Obama puppy-offer: Peruvian Hairless: The Swamp
The Swamp
Chicago Tribune
Posted November 12, 2008 10:15 AM
The Swamp

by Mark Silva

The Peruvians have a puppy for the Obamas.

The national dog fits the hypoallergenic job description that the Obamas have written for the first puppy. It may not fit the mind-picture that young Malia and Sasha, the first daughters-to-be, have of their first pup, however. It's -- well -- hairless.

Peruvian Hairless.jpg

The Peruvian Hairless Dog -- a bald and often toothless breed that has won the hearts of Incan kings -- is Peru's offering for President-elect Barack Obama's worldwide search for the perfect dog. Owners say the breed, which traces its origins to 3,000 years ago (a piker, perhaps, by Greyhound standards), is perfect for kids who are sensitive to dogs.

"They do not cause any type of allergy and are very friendly and sweet," according to Claudia Galvez, director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Association. That's the FPHDA, for the uninitiated. Galvez delivered a letter spelling out her offer to the U.S. embassy in Lima this week.

"We want to give a male puppy to Obama's daughters,'' she says, "so they get to experience all the joys of having a dog but without any allergies."

Apparently, the above-average body temperature of these pets compensates for their lack of a coat, which also spares owners from any smptoms of asthma. Galvez has a 4-month-old pedigree puppy ready for delivery. Its name is Ears, which apparently is one of the few features the breed does have. But if the Obamas accept it, they are suggesting a new name: Machu Picchu.

"Here, Machu Picchu, here Machu Picchu.''

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Comments

It's a nice international gesture, but the message of helping a mutt from a shelter is much more pertinent to everyday Americans. I really hope they choose a dog in need over something "exotic."

Our dog from Anti-Cruelty was the finest, most beloved dog that ever walked the face of this green earth. He died last year after fifteen years of unconditional love, and I still miss that dog every single day.


PLEASE just let the girls pick the puppy.....


Why not a rat terrier, Teddy Roosevelts favorite dog. If I recall correctly, a truly American breed, i.e. a mutt. Smart, energetic, loving, loyal and cute. A working breed that could be found on most farms in America. I don't know if they are hypoallergenic, but I do know they are really cool little dogs.


It would be weird to, first, accept a gift from a foreign national, and second, bypass American dogs.

But yes, for the love, just let the girls deal with the dog situation.


We have three rescue cats. I wouldn't choose a cat any other way! And one is a Siamese (from the Siamese Rescue Organiation -- we found her on the Internet and after falling in love, flew her from Texas to Chicago). So it's quite possible to get a "name" brand via a rescue group.

And could we let Obama fix the country?


Man that dog has no alibi.


Holly, I had a dog named RED that I loved that much. Our neighbor poisoned him. Took me a long time to forgive her. I cried so hard that I never got another dog. My children want one, but I just refuse. My dog would have to outlive me.


I like the idea of letting the girls choose the dog.


Is this 4month old puppy a rescue dog? If not, the Obamas should reject the offer. Intentional breeding in the face of so many unwanted pets being euthanized every day in this country is unconscionable.


Isn't that the Chupacabra? I swear to god I saw some video with an animal that looked like this and people thoguht it was a Chupacabra. Mystery solved.


Why does everyone feel they have the right to pick the puppy for these young girls? THEY earned the puppy not you and not me. Let them pick out what they want. It's their first puppy. They should enjoy the process get whatever they'd like. President elect Obama said they "earned the puppy we'll be bringing to the White house". It's not up for a vote. Why people in this country think they have the right to take what someone else has earned is beyond me. Malia & Sasha are getting their first experience in liberal politics, you earn it and someone else gets to take it.


First, Laurie how did they EARN the right to have the puppy. What did they do? Second, my suggestion would be an American Bull Terrier. Nothing more American than that.


Puh-leeze. Give a shelter animal a chance. There are probablya half million homeless American dogs - 200,000 on the Petfinder website alone. It would inspire others to adopt these animals. Obama could start a tidal wave of adoption.


Their puppy/dog - their choice.


Ruth, they earned the puppy by being troopers through the long campaign process. That was their dad's promise to them at the outset. They more than fulfilled their part of the deal, now he's fulfilling his.


Obama should not have mentioned the puppy in his speach. I know it was innocent but it has become such a big issue and if they don't end up getting a shelter dog many people will be very displeased. Unfortunately others will likely imitate his choice of breed instead of adopting a dog from a shelter. He should have kept it a private matter.


What is wrong with that dog's tail? Why does it have a 90 degree angle to it?


I agree - Obama said the girls earned the puppy and they should make the choice, not a foreign country, a US citizen or the democratic party - Senate or the House - the GIRLS.


I agree the girls should ultimately choose the puppy/dog but I also think they should choose a shelter dog. PAWS Chicago is a no-kill animal shelter with plenty of wonderful dogs (and cats should they want one!) looking for a home.


I think that this is a very nice offer due to this type of dog is really special and unique world while. I personally consider that there are several interesting reasons for accepting to adopt this puppy. Some of the reasons are:


- By adopting this hairless dog the presidential family could forget about having to deal with allergic problems.


- It can let Obama's daughters and others learn that any decision in life should be based on superficial appearances only.


- This decision could represent an antidiscrimination message to the entire world. Giving equal opportunities to each dog that meets the presidential family needs, no matter how it looks, or where it was born.


- Also, adopting this dog could represent a respect for heritage in general because this dog traces its origins to 3,000 years ago.


- It would show the world that the presidential family doesn't need to adopt an American puppy to show their love for their country because the love for their country is not and it has never been in doubt. Why would they want to get where they are and assume one of the most challenging jobs in the world right now, if they didn’t love their country as much as they do???


- Moreover, by adopting a foreign puppy the presidential family can show the world that Americans are prepared to accept and put in practice their respect for diversity, which is something that enriches the world where we all live. Doing that could also help Americans to restore their image & relationship with the rest of the world.


It is a lovely dog who deserves the same opportunities others have to show how lovely, loyal, and friendly they can be. I say GIVE IT A TRY!!! DO NOT DISCRIMINATE IT FOR NOT BEING AS GOOD LOOKING AS OTHERS. THIS DOG CAN OFFER BETTER AND MORE VALUABLE THINGS THAN JUST A NICE APPEARANCE!!!


That dog is so ugly omg !!!


They won't get that dog. Only because the young girls want something cute and fluffly. They'll end up getting a designer mutt and all is doom.


they have the Rite to Pick there own DOG,
Why People want to tell them what to do,

Thank you
Jeff


That photo is not the puppy they would get. That dog has a broken tail by the way. The media can come up with a better photo than that. I found peruvian hairless dogs by doing a search and they don't look like that picture.


I own 5 of these dogs and they are the best. I am also the vice president to the only rescue organization for the Peruvian Hairless Dogs. They are truley wonderful creatures!


I am the proud owner of a peruvian hairless dog named Kojak. I rescued him about 2 years ago from one of the worst possible situations a dog could be in (for starters - he was found wearing a collar made of barbed-wire). Even after all he had been though - he is the sweetest boy and brings so much joy to everyone he meets. This is truly an amazing breed with so much history and so much to offer. They are even said to have healing powers. I hope Obama and his family consider adopting one.


I have been blogging for a year now, PRO OBAMA all the way. It's been stressful and at times intense.

But today was the most fun I've had on a blog page! I love it. Thank you all for your awesome entertainment.

I am enjoying the "pick of Obama dog" much more than the "pick for Secretary of State" and other cabinet appointments.

I agree, let the girls choose. However, I love all the attention this is getting, for rescue groups, other countries, it's great for morale.

I am a psychologist and I think this country needs healing. I have a dachshund. Sorry, not a rescue, but as a puppy, I got him from the best breeding scenario possible... I met both his dachshund parents, and felt he came from a loving, caring breeder. I still remember the day Alex came into our home. It's a very private matter, but it's awesome to watch the first family go through this process.

Our country needs healing, I use my Dachshund to help my psychotherapy clients. He has brought much healing to my life, and I am sure whatever dog the Obamas get will bring fun and joy to the White House. Studies show that people who own dogs/cats live longer, are happier, and healthier.

wow, fun, joy, at the White House??? YAHOO, 8 is enough! NO MORE BUSH/Cheney!!!!!

hooray for the USA.

Sincerely,
Dr. Liliana Escobar-Thies


It is a very nice dog. We have one at home. Girls give it a try.

Sincerely,

Josemaria Ramirez
Philippines


definetely the peruvian dog will help the child and it will be valued because it is a race that was not recognized even by peruvians and they were treated like street dogs, recently peruvians realize the potential as a medicine pet. Let's see what they choose.


the girls can choose watever they want but u need to keep in mind one of the girls has allergies thats why obama is trying to find a dog that wont cause any problems or allegies to his daughter.
and this dog is great for her


After being photographed for Jana Kohl's book "a rare breed of love" about the cruelty and horrific conditions puppy mill dogs live in and pledging his commitment to stopping animal cruelty in all its forms, I truly hope they sincerely consider adopting a shelter dog. Ours are members of our family...the BEST dogs ever!


LET THE GIRLS PICK! LET THE GIRLS PICK! LAY OFF, WHY DO YOU PEOPLE CARE ABOUT WHAT KIND OF DOG THEY GET, YOU WILL NEVER SEE IT!


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