Gothamist: First Puppy-Elect

japastor

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:08:29 -0500

Starting again. Discriminating against purebreds (as Ingrid Newkirk of PETA did in the article above) is just as foolish and senseless as discriminating against mixed-breeds: a dog about to be put to death is a dog that is facing death, whether s/he's a mutt or a pedigreed champion. My objection to PETA is that the adopt extreme positions like this, like any other group of true believers, and dig in their heels against reason. You're less likely to find a pedigreed champion, or a purebred like a Standard Poodle, at a shelter -- but we've done it not once but twice. We have had three Standard Poodles over the past 25+ years; two of them were rescued from shelters, one at the age of 8 years and the other at the age of 5 months. The 8-year-old was as deserving of rescuing as any mixed-breed dog, and he proved to be a wonderful choice. He had one day left the afternoon we saw him, and he knew -- I don't know how, but he did: his body language screamed despair and hopelessness. Contrary to what has been said above, both of the Poodles we had while my son was growing up were wonderful with him -- and with other children, even babies and toddlers. Our first one, when our toddler crawled over and grabbed a chew toy that was in the dog's mouth, opened his mouth and backed away. Standard Poodles are smart, funny, athletic, sociable. Each of ours has been more or less indifferent to food, unlike my sister's Golden and most other dogs I've known, who will eat until they burst if you let them. We have always left dry food out 24x7, and all three of them have eaten when hungry and left it alone when not. They don't shed; there are no clouds of hair in the corners of rooms, and we can wear black garments without having to worry about our current red Poodle's shed hair (it's hair, not fur) covering them. They don't have dander: my Cockatiel has far more. The only -- the only -- downside is that because they don't shed, they have to be groomed. I groomed our first two myself; our current one doesn't like being groomed, and needs professional grooming, but it doesn't need to be done that often if you brush them. We've always kept ours in "kennel" or "sporting" cuts -- even length all over the body, maybe a little more on the head and/or ears, less on face and feet. They look like dogs, not topiary, and they run, jump, and play like any other dog. I've only known one or two Poodles who didn't have delightful dispositions. Our current one is a bit of a hellion, but she's incredibly sociable and loves people. Standard Poodles come in all sizes, from our small 32-pounder to huge 75-pounders. Ours considers herself a lap dog, and will curl up on your lap or next to you on the sofa if you give the chance. Having a Standard Poodle as a First Dog would be ideal in all respect for the Obamas, and they can satisfy everyone (except Ingrid Newkirk) by getting a purebred shelter/rescue Poodle.

felixthecat

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:13:09 -0500

also republican don't give a damn about cruelty in any regards so that was a lame comparison.

felixthecat

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:12:35 -0500

Then don't go PETA and believe me if you think they are extreme then you have no idea what exteme is. Naked Ladies and celebrity is not extreme. What is extreme is gassing, trapping and anal elecution of animals for fur. what is extreme is breeding dogs for stupid bitches who treat them as accessories while so many dogs are suffering in puppy mills. if you want to condone those that kill animals then look at the animal care and control in NYC that kills thousands and thousands a day.

spiritross

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:15:16 -0500

Poodles are not good with children bad choice america

HowBoutDemCowboys

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:45:27 -0500

Thanks for calling me cold and worthless. Name calling always helps when you're trying to get a point across. If you had read my earlier post, I gave props to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) because they do much more good than the crazies at PETA. I never said anything about homeless people, nor did I say that what you describe is not inhumane. It is completely cruel and unjust. I just don't think PETA is the way to go. I don't think extremism of any kind is the way to go and you and PETA are extremists. In fact, you remind me of the Republicans who like to accuse others of terrible things but will not sit down and talk to see if what you say and believe is true. Instead, you just want to call people names and throw a tantrum. One day, when you grow up, you'll understand.

felixthecat

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:19:44 -0500

#I know Peta well and they don't kill 90% of their animals in their care. These lies were spread by some disgruntled employees and promoted by people who profit off animal abuse. Peta helps a lot of animals and you should not condone them. People like you are cold and worthless. Instead of criticizing a group that does some good, why don't you do something? Also Puppy mills are inhumane and cruel. stupid sluts like Paris Hilton made dogs into accessories and now people like idiots follow suits. Mothers are kept in cages, unable to move their limps, nipples sore from milking, producing puppies. And you did not answer my question, how do they treat people. Just because Peta fights for animals rights does not mean they don't like people. I am really fed up with fuck up people like you who tell me that I don't help homeless people since I sometimes rescue animals. Fuck You and all your asswipes. ONe day when you get your just deserves, remember you own cold heartless words.

HowBoutDemCowboys

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:26:21 -0500

Do your research, felixthecat. PETA killed 90% of the animals in their care in 2007.

felixthecat

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:20:44 -0500

#25 dumbass, how do they treat people? it is for the ethical treatment of animals, people like you are assholes. Instead of criticizing a group that does good, why dont you do something yourself

felixthecat

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:18:44 -0500

peta is not a joke, they have done a lot ig good. people who profit off the abuse and slaughter of animals don't like PETA. People are real assholes to buy purebreeds and fund puppy mills which are cruel and hell hole for both the mothers and the puppies. they are keep in small cages and some puppies after a while if not sold develop crippling diseases since they were not let of of their cages.

Rocknrope

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:52:01 -0500

...that there is something deeply wrong and elitist about wanting only a purebred dog." Newkirk, the judgemental harpy that she is, needs to go drop off the face of the earth.

Lesliepbg

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:51:45 -0500

Most commenters here have missed the point--with allergies it might make a difference what type of dog you get. Some dogs are touted as "hypoallergenic"--but I'd warn the first family that we've found that not to be the case. Several times we've been told: poodles, bichon frise and yorkies all are hypoallergenic b/c they have a different type of hair than other dogs. Fact is most people are allergic to the dander and saliva from animals. My son and I both react from any type of dog--purebred, mutt, mixed. So the first family might want to consider a different pet altogether.

HowBoutDemCowboys

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:11:58 -0500

It's sad to see that an issue as small as a dog can polarize people so much after the supposed Messiah was elected Tuesday. We live in a country where people can CHOOSE whether or not they want to own a mutt or a purebreed. Who are any of you to question that choice? Does it really affect you or are you just being an obnoxious troll hoping someone will take the bait and respond to your arrogant post? P.S. PETA is a joke and needs to disband. There is nothing ethical about how they treat animals and they treat humans even worse. The ASPCA is a much better organization for things such as this.

JRod5417

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:45:52 -0500

I think they should get a Boston terrier, but then again, I am a little biased...

MFer

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:43:23 -0500

Amanda Harlech

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:08:41 -0500

MUTT! MUTT! MUTT! How cuter! pure breeds are retarded and deformed.

felixthecat

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:37:04 -0500

@fish, just because people may be pro-choice does not mean that they can't feel the suffering for these poor puppies in puppy mill. I have met people who are pro-lifers that feel these animals are under our domain and that we can do whatever we please with them regardless of pain and cruelty inflicted. I can't stand people that scapegoat innocent animals. these dogs have nothing to do with abortions and therefore we should all try to adopt instead of buying and funding puppy mills.

rasputinsghost

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:00:09 -0500

There should be an Ides/Hugomego filter option for Gothamist.

sharpshoota

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:42:41 -0500

Purebreed dogs don't inflict agony on anyone. Idiot dog owners are the problem. Everyone can have kids but it doesn't make it a good idea.

HUGO_MEGO

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:14:10 -0500

#9 NANNYSTATE, the puppy turds will resemble cult leader Obama's 2 brats.

HUGO_MEGO

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:07:15 -0500

How sick is it that Team Obama decided to get a puppy now? SICK!

fishfryin

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:18:01 -0500

felix, are you fuckin kidding me? my point was to say that almost everyone i've ever met who is a hardcore "don't murder innocent dogs" supporter is also pro-choice. i have no problem with being pro-choice- i'm there with ya. but what the FUCK is the difference between putting dogs in a shelter to sleep and aborting a baby? they are both unwanted overpopulation problems. if you're gonna cry about the poor dogs then you should give some thought to the poor babies. that's all i'm sayin

felixthecat

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:07:48 -0500

wth do dogs have to do with abortions? In fact, people should neuter them due to overpopulation of unwanted dogs. Stop buying purebreeds and causing agony and cruelty on innocent and defenseless dogs. and fishfrying, go fuck yourself

fishfryin

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:50:40 -0500

either way hundreds of thousands of dogs will die next year. who gives a shit? what's the difference between them and all the abortions that will happen next year?? society has chosen to reject these unwanted members....stop fucking whining about it

sharpshoota

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:24:32 -0500

Don't care where they get their dog from. Let me know when the tax cuts begin.

realist

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:00:35 -0500

Whatever they decide, a Pulitzer to the photographer who captures either girl putting lipstick on it.

SP

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:33:41 -0500

"it will leave little Republicans on the lawn" I LOLed

felixthecat

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:21:39 -0500

enough with the purebreeds, dogs are not accessories and you are funding puppy mills and a lot of agony and cruelty to these innocent animals. Mutts are the best and they are tough and loyal.

NannyState

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:21:03 -0500

Whatever puppy the Obamas choose, it will leave little Republicans on the lawn. A good pooper scooper is in order too :)

A Sanico MD

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:15:47 -0500

The Obamas have talked publicly about getting a "hypoallergenic" dog for their daughter who has asthma. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-allergenic or hypoallergenic dog. Dogs (and cats for that matter) produce allergenic proteins that can be found in their dander and saliva, regardless of their breed or the length and color of their hair, or lack thereof. Some may produce more - or less - allergens than others simply because of their individual nature. Allergen immunotherapy may be an option for those who wish to be desensitized to such allergens.

MissPinkKate

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:07:39 -0500

Technically, a "goldendoodle" or a "schnoodle or all the other ridiculous "oodle" dogs are mutts.

TimSPC

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:52:20 -0500

I know it makes me a softie, but I hope they rescue a shelter dog, too.

felixthecat

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:50:54 -0500

why do you need to piss off PETA, get a fucking life.

Mike B.

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:41:17 -0500

I'd be all for getting a mutt, but if the kid has allergies and has her heart set on a goldendoodle, then why not? It's a good dog for kids. Bonus points for pissing off PETA.

Ronkonkoma Ondinnonk

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:37:36 -0500

This I know is true from my own experience: allergies suck. This I can bet heavily on: existing in a cage until you are gassed to death sucks, too. I'm hoping the Obamas find a naturally hypo-allergenic homeless puppy from a shelter. Everyone's happy!

spnder

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:32:29 -0500

As an aside, during the speech I think he actually said "I love you both more than you'll ever know," which I thought was a nice touch...

felixthecat

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:22:23 -0500

get a mutt from a shelter. Save a life and bring compassion back