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The first family's pet dog, Bo, starred Wednesday at a preliminary viewing of holiday decorations at the White House for military families.
First lady Michelle Obama opened the White House to Gold and Blue Star military families (along with the press) to preview the White House in its fully decorated form. And Bo, the Portugese water dog, was a central part of the display; there are five Bo “topiaries” throughout the White House tour route and it’s possible to find some Bo-item in almost every room. For instance, in the Vermeil Room, there’s a Bo ornament hanging on one of the trees -- next to an iconic painting of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.
The theme of the decorations, “Shine, Give, Share,” is emblazoned on banners placed throughout the house. According to the White House, “The theme translates to the holiday décor on several levels. There is the literal translation through the use of shiny elements…There is also a conceptual connection. We’re inviting visitors to give their thanks to members of our military.”
This is particularly evident at the East Landing of the White House, where visitors are greeted with the “Gold Star Families Tree.” Gold Star families visiting the White House can write messages on star ornaments to military loved ones and hang them on the tree. Anyone visiting can write a note to be sent to members of the armed forces.
The first lady, in remarks welcoming the military families in the East Room of the White House gave a preview of what is written on some of the stars. She spoke of a wife from East Peoria, IL who wrote of her late husband, "He never thought of himself as a hero, but he always was to me...he was my soulmate."
Mrs. Obama said, as part of her and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Gold and Blue Star families were invited in an attempt to make sure the country knows what those designations stand for. (Gold Star families have relatives who died while serving in the armed services and Blue Star families have relatives who are currently serving.) The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is adorned with holiday cards and messages from military children. Also, military medals and badges from all of the branches of the military serve as ornaments.
But the young children invited today weren’t all that into the military medals or the replicated presidential holiday cards in the Library or the quartz ornaments hanging off the East Room trees. (Though the large Bo replica made of 35 yards of wool felt in the East Garden Room did catch the eye of a couple of children.) At first the kids were excited about decorating Christmas cookies and making Bo ornaments in the State Dining Room with the help of the First Lady. But that really was nothing compared to the excitement that ensued when the actual-real-life Bo Obama was allowed into the room. Cookies were discarded as the First Lady crouched to pet the dog with kids that were only a little taller than dog-head-patting level.
And some of the cookies offered along with hot apple cider to guests were decorated like, yes, Bo. Even the First Lady said the dog has “been a little confused” with his likeness on display throughout the house.
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I still think the Obama's should have gone through a rescue organization, but Bo is a beautiful dog and Ted Kennedy could be very convincing.
Time to sit back and watch the right wing nuts turn up the hate!
Anything warm & fuzzy tends to have that effect on em!
*popcorn*?
nisl: most reputable kennels have as part of their contract that if a dog does not work out in the home, it must be returned to the kennel, and the kennel places it. I had to sign such contracts for both my Papillon and my Collie. The kennels do this to keep dogs out of rescue or shelters and it offers protection to them.
Bo was re-homed, and into a good one it seems. While it kept him out of rescue, there is little difference.
nisl,
I may be wrong but I think they did rescue Bo. Check the press releases. I think he was rescued.
He was, AnaBanana. He had been returned to the kennel and the kennel placed him. No difference. Just verified the story to be sure.
Bo's dad is Watson of the Rader family of Ambridge, Pennsylvania and mom Penny who belongs to Art and Martha Stern of Boyd, Texas.
One of Bo's litter mates is the late Teddy K. dogs.
Bo is valued at $1,600.00.
Yea the breeder had a contract with the original owner who returned "Charlie" because he wouldn't quit trying to suckle off an older dog. (The older dog must have been a conservative huh?)
So you have a registered exotic pure breed dog sent from Pennsylvania to Texas to mate, and the pup is returned to the breeder to be probably sold for another $1,600.
Gosh, just think - $1,600 Bo was rescued from going for the ride in the country.
Yea a real rescue "mutt" (Obama's words), ..... "no difference" (your words) from all the other exotic, registered, $1,600, shelter dogs, huh?
You guys literally have to spin everything Obama, newday?
Oh well .... nice job.
BTW Feisty - I like Bo the First Dog.
I wish Obama would make him Secretary of Energy or Attorney General. Bo certainly is not as stupid Chu / Solyndra or Holder.
So only cheap dogs get new homes bobby, really? Pretty mean spirited, even for you!
One of my collie's litter mates was returned to the kennel because his family divorced. Would you have preferred that he wound up in rescue or a kill shelter? That's generally what happens in that circumstance.
I looked for a specific breeder for a specific pup. That is what people do who are into eventing or therapy work, which is where my dog is headed. There is nothing wrong with paying for proper genetics. That how you protect the breed.
The Obama's had a specific need for a dog that didn't produce as many allergens as some dogs do. That is a good reason to get a well bred dog.
But, good for you, bobby, hating the dog that is the beloved chum of two little girls.
Nice histrionics!
Obama threw out the politically correct, socially cool thing to do.
All part of his narrative.
You can't admit that Bo does not that narrative?
Re-homed rescue dog? Gimme a break.
After Bo was returned he was sent from Texas to Virginia for obedience training!
Is that what you do to a "rescue" dog before you dump the $1,600 pup in a kill shelter?
Good grief.
Btw - the dog trainer's name is Dawn Sylvia in Hume.
Maybe she can help someone with a leg humping fixation.
booby's very own dog probably hates him...that's what happens when you kick it one too many times.
Right, "bob"?
Notice, Mickey, that bobby does not answer my question. "Only cheap dogs get new homes?"
The breeder did the responsible thing, as do the breeders of my two well bred dogs. Here's a hint bobby, $1000 for a rare well bred dog is chicken feed. That was a BARGAIN.
Now, so you learn something Google any breed and rescue, and find out how many purebreds wind up homeless.
But, it is shameful how you, no jo, Smiffy and friends will denigrate anything this President does, including hating his daughters' dog. Really, it just does not get any more vicious than that.
What? No "uppity" comments yet? They must all be at the Grover Norquist meeting.
Cute dog!
Ah! Thanks!
Bumper sticker for the Obamas: "My dog is smarter than a Republican."
I remember years ago, there was always a "White House" Christmas special on network tv.
I loved those shows. Good to see the White House opening the Holiday Season with the military families. I know that later in the month , the congressional staffs and families will be invited to tour the White House.
Ana Banana,maybe the "Grinches" will not show up on this thread this evening...
It would appear that Bo's approval rating exceeds that of his dad.
Bo is a magnificent and beautiful dog.... God bless him! He should not be blamed for his keepers mistakes.... not counting those dead spots he might have left on the White House lawn. And it's not his fault for eating Bill Ayer's draft of Obama's new book that was just laying around the Lincoln Bedroom... that's what dogs do!
Let Bo know we will work very hard to see he doesn't have to spend more than another year or so in that White House!
signed, PETA
I understand that PETA reluctantly recognizes feisty as a one of their protected species! Does that mean we can't keep throwing her bones?
Poor Sally, so jealous, and so ignorant.
newdog..... it is your ignorance and others like little mickey who feed carrot top's obsessive hatred of anyone who might disagree with the direction this country has been headed for the last 3 years. The guy in the WH is not a leader, not a negotiator and does not represent what the majority of the taxpayers in this country want! But rather than debate those issues you feed the dog! It is you that is/are ignorant! And don't act surprised when others responde in kind... just like Sally and Bill.... capishe?
Like I said, so much jealousy and ignorance in this world. Here is a little hint Jimmy and Stevie: If you don't like reading what I or Feisty have to say you can use the ignore function.
That you do continue to read us suggests that your brain is struggling to get out of the malaise that it suffers when you watch Fox "News".
The remedy is to continue to read what we have to say, or allow your brain cells to continue to die off from lack of mental stimulation. Your choice, doesn't affect me either way.
poor newdogday, always a follower... never a leader. And very, very confused!
What a sweet story. This is what I want American public life to be like - putting our children and military veterans first, kindness, fun and good humor. Why not?
Obama State run Media love fest.... Tingle up my leg statement - Chris Matthews
Hey, at least someone stays in White House and actually works, even if it is a dog.