Democracy is a Warm Puppy!

Written by

"Sasha and Malia … I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House." — President-elect Barack Obama, November 4, 2008.

Change has come to America. I am so proud. Congratulations to the Obama family. We can't wait to meet the first dog.

(Photo credit: Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune)

7:01 am update:
Thanks to my cousin, Clair, for letting me know that the Bidens are also getting a dog. As reported by Reuters:

Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden,
is also getting in on the act. He told reporters traveling with him
earlier that his wife had promised him a “big dog” if he got elected.

Jill Biden had taped pictures of different dogs on the back of the
seat in front of him on his campaign plane to inspire the candidate as
he criss-crossed the country in the final sprint to election day.

“Jill had said the only way you are getting a dog is if you are
president … we didn’t think about vice president,” said Biden. “She
said at least if you live in the White House you are home.”

He dropped out of the presidential race but when Obama asked him to
join the ticket, his wife Jill said if he did so she would let him have
the dog he wanted.

Read Clair's beautiful post about last night here.

7:16 am update: The Obamas join a long tradition of first families with dogs. Here is an excellent website dedicated to American Presidents and their dogs. Did you know George Washington had 10 hounds; Mopsey,
Taster, Cloe, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips and
Searcher. (Sweetlips! Hilarious!)

Related Links:
Dachshund for Obama t-shirts and gifts
More Obama/dog t-shirts
Happiness is a Warm Puppy
by Charles M. Shulz
My January 1, 2008 prediction that Barack Obama would be our next president.

Comments

18 responses to “Democracy is a Warm Puppy!”

November 5, 2008

Mia

Amazing night. I admit to sitting on the edge of my seat from about 5pm onwards and had goosebumps throughout Obama’s speech. I am so thankful of the result and as an Australian, I have hope for the change throughout the world in the next four years.

Reply
November 5, 2008

Buffy Nicolas

As Moira so kindly featured my Portuguese Water Dog, Willy, on her DogArt website, the day of Obama’s acceptance speech, all we can say is “Yes, we can” and “Yes, we did!”
Now, how about that PWD in The White House???
Willy the dog and his person, Buffy
Thanks, Moira!

Reply
November 5, 2008

Clair Lamb

And the Bidens are getting a puppy, too!
Rooting for the shelter dogs here…

Reply
November 5, 2008

Grace

I’ve never been prouder of our country. Yesterday was a day I’ll never forget. And that quote you posted made me cheer outloud!

Reply
November 5, 2008

WendyB

I loved that puppy moment! Now, where do I place my vote to get a Peke in the White House! Pekes are bred to rule!

Reply
November 5, 2008

Moira

The puppy moment was amazing. I would love to know if a dog has ever been mentioned in a presidential acceptance speech before. Does anyone have Doris Kearns Goodwin’s email?
Let the new (dog) race to the White House begin. I would love to see a Doxie, but it might break our already shaky budget replacing the carpets so many times.

Reply
November 5, 2008

Rachel

Obama said they would adopt when asked by reporters and the aspca!

Reply
November 5, 2008

Rebecca

Great post title. You have been my political cyber buddy this past season girl and I have enjoyed the way you boldly sprinkle politics into your blog.

Reply
November 5, 2008

deborah

Hey Moira. Thanks for the comment on H&H. I went crazy when I heard Barack say that during his speech last night. I was all jumping up and down! It was a great moment. I’m rooting for the mutts on this one.

Reply
November 5, 2008

Moira

Thanks everybody for your comments and your feedback throughout the campaign. It’s made speaking my mind that much less scary.
Rebecca – it’s been an honor to be your cyber buddy.

Reply
November 5, 2008

manon doyle

What a great night…. had tears in my eyes! Love the puppy moment!

Reply
November 5, 2008

sabrina

beautiful all around!
great title moira!
great night! and so much too look forward too!
=)

Reply
November 5, 2008

sabrina

i was so excited to post my last post that i forgot to spell check..
not only do i look forward to an Obama presidency, new first puppies and vice puppies, i will also look forward to proof reading my blog comments in 2009 😉

Reply
November 6, 2008

Monica (Plans for Pups, LLC)

The Obamas lived for 16 years without a dog. It is safe to say, they are not dog people. None-the-less, for political reasons they will get a dog. They can afford one.
The bad news is that thousands of other non-dog people will get dogs. Puppy Mills will go into overtime producing whatever breed the Obamas select. Many of these poor dogs will be bought up, neglected, abused and abandoned.
If the Obama’s want to get a dog, it should be a private, family matter. Not a political ploy. Dogs are not for every one. Imagine if Obama decided not to get one, because a dog is not for them. That would make me proud.
Yes, I voted for Obama.
Btw, where did Michelle get that ugly-a$$ dress? I suggest she use it to line the puppy’s bed with.

Reply
November 7, 2008

leesia

i’m so excited that they’re opting to adopt over purchase! what a great example to set.
and to monica — i do agree they shouldn’t get a dog for the wrong reasons…but, you can still be a dog person even if you haven’t had one before. i grew up in a household without pets and didn’t have my first dog until i was 21, and it is safe to say i am definitely a dog person and will never be without one in my home ever again!

Reply
November 7, 2008

Moira

As a matter of fact, I was an anti-dog person. I thought they were smelly and annoying. I forbade my family from getting one until I moved out and went to collage.
Fear of what bad people might do, should not prevent the Obamas or anyone from having the joy of a dog in their lives. If anything the Obamas could raise the bar on how to be responsible pet owners. I believe in them and the American people (again).

Reply
November 7, 2008

Monica (Plans for Pups, LLC)

Dogs are not for every one. Many people cannot bond with a dog. For these people, neglecting and dumping them after reality sets in is no problem.
If BO sincerely wants a dog, then he should do it quietly, because he knows that everything he does will be emulated. Every little kid in America is going to want a dog just like the one his kids get. That’s a given.
Long tradition = Political ploy that works every time. It’s one of the many ways elite politicians connect with the proletariat.
I am sure BO’s advisors have told him that not having a dog is NOT an option for a U.S. president–that he must have one for when his popularity ratings dip–it saved Nixon–it just may save him too. We have all seen it–the walk accross the lawn, dog at feet.
I vote for politicians to STOP using dogs for political gain!!

Reply
November 7, 2008

Monica (Plans for Pups, LLC)

>>If anything the Obamas could raise the bar on how to be responsible pet owners.
How? The Obamas are very wealthy people; yet they won’t have to spend a dime of their own money on the dog.
Let’s get real here. Does anyone imagine that the Obamas will actually have to take care of their dog? The Obama dog (like all presidential dogs) will have its own handler who will feed it, walk it, train it, etc.

Reply