Ever since Bo joined the Obama family back in April 2009, he's captured the hearts of America with his furry face, rambunctious energy and overall cuteness. And this holiday season, the presidential Portuguese water dog is really getting into it. In fact, he's -- quite literally -- part of the White House's beautiful Christmas decorations. A sculpture of the First Family Dog, which was made of pipe cleaners, is prominently featured in larger-than-life decoration form in the Booksellers Hall of the White House.
Each year, White House staff members and volunteers from across the country turn the regal White House into a Christmas extravaganza, attracting an expected 100,000 visitors this month. This year the White House theme is "Simple Gifts," which focuses on family, nature, food and music -- the simple pleasures in our lives. And, of course, Bo is part of the decorations, as he's a very important member of the Obama family.
To see a slideshow of the White House Christmas decorations -- including Christmas cookies featuring Bo and a marzipan replica of the First Dog in front of the White Chocolate Gingerbread House -- go to Holidash.
Dog Whisperer Chides Obama, Bush "Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan" kicks off its seventh season tonight, but that's not the only reason Cesar Millan's been in the news lately. He recently criticized both President Obama and President Bush for their lack of discipline when it comes to their dogs, Bo and Barney. Go to USA Today to check out what Millan said about how these world leaders fail as pack leaders.
Pharaoh Hounds Quiz
The pharaoh hound is an eye-catching breed. Athletic and dignified, these noble dogs capture the attention and interest of any canine connoisseur. Our friends at Pet Sugar want to know, "How Much Do You Know About Pharaoh Hounds?" Take their quiz to find out! When you're done, check out Paw Nation's "Pharaoh Hounds 101" to learn even more about the breed.
Rounding up our favorite animal stories, photos, and videos on the web each week!
Pricey Training
For just $20,000, you can have your own specially trained bomb-sniffing dog. We're sure he's worth the money but for that much, maybe he can do other tricks as well? Just asking.[via The Hill]
Sneaky Antelopes
Male antelopes feign danger to keep females in heat close -- thereby giving themselves more opportunities to mate. Wonder where they learned that old trick? [via Time]
Movin' on Up
Although they live in a traffic light now, these sparrows hope someday to find a posh pad in the Times Square Jumbotron. [via the New York Post]
Four More Y--Hey, What's That?
"My fellow Americans, this filibuster is just serving as a distraction from-- Whoa, is that a mouse?" [via Yahoo]
The Squirreling Has Come
In Georgia, 17,000 people lost power when a squirrel invaded a power plant, a blatant first attack in the Great Human-Squirrel War. [via AJC]
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!
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.
The six-month old Portuguese Water Dog puppy formerly known as Charlie has been re-named by First Daughters Malia and Sasha Obama. His new name? Bo!
The name was inspired by Michelle Obama's father who was nicknamed Diddley (as in, Bo Diddley) and the girls' cousins who have a cat named Bo, reports the Washington Post.
Already, it seems, Bo-mania is sweeping the country. Photos of the new First Pup are buzzing around the Internet, days ahead of his first, formal appearance at the White House, said to be scheduled for this Tuesday. A new Web site called FirstDogCharlie.com features a photo and purported first interview with the First Puppy. The White House has called the photos "bogus," insisting the new dog would arrive on Tuesday. Apparently Bo has already spent his first weekend there with the Obamas.
A handsome little guy covered in wavy black hair, with a snowy white chest, Bo has a narrow stripe of white at his chin, and white forepaws. He's pictured wearing a colorful lei--a nod, perhaps, to President Obama's roots in Hawaii.
Will Bo get his own page on the White House Web site (complete with webcam), as Barney, George W. Bush's Scottish Terrier had during his time there? We sure hope so!
America's most anticipated pet may finally be making his appearance! TMZ is reporting that the Obamas will welcome the First Dog on Tuesday.
According to TMZ's website, a black male Portuguese Water Dog will make his grand entrance a day after the White House Easter Egg Roll.
The pooch is reportedly traveling all the way from a Texas kennel, thanks to the help of Senator Ted Kennedy's family. (The presidential pup is said to be of the same lineage as the Kennedy dogs.)
TMZ also reports that the 6-month old puppy was returned to the kennel by another buyer who named him Charlie, and that the Obamas may rename him once he is "re-homed" to the White House. Let's hope he's getting some media training -- he's about to become the most famous dog in the world!
Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson
The six-month old Portuguese Water Dog puppy formerly known as 
Time-Lapse Tortoise Noms Salad
