Ok pootie-lovers, I have $100 here for the Humane Society of the United States if the Obamas adopt their new puppy from a shelter--any shelter.
It would be nice if they make a video of choosing it that could appear on morning TV, and then afternoon TV, and then evening TV, over and over and over again... you know.
We've been donatin' fools, I know, and here's another reach into the checking account, but if you can manage a little something more, here's a chance to start the new administration off right, pet-rescue-wise.
And the HSUS has a new Obama-efficient director who just got a major animal-welfare initiative passed in California: NYTimes.
I've padded this diary as fluffy as I can. $100 to the HSUS if the First Puppy is a shelter rescue. Any takers?
UPDATE: I'm always astonished at how many opinions there are about what's best for animals. Animal cruelty is such a massive global problem that arguing about small differences in dogma (get it? DOGma?) is a waste of energy. Very generally, making more pets means more unwanted pets, no matter how well you breed or sell them; let's take care of the ones that exist and prevent more. And farm animals are treated appallingly. Simple. A one anna two.
And just FYI, because so many have suggested my money would be better spent locally: I spend it locally. I've given $600 a year for the past 8 years or so, as long as it's been in operation, to Animal Trustees of Austin. They spay and neuter and care for, for free if you can't afford to pay, any dog and cat that comes through their door.
Doesn't everybody have room for both?
UPDATE #2: Looks like a rescue it is:
Search for the First Puppy.