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Winnipeg shelter has the perfect puppy for Obama
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Fri. Jan. 23 2009 10:50 AM ET
The Winnipeg Humane Society has a solution to solve one of the first major dilemmas faced by U.S. President Barack Obama.
The shelter is offering a cute and cuddly Labradoodle puppy to the commander-in-chief and the First Family.
Immediately after winning the election, Obama announced that he would finally be getting a puppy for his daughters Malia and Sasha.
Soon after, it was revealed that the family would adopt a dog from a shelter, and that they were hoping to find a so-called Labradoodle -- a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle -- to join their family.
Bill McDonald, of the Winnipeg Humane Society, realized right away that he might be able to help.
The Humane Society had helped police bust an illegal puppy mill in the city, and had seized 21 Labradoodle puppies and two pregnant females.
One of those females, Lilly, has now given birth to a litter of 11 "health, vibrant and rambunctious" puppies.
McDonald thinks one of those puppies would make a perfect addition to the White House. They are now five weeks old and will be ready for adoption in mid-February.
"The idea came to me early last week when it was first announced that the new president would make his first official state visit to Canada," he told CTV's Canada AM.
"And I thought well, when a new president comes, Canada always gives a gift on behalf of the people of Canada...and the stars sort of aligned."
He sent the suggestion to the Prime Minister's Office, and was then informed it had been forwarded on to the office of Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon.
It's certain that Obama has received many offers from American shelters, but accepting the Canadian offer could turn out to be the most diplomatic option, McDonald suggested.
"Maybe not to offend a particular American shelter, be it in Oregon or Maine or Tennessee, he could say 'Well, I have to accept a gift from our close friends, brothers, cousins and our neighbours to the north.'"
Whether or not the offer is accepted, McDonald said the publicity surrounding Obama's decision to adopt a dog from a shelter "has raised awareness that shelter anuimals make great pets."
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I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.


Comments are now closed for this story
Inkmont
said
Doug BC
said
However,I have to concede it would add a fitting bit friendliness to the state visit when President Obama comes to visit the "president" of Canada.
And,the real bonus here is that this puppy would likely have a great life in the Whitehouse.Frankly,the one in the pic is so cute I'm tempted to look for one myself.Who could resist those eyes?
sunny
said
if your girls see a picture of this adorable puppy, I think you will not have a choice,and you will have found your puppy. Wouldn`t it be neat to take a puppy home for your girls after visitng Canada, besides it would make it a much more memorable trip to Canada!!!
sally
said
anne
said
VH
said
Scott
said
St Catharines
said
Brenda
said
Michelle
said
Dave NS
said
Biceps
said
bunny
said
Denis
said
Labrador is a Canadian breed.
We should have a ceremony where the puppy is given official Labrador status by Danny Williams (premier of Newfoundland and Labrador)himself, then handed over to Stpehen (don't call me Steve) Harper to be presented to Obama.
Kris D.
said
A nice big red bow around the collar with a tag that reads:
"To Sasha and Malia
Love, the People of Canada."
What a great way to start to repair our relations!
Dan from Northern Ont.
said
Donny in Edmonton
said
AB from SK
said
SPCA Supporter
said
that the love an animal can bring does not need a "pedigree". He will help to create awareness for the wonderful shelter dogs (and cats)that are eagerly waiting for a home and a family to love. Congratulations to him on his wisdom to recognize this! Hopefully he will inspire others to give a shelter animal a chance. All our pets have come from the shelter, and we have never been disappointed!
Cdn_Lynn
said