Tuesday, April 14, 2009

First Dog

original

Bo, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog, has joined the Obamas this week as the newest member of the First Family. The floppy-eared, black-and-white dog was a gift from Sen. Edward Kennedy and his wife.

The Obamas had hoped to get a rescue dog, and in a way they have, according to The Washington Post. Bo had been living with another family, but it wasn't a good fit, so the Kennedys gave him to the Obamas. Ha! A regifted dog! He was originally named Charlie, but the Obamas decided to call him Bo, as in Bo Diddley.

I hope he gets along better with the press corps than Bush's dog Barney. This video of Barney biting a reporter always makes me laugh. (I know, that's terrible of me. It seems White House dogs are under as much pressure as their masters!)

Have a look:

29 comments:

Regina said...

So sweet! I love the Obama's dog! A nice choice! :)
Kind regards
Regina Babo

P.S: Congratulations for your blog!

Dionne said...

How cute, a little Whitehouse Mascot! Hopefully this newbie will be press-friendly.

Liz Arnold said...

Hi, Tina, great post! Love this pic. And the video is priceless!

Thanks so much for linking to Homebodies--you have sent some enthusiastic and supportive readers. I'm forever grateful! xo

Unknown said...

Oh, I really wish I could see that video! Sounds hysterical.

Daisy said...

What a lovely name for their dog!

Erica Root said...

omg beyond hysterical

Anonymous said...

I love that picture!

Maia said...

We've been looking for a second dog for months now, and while out shopping for a valentine's day present for my husband a couple months ago, I was lead into a shop by a tall, gorgeous black dog. The dog belonged to the shop owner, and since i'd fallen in love with him instantly, I asked her about him. He was a Portuguese with an "incorrect coat", which means he was born with silky hair instead of the curly afro (making him much more affordable to buy). He was gorgeous - tall and lean, like an attenuated golden retriever but in black...and so gentle, sweet and intelligent. I still covet one of those dogs.

Joseph Pro said...

I think that recycling dogs is a good idea! Great post.

Giulia said...

Hello all...thanks, Tina.

My little, redheaded Renaissance cat, the human (& all) rights advocate is so terribly excited. After all, Master Bo lives but a few miles from us, as the crow flies, straight down 16th Street. She loves dogs...how do I break it to her that she's just not going to make the WH summer party/Xmas cut this year? She doesn't understand about allergies (I could try that excuse) because even people who are allergic come to visit her because she is such a darling.

I know that you're not an advice columnist, but as the guardian of two glamorous cats, I thought you might have an idea. Julie/Giulia acts very la-di-da but her feelings are easily hurt. She just doesn't show it. OK, that's enough anthro-ing for today...xoxo Susan

Laura Trevey said...

Awe .... Bo is a cutie :)

Char said...

Bo is adorable...but, I think they could have committed wholeheartedly to the idea of a rescue dog instead of this purebreed. But...who can resist a curly face?

Anonymous said...

I was just snugging my little pup, telling how much she brightens my day...great post.

MaygreenFairies said...

What a great blog, I've really enjoyed my visit.... and just lurve the You Tube clip LOL! Look forward to my next visit. Mandy x

Joanna Goddard said...

i LOVE that top photo!!!

The Clever Pup said...

Oooh I hope Bo isn't a spy dog with an implanted mini camera! ;}

aurbie said...

Looks they will make a good pair. I try to stay away from politics, but on the subject of Barney, "Like president, like dog."

Lynne said...

I know! I saw it in the paper today and thought it was BRILLIANT! I love the name too.

Brian Miller said...

nice pic. sure having the dog is theraputic, especially when you train it to take care of the media. lol.

Muppet Soul said...

Oh my that reporter is a baby!

Bush dog... So adorable, and I am such a dog person, and yet it does nothing to soften my view of them.

Except to maybe want to steal Barney the badass.

Obamas dog = luckiest dog EVER.

Maia said...

T, you are too sweet. Literally. Don't let 'em push you around ;)
Remember, it's your world here on your blog...we're all just visiting!

Charlie said...

That first photo is adorable! That must have been such an amazing moment for the girls!

Dream Sequins said...

Sort of symbolic. The legacy of the Kennedys being handed over to the Obamas. In the form of one adorable First Dog.

Anna said...

I adored this shot of dog and man since I saw it this morning. What a money shot for that White House photag. Thanks for posting it here. I think this dog will be fun to track through time and is another wonderful device for the Obama family to connect with us, after being guided by a closed-door President for 8 years.

Darrah said...

That guy is such a goober! If that is ever my job description... yikes!

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Based on that top photo and the strong bond that I know will grow between pup and pres, my Obama crush just got a little bigger. Thank you for this picture!

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of Obama and Bo. So cute!

Mrs. Blandings said...

My 12 year old also pointed out that "Bo" is the president's initials. Duh.

Unknown said...

ha! love the picture of him running alongside the pup. can't decide who's more adorable. maaaybe bo, by a smidge.