Bo Obama is being officially ‘inaugurated’ April 14, 2009, after joining the Obama family over the Easter weekend. Bo made two little girls very happy this Easter. Malia and Sasha had a memorable holiday playing with their new dog, giving him his new name and deciding which doggy chores they would be responsible for.
After months of researching for just the right pet, the family chose the Portuguese Water Dog Breed because of Malia’s allergies. As the public anxiously awaited arrival of the First Dog, the Obamas had a dilemma. They also wanted to adopt a dog from a shelter but their chosen breed is rarely found in shelters. However, it turns out the new First Dog may be considered a rescue after all. When Senator Ted Kennedy learned that the six month old littermate of one his own dogs was not working out in its new home, he got the dog as a gift for Malia and Sasha.
Origin of the New White House Dog
It seems the pup is a Texan from the Amigo Portuguese Water Dog kennel near Dallas. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Obamas will also make a donation to a humane society to ease the disappointment of not getting a dog from a shelter.
Although the six month old fluffy pup’s registered name is Amigo’s New Hope and he was called Charlie in his first home, the Obama girls will call him Bo, after their grandfather who had the nickname “Diddley” as in Bo Diddley. Interestingly, the two letters of his name also spell the initials of Barack Obama.
The Hypoallergenic Portuguese Water Dog
Described by the American Kennel Club as intelligent, obedient, and resistant to fatigue, the Portuguese Water Dog breed promises to make a wonderful companion to the Obama family.
While no dog is completely non allergenic, some breeds, such as the Llaso Apso, Bichon Frise, and Poodle are considered hypoallergenic because they do not shed as much as other breeds and this reduces the spread of allergens.
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe but, for people allergic to dogs who really want a dog, a few extra measures including frequent grooming, thorough cleaning, and the use of filters can reduce or eliminate the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Bo Obama has officially taken his role as First Dog and will be conducting business on the South Lawn, shortly. Change has indeed come to the White House, as this little dog may very well turn out to be the only First Dog with the ability to introduce himself to the press by first name and last initial, ‘Bo O.”
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