Posts tagged "Bo Obama"

Meet the "First Dogs" -- Including Bo Obama

by Emily Richmond (Subscribe to Emily Richmond's posts): Mar 4th 2010 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Celebrity Pets

Yoichi Okamoto/LBJ Library
(In a 1968 photo from the Newseum exhibit, President Lyndon B. Johnson howls along with "Yuki," named after the Japanese word for snow, as grandson Patrick Lyndon Nugent watches in wonder. Johnson's youngest daughter, Luci, found the mutt -- his proclaimed favorite pet -- abandoned at a Texas gas station on Thanksgiving Day in 1966.)

The president's best friend has often been a pooch -- providing rough and tumble fun and companionship to offset the serious business of running the country. This year, the Newseum in Washington, D.C. explores that relationship, offering a closer look at the lives of the nation's "First Dogs." Cathy Trost, the director of exhibit development for the Newseum, spoke with Paw Nation:

The "First Dogs" exhibit is one of the Newseum's most popular shows. Were you surprised by the interest?
Everyone loves a good animal story. People want to know about our political leaders and the pets that humanize them.

So is the oft-repeated quote true? "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog?"
The quotation is often attributed to President Harry Truman, but he probably didn't say it. In fact, he was given an adorable cocker spaniel as a gift in 1947 and gave it away almost immediately. But of all the White House pets – and there have been hundreds of them – dogs have definitely been the most popular.

How much of a factor has Bo Obama been in the popularity of the exhibit?"
I'm not sure anybody was really ready for "Bo-mania." When President Obama was elected and we heard he had made that pledge to his daughters that a puppy would be coming with them to the White House, we saved a prime spot. And boy, did they deliver one cute dog!

Bo Obama High-Fives Oprah

by Paul Ciampanelli (Subscribe to Paul Ciampanelli's posts): Dec 15th 2009 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Celebrity Pets, Funny Animal Videos

Did you imagine you'd ever see the First Lady of the United States and the Great High Empress of Planet Earth both simultaneously abandon all of their stately dignity in a fit of coos and giggles? What could reduce these two proud Chicagoans to inane baby talk? Why, the cutest canine in the capital, of course. Jackie Kennedy might've said "gauche," but Paw Nation approves.

Bo Obama Celebrates His First Birthday

by Rebecca Quimby (Subscribe to Rebecca Quimby's posts): Nov 3rd 2009 5:00PM Filed Under: Dogs

Alex Brandon, AP

Michelle Obama spoke to Jay Leno recently about important matters affecting the country. Namely, Bo's birthday.

When asked about Bo's first birthday party, she revealed that the family had a "sweet celebration" in the rose garden. Bo's brother Cappy came over, and they had party hats and even a dog-house cake made out of "veal stuff." There was one snafu, though, when Cappy stole the rest of the cake off the table! But, the first lady said, "Bo didn't seem to mind."

Sounds like a better birthday party than most kids get. It's good to be the First Dog!

Dog as Political Pundit?

by Sonia Zjawinski (Subscribe to Sonia Zjawinski's posts): Aug 24th 2009 4:30PM Filed Under: Dogs

There's that old wives tale about owners looking like their dogs, but can you and your dog share more than just looks?

In the video above, one Kentucky woman tries to convince us that her dog Opie has an opinion on our current president. This got us wondering -- should pets become unsuspecting campaigners?

We have a feeling Bo Obama would have something to say about this.

Bo Obama's Breeder Passes Away

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Jul 28th 2009 5:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News

Photo: Alex Brandon, AP

Martha B. Stern, the breeder of First Dog Bo Obama, died July 21 at the age of 72.

Stern and her husband Arthur were thrust into the national spotlight earlier this year when Bo -- one of nine puppies born at their Texas kennel, Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs -- was selected to become the First Family's pet.

The Sterns first became intrigued by the Portuguese Water Dog while watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in the 1980s, reports the Houston Chronicle. "She was a longtime breeder and had a fine reputation," Stuart Freeman, President of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, told Paw Nation.

Senator Ted Kennedy, who owns three pet Portuguese Water Dogs bred by the Sterns, formally gifted Bo to the Obamas. At the time, Mrs. Stern shared a light-hearted prediction of the rambunctious puppy: "He's going to be a little gentleman, believe me -- until he sees that fountain," she laughingly told Pet Connection in April. "He'll be splashing around and saying, 'Where's the fish? Where's the fish?' We're expecting great things of that little fellow."

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 203, Parker Ford, Pa. 19457-0203 or AKC Canine Health Foundation, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, N.C. 27617-3901.

Source

Bo Obama Has Official Portrait Taken

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Jun 25th 2009 4:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News, Celebrity Pets, Photo Galleries

Photo: Chuck Kennedy, White House

Our little Bo is growing up! The presidential pup --- famous for acting "crazy" and trying to chew on people's feet --- posed for his first official portrait taken on the South Lawn of the White House. Doing his best to look dignified, Bo gazes off into the distance with a jaunty little thrust of his left front paw (the one that looks as if he's wearing a white tube sock pulled up to his knee).

Still, Bo can't hide his innate playfulness --- just look at that open mouth and bit of tongue hanging out. He's waiting for someone to throw a ball!

Want to know more about Bo? Download his baseball card from the White House website. It doesn't include his batting average, but it does reveal that his hobbies include "playing on the White House lawn and going on walks
with the Obama family," and his lofty goal as first dog: to make friends with foreign dognitaries.

But don't believe the part about tomatoes being his favorite food; that was apparently a little joke by the White House. (Tomatoes can be toxic to dogs.)

Bo Obama Merchandise

Puppy Power Comic Book
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Bo! The Puppy Power comic book stars you-know-who as a superhero. Let's just hope Bo isn't letting all this attention go to his cute shaggy head.

Bluewater Productions INC.

Stuffed animal
A German company released this adorable stuffed Bo Obama by far the softest, snuggliest piece of presidential paraphernalia we've ever seen!

Eckehard Schulz, AP

Baseball card
The tech-savvy White House now has a Bo Obama baseball card you can download and print (featuring his official portrait). According to the card, Bo's hobbies include playing on the lawn and taking walks. He's not such a great athlete, though ? the card also reveals that he doesn't know how to swim!

Chuck Kennedy, White House

Bo, America's Commander In Leash Book
If the constant news coverage of Bo isn't enough for you, check out this children's book featuring the first pet. The book features Bo participating in White House traditions like peeing on foreign dignitaries (just kidding).

Bo, America's Commander in Leash Book

Amazon

Beanie Baby
The presidential pooch is so popular that Beanie Babies designed in his likeness are flying off the shelves. The collectibles are already selling for over a hundred dollars on eBay. Bow wow!

Ty Inc.

Source

The Bo Obama Stuffed Animal

by Michelle Toglia (Subscribe to Michelle Toglia's posts): Jun 10th 2009 12:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Product Reviews, Celebrity Pets

Photo: existentist/Flickr

You've got the Bo Obama Beanie Baby, water bowl and teddy bear. Now, there's a new toy in town.

Add the Bo Obama Stuffed Animal to your First Dog collection. The plush pup hit German shelves this week in Bad Koesen, eastern Germany.

The Kösen toy company's Portuguese Water dog looks like it's fit to meet the cuddling requirements for humans and pets alike.

Source

Bo's New Dog Bowl - The Road Refresher

by Michelle Toglia (Subscribe to Michelle Toglia's posts): May 29th 2009 2:00PM Filed Under: Pets News, Pet Product Reviews, Celebrity Pets

Photo: Eastnews Press Agency

The White House just lost a whole lot of slobber -- about 90% to be exact.

First Dog Bo Obama recently placed an order for the Road Refresher dog bowl featured on BBC's Dragon's Den, a show where entrepreneurs seeking investment pitch ideas to capitalists.

Road Refresher creator Natalie Ellis seized the opportunity to customize her spill and slobber-eliminating bowl for Bo. With a classic White House design, American flag, and his name glimmering in rhinestones, the presidential pooch can now stay hydrated at all times, whether he's visiting the president in the Oval Office or playing fetch with the Secret Service on the South Lawn.

"I was taken aback. It's absolutely amazing to think my invention is going to be used in the White House," Ellis told Daily Mail Online.

But Ellis wasn't sure her non-spill dog bowl would ever make it to America. Last April, the 'Dragon' panel refused to invest £120,000 ($191,326,531) in Ellis' Road Refresher and told her that she had no chance of selling her product in the States.

Ignoring their warning, Ellis sold her invention in pet shops in Britain and Europe for a few months before bringing it to America. Since her arrival in the U.S., Ellis has made over £1 million ($1,594,388) from Road Refresher sales.

While the investors from Dragon's Den may be kicking themselves, Ellis and the Obamas won't be crying over spilled water anytime soon.

"I knew the product was good and I realized the Dragons were wrong -- they are only people sitting in their chairs. I'm glad they didn't say yes now," said Ellis.

Presidential Pets

Bo says "Aloha!"
The Obamas welcome the newest member of the First Family: Portuguese Water puppy, Bo.

Pete Souza/The White House/Getty

Howl Are Ya?
Lyndon Johnson startles his grandson, Patrick Nugent, singing along with his puppy.

Yoichi Okamoto, Johnson Library / National Archives / AP

Picture Perfect
Warren Harding poses for a casual photograph with his excitable friend, Laddie Boy.

Library Of Congress / Getty Images

White House Woofer
Home is where the hat is -- and the dog, too! Calvin and Grace Coolidge pose with their pet.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shake!
Depression president Herbert Hoover was unpopular with a lot of people, but not his police dog King Tut.

Hoover Library / AP

Follow the Leader
George H. W. Bush is trailed across the White House South Lawn by the family spaniel, Millie.

Doug Mills, AP

Two Plus Two
George W. and Laura Bush have a handful each with Barney and Miss Beazley as they prepare to board Marine One.

Ford Focus
Gerald Ford takes comfort from his golden retriever Liberty who, unfortunately for his brief tenure, couldn't vote.

The Pup Stops Here
Feller, a five-week old cocker spaniel sent as a gift for Harry S. Truman, enjoys his first day in the White House.

William J. Smith, AP

Scratch That!
Ronald Reagan spares a moment for his faithful friend, Lucky.

Bill Fitzpatrick, White House / Time Life Picture / Getty Images

Source

Is the Portie Right For You?

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Apr 14th 2009 3:22PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News, Celebrity Pets

That face. Those eyes! The wavy black (and white!) hair. Bo, the six-month old Portuguese Water Dog who just became the Obamas' family pet and nation's First Pup, is an indisputable cutie.
"You have to be proud and thrilled that they picked our breed," says Stu Freeman, President of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA), which is dedicated to the breed's health and welfare. (Bo's breeders, Art and Martha Stern, belong to the PWDCA.) "But at the same time, it's 'Oh my god, you could end up with people who get the dog and don't know much about them.'"

Will the Portuguese Water Dog (or "Portie" for short) become the next "must have" dog?

"It's a concern for our club," admits Mary Harkins, Coordinator of the Rescue & Relocation Program -- enough for the club to have already issued a press release. "Lots of people tend to want a dog like the President has. After [the movie] '101 Dalmations,' lots of people got dalmations and lots started breeding them." And many of those dogs ended up in shelters and with rescue groups.

Is a Portie Right for You?

Here's what you need to know about this loyal, affectionate, hardy breed:

- Portuguese Water Dogs are very active, high-energy dogs that need lots of daily exercise. "If you don't keep them busy, they'll keep themselves busy," says Freeman, meaning, not in a good way.

- They are extremely intelligent and easy to housetrain.

- They are very people-oriented and become attached to their humans. "They're fine for about three or fours if left alone or with other dogs," says Freeman. "But it's not the kind of dog you leave alone for eight hours while you go to work."

- Porties are "wonderful around children," but not very young ones who may poke and push the dog.

- Because they can be headstrong, Porties need lots of training. "They react very well to positive reinforcement, but very badly to aggressive methods," says Freeman.

- Porties need regular grooming. They have hair, rather than fur, that needs to be trimmed, cut, and brushed constantly. "Or else their hair becomes knotted up and looks terrible," says Freeman.

Read more about Portie puppies and who is, and isn't, a good match. If you still think the Portie is right for you, contact the PWDCA, which maintains a referral list of responsible breeders. And remember, websites such as Petfinder.com also list puppies and dogs of all kinds that need good homes too.

Source

Bo - the Newest Presidential Pet

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts): Apr 14th 2009 10:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News, Photo Galleries

After months of anticipation, the First Pup has finally arrived in the Obama White House -- and we sure hope he's getting some media training. This 6-month old Portuguese Water Dog, already named Bo by Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, is set to become the most famous dog in America. The first daughters chose the name in homage to their maternal grandfather, whose nickname was Diddley, and also for their cousin's cat, who has the same name. Bo made his way to Washington with a little help from Senator Ted Kennedy and and his wife Victoria, who own three Portuguese Water Dogs. Finding the perfect pooch took some time -- the Obamas were looking for an allergy-friendly dog for Malia. All we can say is, the White House vegetable garden better watch out.

Presidential Pets

Bo says "Aloha!"
The Obamas welcome the newest member of the First Family: Portuguese Water puppy, Bo.

Pete Souza/The White House/Getty

Howl Are Ya?
Lyndon Johnson startles his grandson, Patrick Nugent, singing along with his puppy.

Yoichi Okamoto, Johnson Library / National Archives / AP

Picture Perfect
Warren Harding poses for a casual photograph with his excitable friend, Laddie Boy.

Library Of Congress / Getty Images

White House Woofer
Home is where the hat is -- and the dog, too! Calvin and Grace Coolidge pose with their pet.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shake!
Depression president Herbert Hoover was unpopular with a lot of people, but not his police dog King Tut.

Hoover Library / AP

Follow the Leader
George H. W. Bush is trailed across the White House South Lawn by the family spaniel, Millie.

Doug Mills, AP

Two Plus Two
George W. and Laura Bush have a handful each with Barney and Miss Beazley as they prepare to board Marine One.

Ford Focus
Gerald Ford takes comfort from his golden retriever Liberty who, unfortunately for his brief tenure, couldn't vote.

The Pup Stops Here
Feller, a five-week old cocker spaniel sent as a gift for Harry S. Truman, enjoys his first day in the White House.

William J. Smith, AP

Scratch That!
Ronald Reagan spares a moment for his faithful friend, Lucky.

Bill Fitzpatrick, White House / Time Life Picture / Getty Images

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.

David McKelvey/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/3748491903/

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs