Presidential Pets

Socks, one time presidential kitty, passed away on Feb. 20, 2009. Socks was adopted in 1991 by the Clinton family when he jumped into Chelsea’s arms after a piano lesson in Little Rock, AR. Socks moved in to the White House with the Clinton’s and was the principal Clinton pet until Buddy, a Labrador Retriever, was adopted in 1997. Socks did not get along with Buddy so when the Clinton’s left the White House in 2001, they took Buddy and left Socks to the care of Bill Clinton’s secretary, Betty Currie.

The current presidential family is trying to decide on what type of dog best fits their lifestyle. Michelle Obama leans towards rescuing a Portuguese water dog while other members ponder a Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador retriever and standard Poodle. Portuguese water dog owners are concerned that there will be a spike in popularity in the breed that will taper off leaving many abandoned. Portuguese water dogs are not recommended for first time dog owners as they require extensive training. Stu Freedman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, was quoted as stating, “These are dogs that if you don’t keep them busy, they will be busy and do something you don’t want them to do.”