The article in today's Chicago Tribune indicated that Obama might just buy a dog from AKC. Please tell me it isn't true. http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/11/obamas-first-appointment-a-first-dog.html#more

Posted by: Anna | November 5, 2008 02:49 PM

I saw the picture of Obama holding Baby, the puppy mill dog from the book "A Rare Breed of Love" and it warmed my heart.
I hope he will stand up to industry and other groups and bring about change for animals.
We need a leader like him in Canada!!!!!

Posted by: NT | November 5, 2008 03:19 PM

I live in Australia, and I heard The new Presidents speech, I do believe things are going to change for the USA and I also believe that animals will start to be recognised as our co inhabitants. I also hope that more people take on cruelty free plant based food and eleviate the suffering of fellow beings. There is enough evidence now to highlight that animal protein is not good for our health, and that methane from animal agriculture is a major potent green house gas, The United nations has pointed out in the 2006 report "Livestock's Long Shadow" that methane is a more potent green house gas than all the cars trucks and all the transportation in the world, plus that flesh eating is the number one killer on the planet. The meat based diet is now being highlighted as causing obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardio vascular problems etc. It would be great to eleviate all that sickness, by adopting a plant based diet

Posted by: Penny Bassett-Scarfe | November 5, 2008 03:30 PM

I heard his speech also and the comment about the girls having earned a puppy. I do believe this man has heart, so if he is aware of the situation with regard to the 7 million animals having been euthanized in these United States, I truly believe he'll be a part of the solution.

Posted by: Jill | November 5, 2008 03:41 PM

My felicitations - this is a great day for America - and i think that President Obama shall be animal-friendly and let's hope that he shall bring a fresh wind into the White House!

Posted by: Rainbow Warrior | November 5, 2008 03:48 PM

Dear President Obama
what are we doing about all the animals especially pets and horses that have been left behind because owners cannot afford to keep homes or pay taxes for lands that can shelter livestock and pets on the land of free.. All the animal shelters and rescue organizations are bursting its seams with overpopulation but there are plenty of people to take them but they dont have a place to keep them. They have live in small property that cant fit a horse in it. So all the animals are being condemned for execution like people are being sent for genocide? i think you should give tax credit to every american family to keep at least 2 horses/cows or more on their property. (an idea!)These new homes and developing subdivisons are becoming more like the Corben's home in 5th element the movie. That would be pushing all the animals to extintion. Animals dont pays taxes for living on the land. they should be able to live, not been sent to death.

Posted by: Kim | November 5, 2008 04:16 PM

According to various articles and profiles I've read/seen during the campaign, some of Obama's favorite foods include shrimp, pepperoni pizza, chili with beef... and he and Michelle celebrated their last anniversary at a Chicago restaurant most known for its cheeses. I've seen not the slightest indication that he is a vegan or even thinks about it. When he talks about animal cruelty, I think he means that we should stand against things like dog fighting and abuse of dogs and cats, not eating meat, eggs, and dairy. It's a totally different definition of cruelty from what Peta wants him to say.

Posted by: Abby | November 5, 2008 04:20 PM

Barak Obama actually does have a heart & I have faith that he will also help our little animals.

Posted by: Joanne Cruz | November 5, 2008 04:47 PM

Hey, Anna--that article is very disappointing, but if you go to the link that says, "Vote for the dog Obama should get" or something like that, and look at the poll results, over half of all respondents said shelter dog! That's encouraging!

Posted by: Indian08 | November 5, 2008 05:20 PM

@ Abby

Yeah I think PETA's definition of cruelty is more detailed and long listed than Obama's.

Anyway as long as those proposition PETA was happy about getting passed are enforced I'd say lets worry about the economy and those super 100 MPG cars that were supposed to be made in the USA.

:)

Posted by: King of Fiji | November 5, 2008 06:20 PM

I am so happy that Barack Obama and Joe Biden won and even though animal cruelty is deeply entrenched in our society, I do feel hope for chance for the animals too.
But I think that animal activists need to step up our activism - increase our communications to Obama. Right now he's going to have so many people and so many problems pressing in on him that it may be difficult to get his attention but I do think once we have there is every reason to hope for compassionate changes for the animals.
Regarding the Obama;s getting a dog - both Mrs and Mr Obama have said they will adopt a rescue dog.

Posted by: Phyllis | November 5, 2008 08:06 PM

I don't see any president declaring he is a vegetarian in the near future. The meat, dairy industry and the millions employed in agri-business would crucify him.
If Obama can improve the standards of animal care by industry, eradicate puppy mills,dog fighting and other animal cruelty issues, I will be happy.
I am personally a vegan but I also understand that the world will not turn to a plant-based diet overnight. Our immediate goal should be to alleviate suffering anywhere we can.

Posted by: NT | November 5, 2008 10:49 PM

This is great! I wonder what dog the First Family will get! And maybe this will get others to go to their local animal shelter for their future pets!!

Posted by: SASHA | November 5, 2008 11:33 PM

I was thinking how wonderful it would be if Pres. Elect Obama were to adopt a dog from the Humane Society for his two daughter's. Just think of the number of people who would go out and adopt rather than buy a dog , instead of the predictable mass purchasing of one specific breed ,regardless of whether said breed would be the right choice for them. Not only would it be symbolic, but it would result in the rescuing of possibly thousand's of dog's doomed for euthanasia. Thanks-

Posted by: REGINA | November 6, 2008 12:37 AM

Anna, it's not true, as far as I can tell. I just read that article and I didn't get the impression that the Obamas might go back on their promise to adopt a shelter dog at all. Of course the AKC wants to get their plug in, but I'm sure Michelle Obama knows it's far more humane and admirable to adopt from a shelter.

Posted by: Jill | November 6, 2008 03:18 AM

I think Abby is right about Obama....and I am overwhelmed with hope for our animals now that Bush will be gone. But, it wasn't long ago that my husband and I were eating the same things and now we are vegetarians and trying very hard to be vegans. We started a Progressive film group to show videos of animal abuse in our town. We will show Earthlings,Witness and Behind the Mask soon. Once people see they change. Most people are kind. We really need to work on demonstrating that vegetarianism is just the easiest and most wonderful thing we can do for our animals,the earth and each other. Maybe someone can get Obama's eyes and ears for just an hour and have him watch Earthlings....you must be impacted by that movie!!

Posted by: Connee Robertson | November 6, 2008 04:39 AM

Let's help Mr.Obama help animals.

To everyone who reads my post,please take a moment to very soon google "Email Barack Obama"--and his contact information will come up.You can either email,write snail mail,or call and leave a simple quick message asking him to please adopt from an animal shelter and NOT buy from a pet store or breeder.

I don't think I am exaggerating since the horrible reality of 5 million animals killed in shelters every year are at stake.The Obama family simply adopting a puppy rather than buying one will strongly encourage a lot more people to adopt at their local shelters.

I wonder how many people will actually care enough to call,email or write and ask him to please adopt instead of buy a puppy.I really do hope it is at the very least several.

The deceiving American Kennel Club(AKC)is of course trying right now to connect their bloody ties to the Obama family for just pure financial interest while the animal shelters will get pushed aside. That is why it is very,very important the Obama family gets letters,email,calls encouraging them to adopt their puppy from an animal shelter only,not pet store or breeder.Please act today! The homeless animals in shelters and pounds are counting on us!Thank you.

Posted by: Animal Lover | November 6, 2008 05:20 AM

Yes Anna that is true. The AKC is pulling all the stops to get President Elect Obama to get a puppy from them. I don't know if there is a way to get Barack Obama to know how important it is for him to get his daughter's puppy from an animal shelter.All eyes will be on that desicion.I have been seeing it all over the news and shows.The AKC came to Barack Obama so he could buy a puppy from them.What a shame. I don't know if there is a way we can let Barack Obama know there are 25% purebreds in shelters waiting to be taken to their forever home and that there are rescue purebred shelters..........

Posted by: melissa | November 6, 2008 05:49 AM

abby, Peta will be happy for any fight against animal cruelty, whether it be puppy mills or slaughterhouses. so please don't act like peta is not happy for the changes Obama is willing to make, it all makes a difference. and who knows, maybe somewhere down the line he will learn of other cruelties in the food industries and make changes there, but for now, lets not make assumptions on what peta "wants him to say"!

Posted by: stray | November 6, 2008 08:03 AM

I am quite hopeful that Obama will bring the change in the lives of millions of abused and tortured animals all over the world. I urge President elect to think about animals. Modern man is very selfish. Very few people think or care about animals. If the President of world's most powerful country has some compassion for animals, then it is a very good and encouraging news for animal lovers all over the world.

Posted by: Prakash Shrivastava | November 6, 2008 08:30 AM

Please show the Obamas that you support them adopting a shelter dog by joining my Facebook group, "Let's Get a Shelter Dog in the White House!" (type this into the 'search' function for Groups).

Posted by: Kim Wolf | November 6, 2008 08:51 AM

Anna and others:

I read that article on chicagobreakingnews.com. It doesn't look like he's made any decisions to buy a purebred. The media is the one making (up) a speculation.

All I know is they need a dog that is hypoallergenic because one of their daughters has allergies. Any shelter can help them with that. I used to work at a shelter and that was one of the questions we asked during the interviews. We wanted to eliminate any chance of the new guardian bringing the animal companion back.

He is also probably aware of the problems with breeders and puppy mills, not only because of his associations with Oprah Winfrey, who had a show dedicated to these problems, but also, he has been quoted with his concern for animals in general:

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8U74PLG0&show_article=1:

"I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other," he said. "And it's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals." -Obama

This has been said in other ways by other people, however, no matter how you say it, it shows that you understand the connections, and if you understand the connections, it pretty much predicts your actions - actions of compassion, kindness, and peace.

I have no doubt that Obama will be visiting a shelter soon to take home a new family member, one that happens to be hypoallergenic. In this way, they save a dog where their daughters can enjoy his or her companionship for many years to come. In the end everyone wins!

Posted by: Eric S. | November 6, 2008 09:15 AM

He should get a pet pig. (sans lipstick)

Well, there is some encouragement about what he said, but will he be willing to sit down with peta and really hear what is happening and actually want to stop itm take steps to stop the horrors?

I mean, first, he has to be made aware of what is really going on and why it is horribly wrong. Then he has to actually want to do something about it.

Animals need basic rights to not be tortured, boiled alive, vivisected, etc. And businesses that sell the products of torture need to be outlawed and replaced with kind alternatives to the best of our ability.

Of course it has to be done in a way that does not harm the economy.

Posted by: drew | November 6, 2008 09:52 AM

While they are checking out dogs at the shelter, they need to swing by the cat room and pick out a cat or two. We need another first cat!

Posted by: Kelley | November 6, 2008 10:38 AM

I do have hope that Obama is an animal lover, like those of us who are with peta organization. It makes me very happy to see that animal rights have made a difference in California, even though we won't see changes until, 2016 I think it was.

Posted by: Jackie | November 6, 2008 10:40 AM

I think it's wonderful that Obama is in support of animal rights however one very important fact in that between the economical and environmental issues plaguing the world why have we not heard that they will changing legislation regarding animal testing, the clothing industry etc to save tax dollars and the terrible impact the food and fashion industry has on the environment. It has been proving that animal testing is no longer needed therefor why do governments still support it. If we know the impact certain industry's have on the environment and health why is it not being controlled more?

Posted by: jodi | November 6, 2008 11:08 AM

Folks, I think we have a winner here in more ways than one!

Posted by: Pat Pickren | November 6, 2008 01:20 PM

I hope to see the day that the abusive farm industry, puppy mills and agrigate factory farmers, are the people who are realized to be the terrorists and criminals. They are the ones that should be jailed, and prosecuted, not the activists and those who protect and free and the animals.The greed and monetary gain they are reaping is at the cost of those who cannot stand up for themselves. This is the epitomy of taking advantage of and abusing the most innocent and helpless.

Posted by: Leisa Clark | November 6, 2008 01:42 PM

I'm so glad to hear he's going to adopt a dog for his daughters.
When I heard that he was getting them a puppy I imagined it would be bought from a pet store or breeder.
I was getting ready to write him a letter.
This is great news.
I'm SO HAPPY to hear PROP 2 was passed in California!

Posted by: Elisabeth P. | November 6, 2008 02:35 PM

Jackie, although the evidence of how harmful animal products are for our health and the environment is becoming more and more known, the meat and dairy industries, unfortunately have some VERY strong political power and will stop at NOTHING to try to keep the public from finding out the truth about their products. So much so that they even have control over what the government does and doesn't let the general public in on; in order to find out this info we have to rely on medical journals and new reports as they come in.
Then and then there are of course media, commercial advertisements that glorify the "tastiness and comfort" of animal-derived foods, forever enticing the eyes, ears, and taste buds of a meat-eating society, some mis-or-underinformed dieticians and doctors telling people it's OK to eat chicken, fish, and other seafood, and that these foods are somehow "healthier" than red meat, and of course, the old classic obsession with "getting enough protein".
We are SO bombarded with the importance of protein by the meat and dairy industries starting at SUCH young ages that it's very hard to convince people that they don't need all that protein, esp animal-derived, after they've been made to believe for so many years that they DO need it.
I think it's just up to the people like us who know the truth to get the word out the best we can about the harmful effects of animal products, as well as the harm it is doing to the environment.
In fact, once I'm finished with this post I think I'll start by googling how to email Obama(thanks Connee!!) and not only ask that he adopt a shelter dog, but also ask him if he is aware of the connection between meat production and global warming, and what good it would do both the world's health as well as the planet, animals, and world hunger, if people were encouraged to adopt a plant-based diet.

Posted by: Lisamarie | November 6, 2008 05:36 PM

Obama used to be a vegetarian. If he is not now it is possibly political. Americans would be as or more threatened by that than some of his other "radical ideas" like having dialogue with perceived enemies.

Posted by: Linda | November 6, 2008 07:15 PM

Look at this beautiful photo!!

http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/02/yes-we-canstop.html

Posted by: NT | November 6, 2008 07:23 PM

God Bless President Elect Obama. I told my husband I hoped they would pick a shelter dog, and they are!!!!!!!

Posted by: shawna | November 6, 2008 11:55 PM

I just read on Dog magazine dot net.UK that Barak Obama has definitely decided to adopt a shelter dog.
Obama is in Da House!

Posted by: lynda downie | November 7, 2008 01:22 AM

I think Obama needs to spend more money upgrading animal shelters and more money against animal cruelty

Posted by: Yamamoto Gempo | November 7, 2008 07:55 AM

I sincerely hope that the Obama's will adopt a shelter dog. Surely they must be aware of the horrors of puppy mills. There are MANY puppys at the shelter that do not shed and are hypo allergenic. We adopted one 2 years ago, origin unknown and none of the children in our house are allegic to our new pup "Ben".

Posted by: Dixie Hawk | November 7, 2008 07:58 AM

I'm hearing on the news that his daughter is allergic so they may get a "special" breed. Turned my stomach. It's so important he follow through with his word. Please adopt a pound dog, President-Elect Obama!

Posted by: Louise | November 7, 2008 10:03 AM

I am very happy to hear that The Obama Family will adopt from a Rescue/Humane Center. I am certain they will find just the right companian for their family, as I have. Thank You Mr. Obama for giving the Country a good example for adopting campanions animals in America.

Posted by: Phyllis Krystal | November 7, 2008 12:04 PM

Did anyone at PETA really read this story before it was printed?? It states that the president elect will be adopting a dog from a shelter instead of buying one from a puppy mill or "private breeder". Hello???? Reputable private breeders are not the ones contributing to the shelter overpopulation. Many reputable purebred breeders will take back their dogs if a situation doesn't work out. Irresponsible pet owners who don't spay or neuter thier pets and let them run at large and yes, puppy mills who don't care where the puppies go (as well as pet stores, are the reason that our shelters are overpopulated and thousands of animals are euthanized every day. Before such a broad statement is made maybe PETA needs to do their research.

Posted by: C Fields | November 7, 2008 01:44 PM

I just want to say that i will give the new president a chance even though i am still skeptical of him. I pray that he does help all these defenseless animals because lets be honest we can do alot more if we have the most powerful man in the world on our side. I hope to see results in the near future and not just talk. God bless

Posted by: john jones | November 7, 2008 02:00 PM

PETA should propose that Obama adopt a pit-bull (American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit Terrier) and help to irradicate its bad image. These are historically known as a "family dog" and caretaker of the children. Now they are left to be euthanized in shelters because the media promotes them as killers, and fighters.

Posted by: Brielle Barr | November 7, 2008 02:01 PM

I actually eamiled the president and the president elect Obama. I was asking if there girls are gettting a puppy from a mill or are they going to adopt one of the millions of puppies left for dead...

Posted by: Jennifer Brown | November 7, 2008 04:12 PM

I just checked the chicago tribune article voting and over half the votes are for a shelter dog. Everyone get over there and vote shelter dog!

Posted by: Linzi Taylor | November 8, 2008 11:08 AM

now if obama and you will see my (vegan by design) message at, flatrockspeedway.com, click search 2 times type in indycar01, also can he stop charities funding animal research?.. see the bottom of my message. 30 MILLION A MONTH?.. good god!.. what next?

Posted by: indycar01 | November 10, 2008 03:11 PM

Obama better not tell me what to eat next. Animal Rights can only go so far, but once you take away my right to eat what I want, then you're violating my freedoms.

Posted by: Alex | November 11, 2008 09:43 PM