First Lady Michelle Obama: First Dog Coming to White House in April

Some of the questions that will be raised about the First Dog are serious. The ways in which the Obamas deal with the following issues are sure to send important messages about responsible care to those homes that already contain America's 60 million dogs.

* Considering the pet food debacle, what will the First Dog eat? Organic pet food? Wheat and corn-free? Vegetarian? What brands?

* Will the snow and ice-melting products used on the White House sidewalks be pet-safe?

* Does everybody know not to use cocoa mulch on the Rose Garden?

* Who is in charge of patrolling the premises so plants and foods that are toxic to dogs - grapes, raisons, chocolate, onions, artificially sweetened products -- aren't at drooling-mouth level?

* Where will the Obama dog sleep at night? In the bedroom with the children or in a crate somewhere else? Will it be the right size crate?

* Are the Obamas using biodegradable poop bags? It might sound like a funny question but savvy environmentalists will want to know.

Then, there will be fodder for comedians and national news segments:

* Who will train the most famous dog in the world not to bite reporters or will that lesson be discreetly skipped?

* Will the dog have a Secret Service code name? What should it be?

* Will the dog sport a diamond-studded collar and sleep on a $500 dollar doggie bed as befits its celebrity status?

* When the Obama children have sleepovers, will friends bring their canines for doggie night out?

* What famous person or figure from history will the dog dress as for Halloween?

* Who will be the official White House doggie photographer?

* Which dog toys will grace the gleaming and carpeted floors and new playground?

* Does the dog's name have ethnic or historical origins? Does it more creatively top previous First Dog names such as Spot, Buddy, Millie, Lucky, Grits, Liberty, Checkers, Him and Her, Feller, Heidi, Duke, Pushinka, and King Tut?

Allen and Linda Anderson of MN 9:23PM March 17, 2009

President Obama:

I truly hope that your policies will put this country back on it's feet in the near future. There are many who go to bed hungry and without health care in this country. My husband is an out of work factory worker. If it weren't for God and my husband being a member of the National Guard we would be in a mess.

I just ask that you remember that you promised Americans a "change". I am willing to wait and see what your administration is able to accomplish before passing judgement.

My prayers are with you and the First Family.

Sharon Holton of TN 5:56PM March 03, 2009

Hey barry hey schelle. Wants up

sharisse white of TX 1:12PM March 01, 2009

I was turned off when Obama declared that he'd adopt a shelter dog but "didn't want a mutt like [himself]". Some of the smartest dogs I've known were mutts. And some of the most skittish dogs I've known were mutts. You don't know. Just like people every dog has a different personality.

Ways around allergies: give the child a pill. Half the country already has their children on unnecessary medication anyway. How easier would it be to connect with so many citizens?

Another way around allergies: get a turtle. Oh, wait, another presidential candidate already owns turtles. I guess the Obamas don't want to be like the McCains.

And yet another way around allergies: the utterly expensive designer dogs (or is it just cats right now?) that are genetically altered to be hypo-allergenic. Hmm..that would be expensive. And I guess the "hairless" varieties are just not cuddly enough or have enough photographic appeal for someone in the Obamas position.

Yes, this whole debate is not as important a bit of news as other things right now, but to tell the truth, it's the only thing I've been interested to come out of the White House in a while. When announcements are made about how the economy should be turning around in 8-12 months, and then the Pres's office paints a grim picture of having no hope, all that does is spur more of an economic slide! Happy news is a new puppy!

Americans need more positive news. More positive stories. We can do it, America! We can turn our economy around!

Oh, and as much fun as it was voting on the name for "Buddy" with the Clinton's dog, I think the Obama family should privately name their dog (with a good name to suit it's personality and/or breed) and then hold a press conference or whatever and announce the identity/name of their new puppy.

It will be their dog. Let them choose.

And that dog will provide good lessons for the girls too, if they are made to be the ones taking care of it. Don't buy the dog and then have someone else take care of it. Not only will the girls learn better lessons, but they'll also form a stronger bond with the creature if they're the ones feeding and exercising and cleaning up after the new puppy.

I'm off to volunteer at a local shelter now.

Ejius of PA 12:26PM February 26, 2009