Opinion: First Dog Bo’s first White House Christmas

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When he first introduced First Dog Bo to the White House press corps, President Obama made mention of Harry Truman‘s oft-quoted line that if you want a friend in Washington, ‘get a dog.’

So as critics assail Obama on numerous issues including Afghanistan and healthcare, the four-footed animal stirring in the White House is inspiring a lot of love this holiday season. Or at least he’s getting a lot of attention.

White House Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, co-author of ‘Desserts for Dummies,’ worked the first puppy into his design for a gingerbread replica of the White House, which is on display at all the holiday parties this year. Bo’s curly coat was made with dollops of chocolate.

And White House photographer Samantha Appleton took a photo of the Portuguese water dog in front of a Christmas Tree in the diplomatic room. Wearing a red bow, Bo sits expectantly as if to say, ‘I’m ready for the holidays. Where’s everybody else?’

Here’s another view of the confection dog and his house.

Finally, the gingerbread White House and its creator.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo credits: 1. Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images; 2. Samantha Appleton / White House; 3. and 4. Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images

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