Allergies Complicate Obamas' Pooch-Vetting Process

AKC wants a poodle, PETA wants a mutt

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama promised his daughters a dog after the election, win or lose. So it was no surprise when he told the girls during his acceptance speech they “have earned the puppy that is coming with us.” But what kind will the first family choose? Malia, 10, wants a “goldendoodle”—a mix of a golden retriever and a standard poodle, the Chicago Tribune reports. More»

(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. More»

(NEWSER) - After a wait that felt almost as long as the presidential campaign, the Obamas have decided to adopt a Portuguese water dog, People reports. Her daughters can hardly wait, Michelle Obama said. “So Sasha says, 'April 1st.' I said, 'April.' She says, 'April 1st.' It's, like, April!" the first lady said. “You can't get a new dog and then go away for a week.” More»

43% want first family to get pooch from shelter

(NEWSER) - A majority of Americans think the First Family should adopt a mutt, according to an AP poll. While the nation’s pet-less are split on the issue, pet owners, who represent 60% of the population, went 2-1 in favor of a mixed breed. That may not be enough to sway the president-elect: He recently said he’s leaning toward a purebred. More»

President-elect told he can't move into official guest house early

(NEWSER) - Washington's hotels are booked solid for January and the Obamas have joined those struggling to find a place to stay, the New York Times reports. The president-elect and his wife had hoped to move into Blair House, the official White House guest house, in time for the girls to start their new school Jan. 5. But the Bush administration has told them it won't be available until January 15—just 5 days before the inauguration. More»