Statue of FDR and his best friend Fala (Photo by Tony) With all the other important presidential and governmental issues Barack Obama has to tackle after Inauguration Day, it seems the country has the greatest vested interest in a decision of the heart that the whole Obama family will have to make: what kind of puppy will they get after they move into the White House? Heck, even the Vice President-Elect has heard the call of the canine and acquired a new German Shepherd puppy. First Pets are something of a national institution in the United States. There's even a Presidential Pets Museum, dedicated to the preservation of historical information and artifacts of all the animals (from alligators to wallabies) that have belonged to our Commanders-in-Chief -- nearly all of whom had a pet during some part of their term(s). A White House pet's actions can be worthy of a news watch, which is the case with the current Top Dog, Barney, who is a celebrity in his own right. Some pets were so popular that they are eternally depicted in memorial, as is the case with Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottish terrier. And Richard Nixon's Checkers has a grave located in a public pet cemetery on Long Island. The President-Elect's promise to his daughters, Sasha and Malia, spiked curiosity in what type of breed the new First Dog will be. Dutiful citizens have offered suggestions on how to combat Malia's pet dander allergies, and which types of dogs offer hypoallergenic or hairless qualities. But the Obamas are striving to set an example, do the responsible thing, and find their new family member in a shelter. After all, choosing what type of dog and personality it has is just as important to a happy family dynamic as its health and development. So we wait, with bated puppy breath, to hear word of the new furry addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And as Bob Barker always reminded us, "Be sure to have your cat or dog spayed or neutered." Suggested Sites... The Daily Puppy - your daily fix for puppy pictures. ASPCA: Adopt - find your next pet through your local ASPCA. Wikipedia: List of United States Presidential Pets - a quick-reference guide to all the First Animals. National Geographic Channel: In the Womb: Dogs - using state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery, follow the fetal development of one wolf and three different dog breeds. FDR's "Fala Speech" - President Franklin Roosevelt defends his Scottie against GOP attacks.

Directory categories: Humane and Rescue Societies, Choosing a Dog, Pet Health

Archived under: Allergies, American History, Animals, Bob Barker, Cats, Dogs, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pets

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Bob Barker in Happy Gilmore Bob Barker reminds us of childhood: He comforted us on couch-bound sick days with his reassuring, grandfatherly (and dare we say classy?) style. We certainly aren’t alone in feeling nostalgic and sad that he'll be retiring in June, but after 35 years on "The Price is Right," he does deserve a break. As if that's not enough of a career, he also spent 18 years hosting "Truth or Consequences," had several radio shows, and was a Navy fighter pilot in WWII. He narrated the CBS telecast of the Tournament of Roses Parade and hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants for 21 years. He studied karate with Chuck Norris when younger men would have long since retired. He's been a vegetarian and animal rights activist since the early '80s, and quit the pageant business when they refused to exclude furs from their prize packages. "The Price is Right" meanwhile banned prizes involving fur, leather, or activities involving animal cruelty. They also gave him a forum at the end of each show to promote his pet cause. In honor of Bob's 83rd birthday today, we'll end our show the same way: "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered." Suggested Sites... Bob Barker - official bio of the 17-Emmy-winner from CBS. DJ&T Foundation - Bob's non-profit supporting low-cost and free spay/neuter clinics. Happy Gilmore - watch a clip of Bob kicking Adam Sandler's butt on the golf course. GoldenRoad.net - daily "The Price is Right" recaps, plus galleries and forums for members. the fabulous 60 minute price is right site - full of clips, images, and trivia.

Directory categories: Bob Barker, The Price is Right, Game Shows, Spaying and Neutering Pets

Archived under: Animal Rights, Bob Barker, Entertainment, Game Shows, Nostalgia, Pets, TV

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