Willy, founder of Porties for Obama, by Lee Anderson
Tonight Senator Barack Obama will accept the Democratic Party's nomination for President. That means one thing; his girls, Malia and Sasha, are one step closer to being dog owners. That was the deal. He could run for President. And win or lose, they could get a dog.
What's missing from this picture?
There has been rampant campaigning throughout the dog world as to which dog the Obamas should chose. The AKC recommended five breeds based on the family's hypoallergenic needs, with the Poodle being voted as the number one canine candidate for them.
Best Friends Animal Rescue has circulated a petition for the (hopefully) first family to choose a shelter dog.
And then there is Porties for Obama, spearheaded by Willy (above) and his mom Buffy Nicolas of Alexandria, VA, a fundraising effort to see Senator Obama elected and choose a Portuguese Water Dog as first dog.
Ted Kennedy and his Portie, Splash. Globe Photo / Chris Hartlove.
A political Portie would follow in the tradition of Senator Ted Kennedy's PWD named Splash who not only follows him around Capitol Hill, but also wrote a children's book about politics called My Senator and Me
Splash was also featured along with the Kennedys' other Portie named Sunny in the tribute video at the Democratic convention on Monday night.
I confess, when I saw the video my first reaction was worry that the dogs were out on the sailboat without life jackets. I didn't realize they were Portuguese *Water* Dogs, originally bred to herd fish and swim between boats off the coast of Portugal.
We'll see if Senator Obama follows in the Massachusetts's Senator's footsteps. Or if he lets the girls decide. My instincts tell me, they might pick something smaller and cuddlier like the Bichon Frise, also on the AKC list. But if they're looking for a Portie, also a cute dog in a super sporty way, they should definitely contact Willy and Buffy, Obama's and Portuguese Water Dogs' biggest fans.
To donate to Porties for Obama send a check made out to "Obama for America" to:
Willy Nicolas
11676 Mediterranean Ct.
Reston, Va. 20190
Also, Buffy and Willy have organized a Portie Cruise tonight, August 28, 2008, 7pm leaving from the dock in Olde Towne Alexandria. Tickets are $14. Dogs are free. All all welcome regardless of political persuasion. If you're in the area contact Buffy for more information.
P.S. Here is some Portie gear that would be perfect for the next cruise.
