Animal friends react to Obama’s election
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Dog lovers across the U.S. (and, we’re betting, the president-elect’s daughters) paid special attention to one line in Barack Obama’s acceptance speech last night: ‘Sasha and Malia, I love you more than you can imagine, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.’
As we told you back in October, the Obamas plan to adopt the future First Dog (rather than purchasing him or her from a breeder). Now our colleagues at The Swamp report that Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, is weighing in:
Pacelle says the first family’s pick of a puppy will send ‘a real message of hope and change for all the dogs in shelters waiting for a loving home and those currently suffering in abusive puppy mills.... ‘Most presidents in recent times have had pets, and as the next president, Barack Obama can set a tremendous example for the rest of Americans by adopting a homeless animal. The Humane Society of the United States looks forward to working with President Obama and watching his children bond with the newest member of their family.’
For their part, PETA says on their blog:
We hope that the Obama family really listened to our message, and we hope that Barack, Michelle, and their daughters find a loving mutt who needs a good home. Hey, America … we are SO over the Paris Hilton ‘purse puppy’ era.... Let’s give homes to dogs who really need them!
As for us, while Barney and Miss Beazley (the Bush family’s Scottish terriers) sure are cute, we’re excited that a deserving rescue dog will soon be living the high life at the White House. From rags to riches indeed.
--Lindsay Barnett