First dog 'top secret,' says President Obama (but coming 'soon,' says Michelle)
When can we expect a new first dog to trot down the steps of Air Force One?
First Lady Michelle Obama would only say "soon ... so soon" when questioned about the dog's arrival -- expected any day -- according to the Associated Press.
Today the anticipation over the Obamas' new puppy grew to a fever pitch in an exchange between the president and reporters:
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, man, now, that's top secret. (Laughter.) That's top secret.
Q: Exactly.
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, no, no, this is tightening up. Any of you going to be at the Easter Egg Roll?
Q: Oh, yes.
THE PRESIDENT: That's big. (Laughter.) That's big. So we look forward to seeing you on Monday. Thanks, guys.
Does this mean we can expect to meet the new first dog at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll? Of course, it looks like the first family will keep us guessing until the last possible moment.
If you believe Sen. Dick Durbin, the dog has already been chosen and has even been in training before taking up residence at the White House. An unnamed source told Chicago's WBBM Newsradio this week that the pooch is a male Portuguese water dog puppy and it has already visited the White House.
Can these rumors be true? Only time will tell -- but it looks like we don't have long to wait. In the meantime, if you can't get enough of presidential pets, check out the Associated Press' great photo gallery (including the Coolidges' pet raccoon and Caroline Kennedy's pony, Macaroni).
-- Lindsay Barnett
Photo: President George W. Bush's dogs Barney, bottom, and Spot disembark at the White House. Credit: Larry Downing / Reuters
What the hell is going on ? A dog is a dog is a dog. Is CNN's Campbell Brown vetting the animal ?
Posted by: El Coyote | April 10, 2009 at 03:20 PM
No. A dog is not a dog. If you have an allergy, there are certain dogs that do not cause an allergic reaction more so than others.
Posted by: Skye | April 11, 2009 at 05:31 AM
It seems that the 11 Portuguese Water dogs on petfinder who need homes weren't good enough for Kennedy and Obama. Same for the countless dogs in the shelters in the DC-metro area. Buy/get a dog from a breeder or pet store and get one killed at a shelter. Shame on Kennedy and Obama.
Posted by: GW | April 12, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Whatever happened to the 3 legged dog that was a rescue? I was so proud of that gesture, only to find out that President Obama chose a dog from a breeder! What a great message that sends to the American people. Just ignore the thousands of unwanted pets in the US that are suffering and soon to be euthanized and buy a puppy from a puppy mill. I am so disappointed. What WAS he thinking???
Posted by: lynne latham | April 13, 2009 at 09:09 AM
my dogs name is Rodolfo Antonio B. Bogartes Jr. his breed is german shepherd and we exactly look alike.
Posted by: Melvin Embudo Bania | April 13, 2009 at 09:22 AM