dogs. My girls were there on the day as none of the rescue dogs were suitable at that stage to bring out in public. I was asked why I wasn't anti breeder. If I am a breed specific rescue why would I be anti breeder? I chose my own dogs carefully as I need to know the resident dogs are of a solid temperament to teach the rescues the house rules.

Yes, it is weird. I also do breed rescue but all my dogs were purchased from a breeder. We sometimes get inquiries that demonstrate to me that people don't really understand what rescue means. The ones who want a cream feathered dog, good with kids and cats, not destructive or a house soiler, able to be alone all day and my favourite "not a fruitcake" - and a rescue as well. I think it would be more likely that they could adopt a unicorn ahead of a rescue Saluki with those characteristics.

I love rescues, they have a lot to teach and a lot to give - but in most cases they would not be rescues if they were easy dogs.

Having only ever owned rescue pets, I'm so glad you wrote that! It's the unspoken truth, that no-one seems to ever admit. Not complaining, but it's good to hear. :)