Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Groups to Obamas: Consider shelter dogs
Filed under: Uncategorized - November 16, 2008
By Sandy Eckstein
Before the election, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, made it clear that they wanted to get a shelter dog for their daughters, who had been promised a puppy for helping their dad campaign.
But the day after the election, Obama said they weren’t sure they could get a shelter dog because most of them were mutts. Malia, 10, their oldest daughter, is allergic to dogs. So the family is looking for one of the few breeds considered hypoallergenic.
But rescue groups across the country say they hope the family won’t give up that easily because there are other options that could still save a dog.
Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, pointed out that 25 percent of the 6 to 8 million animals coming into shelters nationwide each year are purebreds. And then there are rescue groups, many of which also have purebred dogs.
Daisy Okas, with the American Kennel Club, said almost every breed club has a rescue component that looks for homes for unwanted dogs. The organization already had a 2-year-old, house-trained, healthy poodle on its Web site that she said would be happy to go live at the White House.
Animal help groups hope the Obamas know that rescues also are an option, even if what they want is more difficult, like a specific breed and a puppy.
“The Obama family’s decision to get a rescue dog can give hope for change to millions of animals across the United States,” said Markarian. “They can set an important example for the rest of the country.”
Anne Stockton, head of Small Dog Rescue and Humane Society, a northside rescue group, said she gets rarer breeds often, and sometimes even has puppies. In the past year she’s placed Japanese chins, Italian greyhounds, Havaneses and papillions, French bulldogs, Chinese cresteds, schnauzers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus and poodles.
“If they’re just a teensy bit patient, it won’t be hard,” Stockton said. “And they also can consider mixes, like a schnoodle (a schnauzer/poodle mix) if they want a puppy.”
But the family also needs to understand that even one of the breeds of dogs hyped as hypoallergenic still might affect Malia. That’s because there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, according to Dr. Amy Hirsh, with the Peachtree Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Buckhead and Vinings.
“That’s just a term breeders use, not doctors,” Hirsh said.
She said some dogs do produce less dander, the protein that causes allergic reactions in some people, but it’s still hotly debated whether that makes them better dogs for people with allergies.
“I advise parents not to get a dog if they or their children have known dog allergies,” Hirsh said.
But since the promise has already been made, the family has a number of rescue groups offering to help them find the perfect puppy for their daughters. The HSUS, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, the AKC and even the Atlanta Humane Society have offered to help the family find a pet. They also can search on sites like petfinder.com and pets911.com.
Whatever they decide, there’s no question the canine-loving world will be watching for the new first puppy. Okas said more than 42,000 people voted in the AKC poll on what kind of dog the family should get (the poodle won.)
“There is serious anticipation in the dog world over this decision,” Okas said.
Spay-ghetti for cats
Everyone who eats at the Amore’s Pizzeria and Cafe in Roswell from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday will be helping out Good Mews, a no-kill cat shelter in Marietta. The restaurant is donating 25 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the shelter, including from their popular “all you can eat” spaghetti and meatballs dinner for $9.99. 4401 Shallowford Road. More information: www.goodmews.org or the restaurant at 678-822-2222.
Reindog parade
Here’s a chance to finally take your dog to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The garden is holding a holiday doggie parade and costume contest Dec. 6, with celebrity judges choosing the winners in several categories, including best botanical-inspired costume. Pre-registration required by Nov. 21. Cost is $10 plus the $12 garden admission. The first 100 registrants get a goodie bag. Sign up at atlantabotanicalgarden.org or call 404-876-5859. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1345 Piedmont Ave.
Christmas shopping
The online pet store petwearusa.com is donating its profits from sales today to the Hightower Farm and Animal Sanctuary in Snellville. The site sells collars, leashes, harnesses and more for dogs, cats and horses, and shipping is free. More information: www.hightowerfarm.org.
Cesar Millan
The star of the television show “Dog Whisperer” will conduct a seminar at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 6, and the Gwinnett Humane Society will get $5 from every ticket purchased if people put “Gwinnett” in the promo code area. Tickets are available at the center or online at Ticketmaster.com. Millan will discuss and demonstrate his methods during the 2 p.m. show. Tickets are $24 to $249. More information: www.gwinnetthumane.com or 770-798-7711 ext. 7.