Obamas to Choose First Dog

Like any good father, Barack Obama made sure he kept a promise he made to his two young daughters if he got elected. The President-elect told the crowd that gathered in Chicago Tuesday night to celebrate his victory that he was indeed going to get his girls the dog they asked for.

As for what breed the family decided on, that is still up in the air. However, Obama's wife, Michelle, had said the family was considering a shelter dog, much to the delight of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

ASPCA president and CEO told USA Today, "We are thrilled at the prospect the Obama family will make pet adoption their first option and head to their local animal shelter or rescue group, where there are many extraordinary animals just waiting for a forever home."

The public who came out strongly to elect him also gave his family breed suggestions. More than 42,000 people voted in an American Kennel Club poll to help the new First Family choose a purebred dog, in August, when the Obamas first mentioned the idea of getting a dog.

One of the breeds chosen was a poodle, but Claire McLean, founder of the Presidential Pet Museum in Williamsburg, Va., said, "It's one of the most popular breeds, yes, but it's a snob dog. I don't think it's right for them."

Should they rescue a shelter dog, like Michelle said, it would be a good idea for all, according to Marie Belew Wheatley.

The president and CEO of the American Humane Association said to USA Today, adopting a pound dog "would send the right message for his administration and people everywhere."