Friday, July 10, 2009

Nation & World

Washington Whispers by Paul Bedard

PETA Pushes Obama to Adopt a Mutt

July 28, 2008 02:50 PM ET | Paul Bedard | Permanent Link | Print

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

Tags: Barack Obama

Tools: Share | | Comments (31) | Print

Reader Comments

Lennie Of OK

I love you your too right.You"re incredibly intelligent! This is free speech so here goes! Obama is a terro Socialist! He's an idiot!An evil man completely vile , I hope he doesn't get a dog,if his feelings of abortion are the same with puppies as with human young!

I love animals and if you do too do not support Peta

Support charities that are non-kill and know things about animals! Peta you are sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

let's be consistent.

so, were the bushes encouraged to 'adopt'?

what's the priority?

What' s the priority, letting dogs enjoy the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, or letting the billions of innocent preborn babies that are aborted enjoy it???!

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

U.S. News Weekly

Subscribe Today

Order the new U.S. News Weekly digital magazine at a special low introductory price!

advertisement

NEWSLETTER

Sign up today for the latest headlines from U.S. News & World Report delivered to you free.

RSS FEEDS

Personalize your U.S. News with our feeds of blogs and breaking news headlines.

U.S. NEWS MOBILE

U.S. News daily briefings are also available on your mobile device.

Bobbles Poll: What's Next For Sarah?

Sarah Palin bobblehead, for Washington Whispers.

So Sarah Palin is leaving her job as governor of Alaska short of her four year term. Do you still think that she will run for the presidency in 2012?

View Results

Put Washington Whispers on Your Site

Keep up with all the latest Washington news and gossip by adding our Washington Whispers widget to your website.

Get this widget ยป

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.