More dog advice for Obama
Best Friends Animal Society, the animal welfare organization that operates a huge sanctuary in Utah, has added its two-cents to the conversation on the dog Barack Obama has promised to get his family after the election.
If Obama is "all about change," the society says, "he should adopt a dog from a shelter."
So strongly does Best Friends feel about this -- that the maybe-soon-to-be first family should adopt from a shelter or rescue group -- that it has launched this Web site to spread the word.
The obamafamilydog.com web site gives people a chance to sign a petition that urges the Obamas to adopt a mixed breed rescue dog -- a recommendation in direct contrast to the American Kennel Club’s purebred-only suggestions for the Obamas.
After the AKC announced its new pick-Obamas-dog web site, the Humane Society Legislative Fund's announced a poll as well, aimed not at what kind of dog the family should get, but where they should get it, the not so subtle hint being, please not from a puppy mill or pet store or the Internet when so many dogs are in need of homes.
The Best Friends poll takes a more direct approach, asking people to sign a petition encouraging the Obamas to take home a homeless pooch.
“There are thousands of affectionate, loyal dogs of all sizes, shapes, and colors trapped in the animal control system who need a way out,” says Julie Castle, director of community programs for Best Friends, home to more than 2,000 adoptable animals. “There are also plenty of purebred dogs that can be adopted from breed rescue organizations, without purchasing one from a pet store.”
“Best Friends, along with many other animal welfare groups around the country, urge the Obamas -- and any family considering a dog -- to adopt one from a local shelter or breed rescue group, and never buy one from a pet store,” Castle said.
The new Web site says that if Sen. Obama becomes president, he’ll instantly be faced with decisions affecting millions of Americans. "By adopting a dog, he’ll be acting in the best interests of millions of American-born dogs who are looking for a loving home."
While the AKC has suggested five different types of purebred dogs that would fit the Obamas’ lifestyle, obamafamilydog.com explains how a mixed breed dog can be an excellent choice when it comes to families.
“In America’s shelters, millions of dogs are killed each year, in large part because there aren’t enough families for them,” Castle added. “For a candidate focused on ‘hope’ and ‘change,’ adopting a homeless pet is the right choice for the Obamas. It’s a win-win situation—for the Obamas and for dogs everywhere.”
The Web site lists numerous reasons for families to adopt instead of buy from a pet store or breeder. These include saving lives of dogs that ultimately will be euthanized, making the socially responsible choice, decreasing the demand for dogs from puppy mills and others.
“We understand that folks may have their heart set on a puppy or a particular breed,” Castle said. “But the problem is when you buy from a pet store you help perpetuate the endless cycle of mass breeding that occurs in puppy mills, while thousands of abused, abandoned dogs languish or die in shelters every day.”
(Photos courtesy of Bestfriends.org)
