Typically I try to steer clear of talking politics here and on my lifestyle blog, but today I just really feel like I must “go there”.
I’m beyond bothered by the fact that I can’t confirm where the Obamas’ new dog, a Portuguese Water Dog named Sunny, came from. I’ve read article after article after article about her arrival at the White House, and I’ve learned that she was born in Michigan in 2012, but little else has been written about her life prior to Monday when she catapulted to fame as the First Family’s new pet.
Did the Obamas rescue Sunny from a shelter? The only mention of anything resembling a shelter in the articles I read is the fact that the Barack and Michelle Obama plan to make a donation to the Washington Humane Society in Sunny’s honor.
That leads me to believe that no, Sunny wasn’t rescued from a shelter.
My gut tells me that Sunny came from a breeder, and for the purpose of this blog post, that’s going to be my assumption. I mean, come on. Based on the information that’s been presented – or lack thereof – what else can I assume?
With that, I must say shame on you, Mr. President and First Lady, for getting a dog from a breeder. Haven’t you heard the horror stories about puppy mills and backyard breeders?
And even if Sunny came from the most reputable breeder in the land, don’t you know that there are homeless dogs in US shelters dying by the thousands every single day? That happens because people just like you choose to buy a pet, rather than save a homeless one.
I’m betting you could’ve found a Portuguese Water Dog at a shelter or through a rescue group. Heck, with just a quick Google search, I found a handful of PWDs on Petfinder (a couple located fairly close to you), and in rescues all over the country. Did you think to try that?
I read that one of your daughters has allergies, and that you chose the PWD because of its hypo-allergenic qualities. But are you aware there are numerous other hypo-allergenic breeds, many of which I know can be found in shelters and rescues all over the United States?
Mr. and Mrs. Obama, last week I networked nine dogs in the New York City shelter system, trying to find homes so that they wouldn’t be euthanized in the city shelters. Of those nine dogs, one was rescued, another is still waiting, and the remaining 7 are dead. And that’s just a drop in the bucket. There were literally dozens of dogs put to death in New York City alone last week, all because no one came for them.
When you buy from a breeder, you encourage that breeder to continue to bring puppies into a world that’s already over-populated by unwanted pets.
This year, 3 to 4 million animals will die in US shelters because there are more homeless pets than there are families who want them. I fight every day for those pets, along with many other wonderful Animal Rescue Advocates who work tirelessly for the voiceless, and it’s an understatement to say it hurts us – and kills shelter animals – when the First Family of the United States fails to set a responsible example.
Choices like yours kill shelter animals every day, and it’s a cycle that will continue until people begin to make responsible decisions. First, spay and neuter your pets to prevent unplanned, unwanted, and unnecessary litters.
Second, don’t shop at pet stores that sell puppies and kittens because when you do, you’re supporting the hideous puppy mill industry.
And third, when you’re ready to add a new pet to your family, consider opening your heart to a homeless animal whose very life depends on it. At least visit your local shelter and rescue groups to see if they have any dogs that meet your needs. If you do the legwork and fail to find the dog of your dreams in a shelter, then by all means, work with a reputable breeder. But you’ve got to at least try to help a shelter pet first.
By choosing to buy from a breeder, the White House has made my already heartbreaking job even more difficult, because now a country full of people think it’s okay, even admirable, to shop rather than adopt. But it’s not okay, Mr. and Mrs. Obama.
Bren says
August 21, 2013 at 10:07 amGirl! You nailed it on the head. I’m so angered by them “buying” another dog! Why not rescue? That would have set an awesome example, especially if it was a pit bull or bully breed. The whole thing makes me sick and I’m so glad you spoke up about it. Everytime I see the dogs pics on FB, I hide them and mark them as annoying. 🙂
SHOW ME THE PIBBLES!
Christina Berry says
August 21, 2013 at 12:09 pmThanks, Bren! I think Sunny is a beautiful dog, Bo too, but as you said, what an awesome example the First Family would’ve set by bringing home a shelter dog. I’m not kidding, I think people would be flocking to shelters this week if that had been the case.
andrea says
September 28, 2013 at 5:22 amI like all dogs but definitely have my personal favorites, and pittbulls arent on my list at all. Im exhausted by the ads for pitts adoption I feel like its shoved down my throat . . . Adopt adopt adopt Pitt
I adopted my terrier . . . From a cowor
Christina Berry says
September 28, 2013 at 12:09 pmAndrea, just to be clear, I did not say the president should have adopted a Pit Bull. Others have said that, and they are entitled to their opinion. I simply said he should’ve adopted a shelter dog, regardless of breed.
But in response to your comment, perhaps you are not aware that pit bull-type dogs make up nearly 50 percent of ALL dogs in US shelters. They are the most euthanized dog in our shelter system because people believe everything they read in the media and every piece of gossip they hear at the water cooler, and are afraid to adopt them. It is an absolute MUST that we educate the public, change perceptions, and continue to advocate for pit bulls in shelters.
If you don’t like Pit Bulls, that’s certainly your prerogative. But if you feel like Pit Bull advocacy is being “shoved down your throat”, I guess I’m not clear why you’re on this website. Maybe you didn’t notice, but that’s what this website is about. Clearly this is not the blog for you.
But should you choose to hang around. please familiarize yourself with the site’s comment policy; your comment leans toward having no purpose other than to stir up controversy. Because that gets in the way of our mission here, it won’t be tolerated.
http://www.thelazypitbull.com/comment-policy/
Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner says
August 21, 2013 at 11:55 amGenerally, I might respectfully “disagree” with your stance. I think it is an individuals right to choose where they get their dog from – be it from a breeder or shelter. I agree that a shelter should be the first place people look but there are circumstances where I don’t think buying a dog from a reputable breeder is inappropriate. It’s just not black and white to me. I do not work in a shelter, or with shelter animals closely, so that is probably easy for me to say.
However, I DO agree with you in this case especially. People look up to celebrities or people in power for guidance. Even if they don’t look up to them in a direct way, their choices sink into our subconscious and can influence our future actions. Someone with as much of the country watching him as the president probably should have taken this opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of pet adoption.
Christina Berry says
August 21, 2013 at 12:07 pmJessica, thanks for the input! I know that not everyone sees the issue as “black and white” as I do, and I’m okay with that. I wish people would START in the shelter, and if they truly can’t find the dog they’re looking for, then perhaps as you said, buying from a reputable breeder takes on new meaning. The problem is, though, that so many people would never even DREAM of adopting a shelter dog, and that’s so sad for so many reasons.
And yes, the Obamas could’ve used their influence for good. I’m sad that they didn’t.
In the spirit of transparency, I have to admit that my doxie girl came from a pet store that I’ve since learned partners with puppy mills. Today I wouldn’t buy a dog from them no matter what, but I’m awful thankful for my girl. 🙂
Christine and Riley says
August 21, 2013 at 1:33 pmJust a little fact, the Obamas did not ‘pick’ Bo their first dog because he was hypo-allergenic, in fact no dog truly is. Bo was a gift from (late)Senator Kennedy, a proud owner of 2 PWD’s.
But sometimes, people have personal reasons for getting from a breeder, and it’s not being irresponsible. For myself, my next Shih Tzu will definitely come from a breeder . Why? Participating in agility can be a demanding sport, even for a little dog… so breeding and physical soundness are very important. I currently have 2 Shih Tzu’s with luxating patellas.
Considering the support the rescue community receives from the public compared to many years ago, I am sure the topic of rescue vs. breeder was discussed prior to the arrival of Sunny, not an easy decision to make, hence the reason for the probable very nice donation to the humane society.
But the president did do something good this week, taking a stance against Breed-Specific legislation. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/obama-breed-specific-legislation_n_3785911.html
PS… I am a registered republican, but I like to look at both sides of things 🙂
Christina Berry says
August 21, 2013 at 2:01 pmChristine, thanks for the input! I appreciate the feedback!
Yes, I’m aware of the White House’s stance on BSL, and initially I considered not publishing this post today in light of that news.
Ultimately, though, I decided that both topics are important. The Pit Bull advocate in me is thrilled with the President’s declaration that BSL is, well, BS. But the shelter dog rescuer in me sure wishes he’d helped all my OTHER dogs by showing the world that shelter dogs do indeed make great pets.
While I appreciate the First Family’s donation to the Washington Humane Society, I just can’t help but believe that adopting a pet from there would’ve been far more valuable, not just to the shelter but to shelter dogs all over the country. In my opinion, he missed a great opportunity to advocate for the 3-4 million shelter pets that will die this year because no one came for them.
Christine and Riley says
August 21, 2013 at 2:08 pmI do agree with you that he missed a great opportunity, but it’s not a persons fault for buying from a breeder that we have so many pets in shelters dying. There is an extreme lack of education when it comes to spay & neutering and proper dog training. I believe those are the reasons we have such a high euthanasia rate. I live in a county that has the highest euthanasia rate in California and #3 in the US… people don’t spay and neuter, and of those that do, people become lazy and don’t train! So when the dog hits 18 months old and they have behavioral issues it is just easier to ship them off to the pound rather than dealing with the problem.
Glad to share my opinion too!! Thanks for not ripping me a new one!! lol
andrea says
September 28, 2013 at 5:14 amWell said 🙂
Chantelle says
August 21, 2013 at 5:05 pmThank you for saying exactly what I was thinking. As a six year veteran of extensive shelter volunteering, I see every bought dog as the reason one of the sweet, healthy, well-behaved dogs with whom I’ve bonded at the shelter dies because of lack of space.
As a professional pet sitter for four years, I’ve also worked extensively with dogs purchased from reputable breeders. Most of these pedigreed pups are so afflicted with health and behavior issues, I marvel at their purchase price. The shelter dogs with whom I work are almost always healthier and more intelligent (i.e. easily trainable) than these purebreds.
Walter says
August 21, 2013 at 7:18 pmI really appreciate your post Christine. What a difference the President and family could have made had they decided to document their search and ultimately find a needy rescue or shelter dog to take home with them. Based on the fact that their first dog Bo came from Sen. Kennedy, I can’t help but wonder what political favors are involved with Sunny’s arrival!
alice mcdonnell says
August 21, 2013 at 9:29 pmKUDOS CHRISTINA…AWESOME JOB..YOU HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD.(.AND BEFORE ANYONE STARTS, I AM NOT SHOUTING, I AM NOT YELLING, I USE ALL CAPS BECAUSE I AM DISABLED AND IT MAKES IT EASIER FOR ME ) YOU ARE SO RIGHT WHEN YOU SAID WHAT AN AWESOME EXAMPLE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HAD THEY ADOPTED A SHELTER DOG.. NOW I FEAR, PEOPLE WILL BE RUNNING TO BREEDERS FOR THE NEWEST ‘””FAD DOG” AND IN A YEAR OR SO THE SHELTERS WILL BE FILLED WITH PORTUGUESE WATER DOGS, JUST LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN WITH PITBULLS AND CHIHUAHUAS. AND DALMATIANS.. IT BREAKS MY HEART EVERY NIGHT WHEN I POST AND SHARE THE MANY WONDERFUL, ADOPTABLE DOGS THAT ARE ”ON THE LIST TO BE DESTROYED” AT THE NYCACC. THE DONATION TO THE WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY WAS A ”TOKEN GESTURE” TO NIP ANY CONTROVERSY IN THE BUD OVER SUNNY BEING ”GOTTEN” FROM A BREEDER. I LIKE YOU SAY TO THE PRESIDENT, YOU SHOULD HAVE ADOPTED A SHELTER DOG AND WHAT YOU DID IS SO NOT OKAY….
andrea says
September 28, 2013 at 5:07 amI hear you loud and clear. You make valid points, however. The beauty of being human and living in this wonderful country is the freedom of choice. I could argue the same of foreign adoption. It saddens me when folks go abroad to adopt for many understandable reason s when so many children need rescuing or even giving birth when the foster care system is flooded with unwanted children but people continue to give birth, etc. I think we should respect freedom of choice and let lying dogs lie.
Christina Berry says
September 28, 2013 at 11:54 amYou are certainly entitled to your opinion, Andrea, but since the purpose of this blog is shelter dog advocacy, I would be remiss not to address the elephant in the room. The president and his family did nothing to ease the burden on US shelters. Perception is everything, and he did nothing to change the public’s perception that somehow shelter dogs aren’t good enough. His adopting a shelter dog would’ve sent a powerful message. Forgive me if I’m disappointed that he didn’t seize that opportunity.
Nicole says
March 18, 2014 at 11:13 amI am curious if you ever wrote any pieces about the Bush’s Scotties, which I imagine were purchased from breeders? Or the Clintons’ retriever? I’m not aware of any US Presidents that went to shelters for their dogs, but somehow it’s only the Obamas that get blamed.
I’m aware Obama originally spoke about getting a mutt from a shelter, but in the end, they chose a breed they felt would fit in best with their family and lifestyle (especially in light of having a child with allergies). They did what a responsible prospective pet owner would do; they took time to think and were open to changing their minds BEFORE they got the pet. When my husband and I decided we were finally ready to get a dog, we really would have liked to adopt an Australian Cattle Dog, but after research, decided they weren’t suitable for our lifestyle- we live in an apartment and we have a small child. So we ended up adopting an adult Staffy mix from a shelter, one who tested great with kids, but, again, only after our son got to meet her so we could see how the dog and he were with each other.
I don’t disagree at all that for most families, a shelter dog will make a great pet, and I strongly support adopting adult animals, but I think we need to stay open-minded and understand that it might not work for every prospective dog owner. It would have been great if the President had adopted a shelter dog, but he didn’t. Yet, the Obamas seem to be great dog owners, and as has been pointed out, the President has come out against BSL, which is terrific. Let’s be glad they were a good example of responsible pet ownership, in that they took time before getting the animal to do their research and find an animal well suited for their family. I wish all pet owners would do the same!
And let’s give Bo and Sunny props- they’ve never bitten a member of the press, which is more than one can say for Barney. 😉
Christina Berry says
March 18, 2014 at 4:29 pmNicole, a few weeks ago I wrote a post about the Sochi Olympics (http://www.thelazypitbull.com/2014/02/boycott-the-sochi-olympics/) and I got several comments and emails saying “don’t you know this kind of atrocity happen at EVERY Olympics?” My response to them is the same as I’m going to say to you: I can’t speak for what happened before. My blog focuses on current events. I don’t know what happened at previous Olympics or what kind of dogs past Presidents adopted. I can only write about what’s happening TODAY.
I completely agree that each family has to make the decision that is right for them when it comes to adopting a pet. What disappoints me about the Obamas is the fact that they said they’d adopt a homeless animal, but then they didn’t. Making that worse is the fact that they refused to publicly own the decision they made. If there was nothing to hide, and if they felt good about the decision they made, why hide behind it? Own up to it. Tell the world why an expensive dog from a breeder was a better fit for your family than a homeless shelter dog – I know I’m not the only person who wants to know.
As I also said, the President had a great opportunity to really advocate for shelter dogs in need. He totally missed that opportunity, first by not adopting one and second by not saying “even though a shelter dog wasn’t right for my family, I strongly encourage you to visit your local shelter when considering adopting a pet.”
He’s the most influential man in the world. He could’ve made a difference, but he chose not to.
Mike@bigdogbreeds101.com says
May 5, 2014 at 9:31 amI agree with you. There are so many loving dogs that desperately need homes in animal shelters. That would have been a great example to set, if they adopted a dog from a shelter. You would have seen such an increase in dog adoptions from shelters.