President-Elect Barack Obama, an animal rights supporter, promises a new White House pup

Can we get a high paw for the best part of the victory speech  by President-Elect Barack Obama?

Among the many promises made by Obama is a puppy for his daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7. "I love you both so much,and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," Obama told his daughters at the start of his speech. The dog's breed or name were not detailed.

Several months ago, Obama stated the he supports animal protection and not just because his daughters want a dog. During a town hall meeting in Las Vegas in January, a woman shouted out to Obama, "What about animal rights?" according to this news article.
"I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other," Obama said. "And it's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals."

As an Illinois state senator, Obama voted in favor of at least a dozen animal protection laws, including state legislation that:

• Makes it more difficult for puppy mills to operate.
• Allows pet trusts to provide for long-term care of companion animals,
• Increases penalties for cruelty to animals,
• Requires psychological counseling for people who abuse animals,
• Requires veterinarians to report suspected acts of cruelty and animal fighting,
• Bans the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

In September, the Humane Society Legislative Fund endorsed Obama. The group  is Washington-based, non-profit organization that lobbies for animal rights supporters.

Obama's new presidential pooch will join a long-standing tradition.

For example, President  George Bush's pets include Miss Beazley and Barney, both Scottish Terriers; India, a cat, and Ofelia, a Longhorn (Bush is from Texas, after all).

Before that, President Bill Clinton had Socks the cat who shared the White House with Buddy, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever.
President John Quincy Adams, who served from 1825-1829, had an alligator.

George Washington, the country's first president, started it all. Washington had several French hounds, a parrot and some horses used during the Revolution. Talk about being a work horse.

A list of all of the White House pets is available here. Obama will become the 44th president when he takes office Jan. 20.


Photo source: www.obeythepurebreed.com