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Heart of the Matter
First Mutt
By CHARY SOUTHMAYD
Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 |
As much as I admired Barack Obama through- out the presidential campaign, with his cool demeanor and refusal to bark back at those who took cheap shots at him, the president-elect impressed me even more in his first post-election news conference.
While he naturally addressed matters of great importance to the future of our country, nothing got tails wagging more than when he said the future First Puppy would come from a shelter.
Now that’s the kind of wisdom and compassion we can really sink our teeth into.
I felt even more confident that my instincts about this guy were right when he showed his self-deprecating humor by mentioning that, like himself, a mutt would be a nice fit for daughters Malia and Sasha. Also, because of Malia’s allergies, the perfect top dog will have to be a nonallergenic, shelter dweller.
Animal shelter managers all across the country no doubt have been dreaming that theirs would be fortunate enough to adopt out the perfect nonallergenic pet for the adorable Obama girls to love and cherish. What an amazing leap of good fortune will occur for some fortunate pup who will catapult from homelessness to life in the White House.
Everyone remembers their first puppy and the unbridled joy shared with a new best friend who would remain by your side ever protective and trusting; a bond that would grow stronger over the years. Those little girls are going to need a special canine friend who will comfort them unconditionally in the years ahead, while the rest of the world will be quick to judge them. This is especially true for Malia, who will enter the often-awkward teenage years under the scrutiny of the White House media glare. Not much will be normal for those girls in the next four years, except for the love of their parents and their new dog’s affection.
Shelter dogs don’t care if you take them home to a studio apartment or to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. They’re just glad to be getting out of a cage and going to a home where love, good training and proper nutrition allow them to thrive and do what they really want to do – protect their family in a manner that would rival any Secret Service assignment.
I hope President-elect Obama’s much-publicized mention of adopting from an animal shelter inspired those who voted for him, as well as those who didn’t, to make local shelters their first stop when adding a pet or two to the family. I can confirm, as an SPCA volunteer, that the need is always great for caring people to open their hearts and lessen the burden that shelters bear.
Sadly, there is never a shortage of wonderful older cats and dogs needing forever homes. The wait is much briefer for precious puppies and cuddly kittens that seem to fly out the doors the moment they are offered for adoption. All of them are deserving of a better life. None should have to fall asleep at night in a cage without anyone to snuggle by or to loyally keep from harm. The truth is, being left behind is always tough on pets, no matter how wonderful the shelter may be. Animals certainly miss their family and would welcome a new one right away.
So, I wait with great anticipation to learn what lucky mutt will add a special touch to the Obama years in the White House, enriching their lives and warming the nation’s heart.
Now, if only they would also consider adding a cat to the First Family.
Chary Southmayd is the editor of the Belleair Bee.
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Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
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