PETA Pushes Obama to Adopt a Mutt

It's more than just the dog days of summer. Word is that Sen. Barack Obama is really looking around for the dog he's promised daughters Malia and Sasha for spending so much time running for president. Well now PETA has weighed in with a good idea. Adopt a dog: Don't go the puppy mill route. In a letter provided to Whispers today and printed below, President Ingrid Newkirk urges the Democrat to go to a shelter and not give in to the pressure from dog breeders who want Obama to have a purebred. "Adopting an animal not only saves a life, but demonstrates compassion, and the companion animal overpopulation crisis deserves attention from all Americans. Every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop takes a home away from a needy animal at an animal shelter, waiting and hoping for a chance at the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," writes Newkirk. And she even has an idea for what the national dog should be: mutts. PETA adds that it appears the senator is considering their idea and will adopt a mixed breed. Of course, he could ask Sen. John McCain for advice. He has a mutt and a purebred.

    July 28, 2008

    The Honorable Barack Obama and Family

    John C. Kluczynski Federal Office Building, Ste. 3900

    230 South Dearborne

    Chicago, IL 60604

    Dear Senator and Mrs. Obama:

    We hope you are well. We understand that greedy dog breeders are panting and drooling over the    prospect that prominent figures may unwittingly promote their business and may try to "sell" you on the idea of getting a purebred dog. I'd like to give you some important information before you make your choice.

    Senator, no one needs to tell you that this country is proud to be a melting pot, and that there is something deeply wrong and elitist about wanting only a purebred dog. Millions of Great American Mutts—the dog that should be our national dog—are set to die in our nation's extremely overcrowded pounds and shelters for lack of good homes. Compassionate people nationwide are choosing to adopt a homeless pound puppy—a grateful refugee from a society that has not always treated the true "underdog" kindly—rather than cater to special interests who do not have dogs' interests at heart.

    Adopting an animal not only saves a life, but demonstrates compassion, and the companion animal overpopulation crisis deserves attention from all Americans. Every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop takes a home away from a needy animal at an animal shelter, waiting and hoping for a chance at the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

    Please let us know if we can assist you. I can be reached at 757-622-7382, extension 8302.

    Thank you.

    Very truly yours,

    Ingrid E. Newkirk

    President and Founder