Senator Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have promised their daughters that win or lose in November, they are getting a dog.

The Clintons had Socks. The Bushs have Barney. The tradition of a First Dog or First Cat goes all the way back to George Washington, who had more than 30 hounds.

The American Kennel Club is offering to help the Obamas find a dog, but most animal advocates would like to see them rescue a companion animal. “With 3 to 4 million dogs and cats killed in public and private shelters, there are many lives to be saved, and the simple act of giving a home to a dog who might have faced euthanasia would do wonders for the cause of adoption from shelters,” says Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States.

 

Please contact Barack Obama and urge him to consider adopting a dog from a shelter or breed rescue group.

 

The Honorable Barack Obama

John C. Kluczynski Federal Office Building, Ste. 3900

230 South Dearborne

Chicago, IL 60604

Email

 

Update: The Obama family has announced they plan to adopt a dog. Thanks to everyone who contacted the Obamas to voice your support of rescuing an animal from a shelter vs. buying from a pet store.