Will the Obamas New Puppy be Green?
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 11. 5.08
Image: Petfinder
In his acceptance speech (video across the fold), Barack Obama promised his daughters, Malia and Sasha, a new puppy. Obama touched hearts across America and the world when he told the precious first progeny: “I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us.”
Although Obama will certainly have a full plate re-establishing leadership in environmental protection and addressing climate change, a green puppy would capture the attention of America's next generation of voters and demonstrate the new White House commitment to leaving a better planet for our children than we inherited ourselves.
The first question facing the first daughters is whether to get a recycled dog. Rumor has it the girls want a Golden Doodle (pictured). Then they could consider building a cool eco-dog house with a green roof. A hemp leash and baking homemade organic doggie treats are de rigeur. And will the White House join San Francisco in embracing the power of dog poo?
Over 60% of TreeHugger readers put some thought into the environmental footprint of their pet. The Obamas, and anyone else adding a loving canine companion to their menagerie, can find more tips in how to green your pet. Woof!
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I'm so pleased America voted for Obama. The world feels better today than it did yesterday.
Good point! I have started a blog about the new First Dog, and I have a poll up asking folks which type of dog they should get. I was thinking in terms of a rescue dog, or whatnot, but you raise an excellent point about a "green dog!" Hmmmm. I think I will explore it more!
I hope they get a pound puppy.
i hope the get a pound puppy.
How is buying a "designer" mutt from a puppymill, petstore or irresponsible breeder considered green? There are plenty of Golden Retriever/Poodle mixes (there's no such breed as a Goldendoodle) sitting in shelters right now. No decent breeder would ever consider producing crossbreds to suit a fad.
+1 on the Pound Puppy.
Puppy Mills = Bad
Rescue Mutts = Good
X2 on pound puppy. Mutts, in my experience, have less health complications or issues in their life. My vet tells me all the time of the types of complications that pure-bred dogs face due to genetic inbreeding.
I would hardly consider a puppy sustainable if it has stacks of medical bills and requires special diets and medicines.
Maybe Obama could convince the White House chef to make green/healthy dog food for their puppy too!
They've already said they're getting a shelter dog (recycled dog). I'm sure the HSUS or Best Friends will help them find a suitable dog.
Shame on Treehugger for promoting a puppy mill - and simply so you can get a cute little picture? Come on...
Another vote here for a pound and/or rescued puppy... plenty of good dogs out there needing good homes.
Mr. Obama: please, please adopt. Doing so will send a powerful message to the public. Puppy mills are horrific, the practice of trading in animals we view essentially as family members is ethically dubious under the best of circumstances, and so many rejected puppies are dying because no home can be found for them.
Oh without a doubt - TH - dropped the ball. Puppymills are NOT green AT ALL. shelter pets (purebreds AND puppies) die everyday for lack of homes and no doubt your Eagle Cross Kennel is a perfect example of a Puppymill.
"Mutts, in my experience, have less health complications or issues in their life. My vet tells me all the time of the types of complications that pure-bred dogs face due to genetic inbreeding."
I think that is due in part to NATURAL SELECTION, because normally nobody would breed a mutt intentionally so the mutts were accidents for owners, because the DOGS made their choice. But anything that comes from a High Volume Breeder is not natural in the least.
What a pathetic site this has become.
NPPMWatch.com
I did hear they needed an allergy free dog. Goldendoodles are still mutts. Even if they cost $1,000 plus. If they need an allergy free dog they should check out registered breeders. We have allergies and have a 72 lb standard poodle and he's wonderful. No allergy problems at our house and no dog hair either.
Good thought. I'm putting up an eco-dog choice on our poll: http://www.nameobamaspuppy.com//choosebreed.htm.
The Obamas should get a Havanese! You can find them in rescues, and they are GREAT family dogs, hypoallergenic, live long, and are incredibly smart and awesome with kids.
Vote for the next puppy in the White House on Puppy for Obama
How does a child "EARN" a puppy - just because their dad won an election? Where does that prove responsibility? Dogs are not gifts to be given lightly.