Damage Control: Obama Family Makes Donation To D.C. Humane Society
Filed under: animals, politics — Michael d'Estries @ 10:17 pm
April 12th 2009
With TMZ breaking the news early Saturday that President Obama was planning on adopting a White House dog from a kennel instead of an animal shelter as promised, we could only hope that this was some classic form of gossip. Alas, it’s now true that the first dog will come from a breeder in Texas — and sentiments across the web have echoed disappointment in the choice.
“This is a missed opportunity to set a pet-adoption trend among Americans,” says Abbie Moore, executive director of Adopt-a-Pet.com. “With pet relinquishment up 20 to 30 percent due to the poor economy, pets in shelters can use all the help they can get.”
As an obvious preemptive counter to the growing chorus of people chanting “Bummer!”, the Obama family have pledged a donation the United States Humane Society in Washington D.C. (Actually, there’s some debate as to what Humane Society might benefit. From what we can tell, it will either be the Washington Humane Society or a branch of the HSUS. TBD. From the organization’s website,
The Humane Society of the United States congratulates the Obamas on bringing a new dog, Bo, into their family, and thanks them for taking in a second-chance dog. Bo is a Portuguese water dog who was apparently returned by the family that originally purchased him. “Americans can follow this positive example by visiting their local animal shelter or breed rescue group, and giving another dog or cat a second chance at a loving home,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.
“And President Obama can do even more for animal protection through the policies of federal agencies that deal with the welfare of millions of pets, helping us enforce existing animal welfare laws and cracking down on the national shame of rampant puppy mills in America.”
At the very least, we thank President Obama for drawing attention to the plight of shelter dogs — and for making a donation to the Humane Society. We’re sure Bo will have a most-loving family and equally beautiful life at the White House. Obviously, we wish that the pup could have come from a shelter, but hope the promotion and support of animal rescue shelters and organizations around the country continues to be a part of this administration.
But seriously — what a bummer.
[UPDATE: PETA's response....]
[UPDATE 2: We've collected some comments from around the animal world here...]
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Tagged: barack obama
I really hope that any donations made will go to a humane society that actually shelters dogs and cats. HSUS does some good works in other areas, but the organiation DOES NOT have a single animal shelter, so a donation to them wouldn’t directly help shelter animals.
Lynn I totally agree with you and yes, if I were offered a dog from a friend who were a great fit for my family I might think twice before refusing and getting one from the pound instead. I might agree to take this dog… EXCEPT if I were the president of the United States of America. And I knew that this would cause (some think thousands millions?) to go out and buy pure breds. In that case as one of the most popular presidents EVER (and first black prez etc) I would decline.
E
I am very disappointed in the anger and hatred and self-righteousness in these postings. Did anyone accomplish anything or change anyone’s mind? This vile behavior is a symptom of the lack of respect people have for one another. I love dogs. I just love dogs.
I look forward to the Republicans seizing this opportunity to revitalize the party by becoming the animal and environmental group. Why not switch it up a bit? Rush Limbaugh is going in ‘the right’ direction with his HSUS ads. If Obama won’t deliver hope for shelter animals, maybe Rush will!
Obama blew it, he is a jerk in my mind now. He lied in order to get votes. Do you think Biden would have gone out and purchased a German Shepard from a known puppy mill if his new boss really opposed it. Neither of these idiots will ever get my vote again. And to the woman who thinks we animal activists are being melodramatic, you need to get a clue and realize Obama just gassed millions of dogs to death by his lame decision. Dope!!