American Morning
Bo Obama 'loves to chew'
Bo Obama is apparently Issue #1 among third grade voters.
The first dog was a hot topic at the White House yesterday, when Michelle Obama held what she's called her “first press conference” with the children of White House staffers. The kids were invited there in honor of Take Your Child to Work Day.
One of the first questions to the First Lady was about how Bo was adjusting to his new home.
Michelle Obama described him as "a crazy dog." Bo "loves to chew on peoples' feet," she said. Mrs. Obama told a story about the night before, when Bo was apparently barking loudly in the White House residence.
"Everybody was asleep, and we hear all this barking and jumping around. The President and I came out and we thought somebody was out there. It was just Bo. And he was playing with his ball, and it was like there was another person in the house."
The first lady says that she's spending a lot of time walking and training Bo these days, but of course, he's still a puppy.
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Sounds like someone didn't do a complete vetting of the breed before they accepted one.... Whatever happened to the adopt one from a shelter/rescue?? Nice dog, but it's going to be a job for years to come. Now you know the Whitehouse staff will be doing, LOL
Maybe the reason the "first family" has nothing better to do with their time but garden and report on their new dog is because unlike "normal"citizens of this country THEY live rent free,bill free, and carefree while SPENDING taxpayer money!! what worries do THEY have ?? ohh wait! thats right! He FIXED the economy (haaa!!),improved relations with the rest of the world?(if you call BOWING improving!) and NOW? hes working on prosecuting the people who have kept us SAFE!! He IS busy isnt he?
I think it'd be a good idea if Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) visited with the Obama's and talk about how to raise a puppy to best effect for both the dog and the family and filmed it for his show.
I have a beautiful rescued Lab who was likely a bit too wild for someone else to handle. There are too many puppies that cause havoc in households and end up being "re-homed" and just a little training of dog and people would have saved that.
This would be a good way for the Obama's to compensate for the fact that they didn't get a "Shelter" dog (which would have been nice but Bo was a good choice in my books).
A large part of that dog's behavior is from lack of training.
Bo is a puppy. He should be crated at night. That will stop the late night ruckus. And if he's out to play, he will generally also have an accident as puppies go after eat, sleep and play.
TNT:
I believe that it was given to them as a gift. We have a mixed schnauzer/mini pin and she us the smartest thing ever.
Rikki
For those making obnoxious comments about this story. ...
That's so Republican, you don't miss an opportunity to let out your hate.
why don't you switch to Fox instead of reading CNN.
LOVE and HOPE is in the air here. This is too much to handle for Republicans. 🙂
That's one helluva cute pup! Dogs are excellent terapy for relieving stress (no matter how playful or noisy they could become), I'm sure that Obama will find that useful while serving as US president.
Now, just a curious note. Do they really have to go outside and check? Don't they have an army of guys on suit, dark glasses and earphones for that? 🙂
I agree with TNT. I think it's very sad that they decided to get a dog from a breeder when they could have set a "trend" of adopting a dog from a shelter in need of a home. I think this was a very POOR decision made by the Obama family. It's sad that many feel it's a status symbol to get a "designer" dog from a breeder. There are also many "pure-breeds" in shelters that are in need of homes. It's just sad that there very well may be an influx of PWD dogs in shelters in the year to come, because people have to have one because the president does, but in reality they can't handle the responsibility. If anyone is thinking of getting a dog, please-please-please, do your research and look at all the shelters around – these are great animals in need of a loving home. I speak from experience – all 6 of mine are rescues. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
To TNT
A Portuguese Water Dog is NOT a "designer dog." PWD have been around for centuries. Please do a little research before making such a ridiculous statement.
Wow! The dog is "crazy." Is he helping make policy decisions...like interrogation techniques?
It amazes me how much vitriol CNN gets for running fluff pieces. I have no idea how this came to be, but here's the thing: media outlets run fluff pieces. It's just part of the daily grind. If you don't want to read the fluff pieces, don't. You took the time to click on this headline, and you took the time to type out a comment about how there were more important things to report about.
Frankly I don't have more than idle curiosity about Bo myself, but for the love of God, get a grip, people. If you don't want to read about the dog, go click on a different headline. No one is forcing you to read this article, and–guess what!–every time you click on it to leave a nasty comment about fluff reporting, you increase this story's popularity, and it gets a better and better spot on the front page and popular news feeds. Congratulations! YOU helped to make this front page news.
I remember a question on cnn few weeks ago asking whether its cool to spend media time on the White house dog or not.I thought why not.Its all good if we hear about the lighter sideof life in Washington.I am just thinking now,though,having to listen to Michelle Obama's comments on Bo is pushing things a little too far.Its not her views thats wrong its the fact that it has to be reported.
I am just amazed that journalists can do stories on a puppy when this economy is in such shambles. Please give us stories on how the President is fixing the economy and not on how the President runs down the hall with the dog.
Sounds like Bo could use a playmate ADOPTED FROM A SHELTER!! It's not like they don't have help at the White House, and having another dog would help wear them both out, so it will end up being less work. A tired dog is a good dog!
What happened to getting a dog from a rescue shelter? Ok, I get it, guess that is not good enough for the Obama's. He has gone back on everything else he has said so why not this too? HIS "WORD" MEANS NOTHING
TNT: They chose a breed that they knew was hypoallergenic. You cannot guarantee that without a DNA test at the pound: an oxymoron of a statement by itself. Shelters do not have enough money to feed animals let alone make sure that a dog will not shed. That said: now how would everyone feel if their daughter WAS allergic to a shelter dog? Then they would be faced with having to place the dog amongst (gasp) even more criticism. Dorothy darling: Sounds like you have a real case of either sour grapes (Republican are you?), racism, or just a streak of plain nastiness. What did Laura Bush do? I don't remember Laura out in the weeds gardening either. I have not heard this much criticism of a White House family since the Kennedys. What is Jackie wearing? Is she spending too much money on clothes? For God's sake; leave them alone. News about a puppy is a pleasant diversion from......lets see.........Iraq, pirates, Taliban, North Korea, human slavery.........want me to go on? Crimony.
6 years of age is often the turning point for most cats and dogs who are very energetic. After age 6 they are considered "seniors".
One tip for dogs that chew excessively: occasional ice cubes. Ice is soft enough to chew, hard enough to satisfy their urge and they love the cooling effect (plus it’s easy to get & inexpensive!)
We have two PWDs and yes of course they are crazy and crazed! Hope Bo is getting LOTS of walks. A tired PWD is a good PWD. Hard to imagine Bo doing zoomies in the White House though! They will have lots of fun with Bo. We laugh at our PWD's antics every day! Both of mine ages 3 and 7 are still puppies...
Mary Jo Kopechne would have been a better name for the Dog. As a gift from Kennedy, so we can remember who he killed.
For all the folks that say he should adopt from a shelter, get informed. First his one daughter has allergies, so this dog fits the bill. Second he was a gift, he did not go get any dog, and this dog was not wanted by previous owners. Even if this never happened, a person has a right to get a pure breed dog if that is what they want.Some folks like certain breeds, just like i do. Next.....anything else to find faults with!
Cute story. Thanks for the smile.
And if you have a pet......you have to take care of it, it doesn't take care of it's self.....that is what makes them so lovable.
Enough about the dog. But I did hear that the Obama's occasionally visit the royal WH bathrooms – is there a story there CNN? You people need to get a life and report real, unbiased news. Think you can do that????
I so don't believe in crating a dog. Bo is just being a dog. My dog goes outside (via a doggy door) at 2 – 3 AM to serenade the neighborhood. Is it fun getting him up and trying to get him in the house? No – but I'd rather suffer the inconvenience and have him happy vs. locking him in. Plus, there have been times when he was barking at that hour for a reason. Plus Bo Obama is still a pup – he is just having fun. Regardless of where Bo came from, he is a dog that now has a good home.
Having exhausted all other important news stories, a dog with a foot fetish makes the front page of CNN.com
It's not news, it's CNN.
enjoy your dog...at least BO didnt end up in the pound...hmmm
If you have such an issue with "non-news", why would you even read a story with this headline? Lighten up. Not every news article can be about how awful society is. No one would listen anymore if the media didn't pepper their info with some feel good nonsense.
Ok, how long before Obama comes in says he had the plan done, but his dog ate the plan/homework?
Get Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer-he'll help you train little 'Bo.'
and I thought my two black cats were nite-time naughty boys!
TNT April 24th, 2009 10:21 am ET
With all the dogs that are in shelters they go and get a designer dog. What a shining example they are setting or the rest of the country….
_______________________________________________________
Glad to know you are out there better then the rest. It was wonderful that you turned down a close friends gift of a dog and instead rescued, how many is it now, 124 dogs from shelters?
TNT – get a life
Who cares about this stupid dog! I can't believe the media.
I hope someone in the media is there to write about the first time Bo pukes on the White House carpet after the kids gave it to much candy. I remember when my puppy got into a whole bottle of Flinestones vitamins. He ate a full bottle of the little fruity tablets. Imagine crystal meth for dogs. He didn't unwind for about 3 days. Then he layed on the ground for about two weeks until he was right again. True story.
They should have gotten an Akita!
Trina maybe you should be required to sleep in a cage every night.
Okay...this is what is called a Human Interest story. A cute and happy feel good piece. Nothing more or less. Those who have to criticize it, trying to shame CNN for having it on the front page, take a look...many other headlines are there. Usually oh..20-25 possible links to a variety of stories, themes and interests...and you CHOSE to click on this one and read it. You didn't have to...or did you...looking for another way to show off ignorance and prejudice by trying to tie unrelated issues together. (Really...Policies=pet...I don't think so.)
Find the appropriate place to air your grievances about the administration, not in the comments of a sweet story about a family adjusting to a new pet.
TNT – so they got a designer dog. Big deal. Yes, there are dogs in shelters, but their daughters have allergies. I have worked in shelters and you are not ever 100% positive a shelter dog, while they think it is pedigreed, it is pure. Besides, the guy is PRESIDENT. He can do whatever he wants. Don't be like that. Let's celebrate that they took on the wonderful challenge of having a pet amidst the chaos of their new home. To teach their kids selflessness and empathy and care is wonderful, pedigreed or not.
Great to see all the Snideublicans whining about the dog, Michelle's shoveling technique, and fervently wishing that another family was in the White House.
YOU LOST. GET OVER IT.
It's a human interest story about a dog. And kids. Gonna attack them next? Thanks again for bringing the hate- I could set a clock by you imbeciles.
We have two Portuguese Waterdogs and foot attacks were common when they were puppies. It was fun at times and annoying other times. Now, they like to lick bare toes lol! They're VERY clever dogs. Better hide the red button!
Just remember: a tired dog is a good dog.
Exercise, exercise, exercise.
Also, mental exercise (such as obedience training or even learning tricks) is good exercise.
The people who are gushing over BO are the same ones who can usually be found french kissing their pomeranians in the treat aisle at Petsmart. Sort of like how our president greets thugs and miscreant leaders of enemy states. Who knew we'd ever be to the left of France.
Filed under politics? Really?
Oh, ENOUGH ALREADY with this damn dog and the Obamas in general.
The world is on fire and THIS is what's news?
Portuguese water dogs, by nature, are high maintenance and high energy. It will be much like having a new baby in the house; I'm sure that's why the puppy was given to a foster family by Uncle Teddy, to soften the impact on the first family upon his arrival.
Dorothy,
Adding extraneous exclamation points and question marks doesn't make your point any more valid or important.
Thank you.
Well, if anybody needs to get his full night's rest, it's our hard-working President. Hopefully, the dog won't keep him up too much.
REALLY! OMG- how awesome! I don't know how I could have lived without that type of hard hitting journalism!
Seriously, are you going to report everytime their crazy dog drops a duece on the oval office rug? Come on.
bo chews!!!!! one of the better news stories from cnn in a long while...congratulations...thank god i got this important info ..
I think its great to see something in the news thats not centered around how bad the world is. So why is it so bad to show a light hearted story now and again. Personally being around Pres Obama and Mrs Obama's age its kind of nice to see them doing normal things. I think its great that Mrs Obama is bringing all these kids into the white house to create gardens and talk about something like the dog. I hope they keep it up...
Maybe the dog KNOWS – "this family DOES NOT belong in the white house. He barks because he is UPSET like the rest of us!!!!
#1, if you take the time to read an article that you 'don't care about' and then take the time to comment about how you don't care about it, you need to find other things to do with your life.
#2, the Obama's made a very generous donation to a shelter. Due to the kid's allergy, they were trying to get a purebred dog that you are just not going to find in a shelter. Their financial donation made a more significant impact on that shelter than adopting one of their dogs would have done. My dog is from a shelter, yet I cannot find a way to fault them on this.
I love dogs, but exactly how again is this news?
Last time I checked all puppies like to chew.
Doesn't this Michelle Obama have anything better to do as the so-called "first lady?"
TNT....You need to take your negative/bias mind and go get it educated with the real facts.
THE DOG WAS A GIFT TO THE OBAMAS FROM TED KENNEDY.
Do you understand? A GIFT.
obviously, the first family looks like they never owned a dog. He sounds very cute and lovable. What they call crazy is just normal dog behavior and I think part of why they are truly man's best friends. He sounds like a self entertaining pooch, and that is really special. I think I'd go nuts if I did not have my dog's "craziness", it would be just too quiet.
I don't remember seeing any stories about the Bush's two pedigreed
Scottie dogs not being rescue dogs.
Give us a break! (And, as I had read on CNN, Bo is a rescue dog of
sorts! He was returned by his original purchaser, a woman, who was worried that he might be too energetic for her older dog. So, he was
not wanted and returned!! Sounds like a "rescue" to me!)
Good luck to the "new dog parents," You'll grow to love him more and more every day!
I am a complete advocate of adopting digs from a shelter. My own dog of ten years is from a shelter. However, for all those complaining about the first family not getting an animal from a pound: This puppy was GIVEN to the Obama's by Senator Kennedy. They did not go out and buy a dog from a breeder. It was a present to the daughters of the president.
He's a puppy. Puppies are energetic and high maintenance. Typically, a puppy will grow out of a lot of the "excess energy" by about 18 months to 2 years.
BUT:
He's a Portuguese Water Dog. PWDs even as adults are energetic and high maintenance, in part due to their high intelligence and gift for getting into things. They are not comfortable with "boring" situations, and need things to DO, and "problems" to solve, all the time. If not provided with these, they will make their own.
A puppy is not a bad idea, but I'd think a PWD rather more of a job than a very busy family with many obligations can handle on their own – particularly a family with no prior experience owning a dog...
I read an entire article where he promised to adopt a shelter dog. Can this guy ever tell the truth? I campaigned for him and voted for him and it seems like he's just another "tell you whatever it takes to get in the door" politician... but with way better marketing. How many dogs without homes are there that he could have adopted? First earmarks, now dogs. Boo.
there seem to be a lot of weirdos commenting on this...
At first I was really pissed that people were making such a big deal about some dumb dog. But now, I find this hilarious.
Tonight on 360 with Anderson Cooper, "BO: THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS. Is the Honeymoon Over?"
Please people. To the folks who are still gripeing about the dog not being from the pound, stop your mouth from talking and use your brain to remember that one of the daughters is allergic to dogs, so they had to find a dog that she was not allergic to so that they could get a dog in the first place. Most pound dogs are mixed. Wake up people. In this economy a little levity is appreciated.
Water dogs have great personalities–but they're a tough breed for a first-time dog owner. Every one I've met has been very high-energy. Good luck to the first family.
The Obamas had such a great opportunity to show the plight of dogs in shelters....but they didn't – how disappointing. Often mixed breed homeless dogs make the greatest companions/pets.
I heard bo had his way with the groundhog that lives behind the pool
Maybe the dog was sensing/seeing the people from the past .some kind of spirits....who was throwing the ball?
Shout out to Jo: You and I had the same thought at almost the exact same time. A little otherworldly, perhaps?
I have a Portie coming up on 4 years of age, and I can vouch for the fact that they're tough during the first year until they finally understand the pecking order - that they're not the boss. As Cesar Millan says, excercise, discpline, then affection.
Time to call in the Dog Whisperer!
Maybe Bo sees ghosts. I'm sure there are plenty to go around in the White House. Sleep well, little children, sleep well....
The dog was barking like there was someone there? Probably a ghost. Koreans use dogs to check out potential homes to see if there are spirits in the house. Probably a lot of ghosts in the presidential quarters. Not surprising. More palatable than the Obamas being there, though.
Bo is just a puppy. Puppies can be trying but they will grow out of it. Be patient – our golden retriever is finally settling down after 14 years and the flat-coated retriever we are hoping will do the same soon – he's 11!
OMG. This is front page CNN news?
There was another person in the house .... Dick Cheney.
I wonder if anyone advised them that dogs in this breed are full of energy, and are like babies and get thier days and nights mixed up,lol
me nad my wife feel good now we kow we re not alone when it comes to the family dog, but you kow with all the boredom thats been in the White house for the last 8 years thisis justadding more excitement to make it up....they just didn't expect the dgo t contribute i guess....
P.S. someone please tell them if they leave something in the dogs reach they can pretty much be prepared to replace it, or get the dog plenty of chewable toys, but then again the toys might need protection,lol
No further efforts to save social security.
Crappy attempts in saving the economy.
Oh, wait, you're busy playing tug-of-war with your pooch and making sure there's a story about it on CNN, above all of the other devastating and vital news stories.
Hm. Maybe the pup chew up your plans of "change" you have for the country. I'm sure Bo will do significantly better at re-writing them.
Why is this news?
Oh, my Michelle - done that, been there (still doing it) with a wonderful pup who also likes to "go for the feet!" LOL Hang in there, it really DOES get better! Bo is an adorable dog. We all hope you love him and are sure he's going to love all of you back.
How adorable. That's a puppy for you, loves to play no matter what time of the day. 🙂
Heidi
Is it possible that the First Dog was attempting to play catch with the supposed White House ghosts? "There are more things in heaven and earth..."
Puppies always get an "ahhhh" from the audience.
I hope the Obama's do right by their new puppy. Raising a dog is much like raising a child; they need boundaries set and lot's of love. You need to spend as much time as possible with them to bond and gain their trust and then you need to be consistent in letting the puppy know what is acceptable behavior and what is not, in a loving but firm way. It is more the training of people. And when you are done you have a friend and companion for life.
The media needs to stop bringing nonsense news to the world.
Quite an important job Michelle has walking the dog and then talking to children about him. WOW!!!
When does she have time to do that? When her makeup artist isn't putting her false eyelashes on?
I'm sick of the nonsensical 'garbage' they say about this couple especially 'like Barak being on a cover of a magazine shirtless??? – really!!!
Michelle planting a garden??? – really – she doesn't even know how to hold the shovel. Don't tell me she is going to plant a garden.
The country is going down the tube and this is the garbage the media prints. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He was barking at Lincoln's ghost.
Maybe Bo should be re-named Chewy!
Sounds like the Obama's could use a visit from the Dog Whisperer.
Ah, the lucky first family....
They are finding out just what it really means to be owned by a PWD! (I have one myself).
Its a 24/7 gig, and don't let anybody tell you differently. These are not dogs that you "put away" – they are always, always on....
Enjoy him! He's a cute little bugger!
Puppies are a handful some dogs take 3-4 years to mature but this "crazy" period will be the good times they'll be laughing about in years to come. Many conversations will start off with, "Remember when Bo....."
BO'S BEHAVIOR: POSSIBLE SIGN OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ANOMALY?
The dog's behavior could be indicative of an anomaly in the environment.
The White House should be constantly monitored by an independent entity for the presence of both continuous and pulsed-beam electromagnetic radiation (EMF). The presence of microwave radiation is known to be capable of causing adverse health effects; some animals may display ill-tempered behavior in the presence of EMF.
http://nowpublic.com/world/bush-torture-memos-oked-radiation-weapon-use-americans-too
http://nowpublic.com/world/gestapo-usa-govt-funded-vigilante-network-terrorizes-america
OR (if links are corrupted):
http://NowPublic.com/scrivener
this is important why?who cares about their dog?maybe instead of bringing up stories of how he is so great you could bring up the fact about other animals in pounds
This is a perfect example as to why I don't have a dog. After waking up with 3 daughters in the middle of the night until they grew out of it, I'm not quite ready to return to that nightmare.
He is coming in to what is called the juvenile age for dogs. I hope
the Obama's are prepared to give him a lot of exercise. If they jog, take him with. Even get him in the pool swimming. Exercise is the key.
He is beautiful pup.
lol could he white house dog be playing with the ghosts that supposedly inhabit the white house?
With all the dogs that are in shelters they go and get a designer dog. What a shining example they are setting or the rest of the country....
Have they considered crating Bo at night?
I understand what the Obamas are going through. I adopted a cocker spaniel puppy several months ago. He also randomly wakes me up at night. Usually crunching the dog biscuits he stashes somewhere for a midnight treat.
But the love that dogs give back more than makes up for these little inconveniences.
Bo looks like a GREAT dog.
Bo the dog is good for one thing,FUN!!
We have a PWD, and they are wonderful dogs. But Michelle better get used to crazy. Our dog stopped being puppy-like when he was about 6 YEARS old. Get him wet and it's instantly back. These dogs really are big on personality!
Alina:
Bo looks like a fine animal. Good choice.
Kiran has a mug and a paper cup in front of her. Are both full?
Have a good weekend.
Fred