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Bo's 'Rescue' Has Animal Groups Growling

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 13, 2009 1:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Did President Obama fulfill his pledge to adopt a shelter pooch by taking in a pricey purebred that had been returned to its breeders? That’s a question being hotly debated among animal-rescue groups, the Hill reports. The Humane Society, which got a donation from Obama when he decided to go with the Portuguese water dog, says he’s in the clear; others claim the president dropped the ball.

“We are hearing from people all over the country that they feel let down,” said the director of Adopt-a-Pet.com. Obama said early on that “a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me,” and might not fit with daughter Malia’s allergies. But a shelter search revealed 14 Portuguese water dogs, including one in DC.

In this undated photo released by the White House, President Barack Obama holds his daughter Sasha as he pets the family's new dog, Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog. (AP Photo)

This undated file handout photo released by Sen. Edward Kennedy's office, shows Sen. Kennedy holding a Portuguese water dog. (AP Photo)

In this undated photo released by the White House, the Obama family's new pet, Bo, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog, is shown at the White House. (AP Photo)

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Bo's 'Rescue' Has Animal Groups Growling

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That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • dog • animal shelters • Malia Obama • President Obama • Obama family • purebred • Portuguese water dog

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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