WHS Offers Puppy Kindergarten Classes to First Family Adopters

  By: WHS President and CEO, Lisa LaFontaine

Dog lovers across the nation have been captivated by the mystery of who will become the nation’s next First Dog. President-elect Obama’s message to his daughters that they have earned their new puppy has generated a flurry of speculation about the breed and gender, with contests, polls and countless recommendations.

At the center of the discussion is whether the new First Family will adopt a purebred, rescue or shelter dog.

The Washington Humane Society (WHS), the largest humane society in the nation’s capital, has been inundated with calls from supporters who hope that the First Family will adopt a dog from their new hometown shelter. Those of us in the animal sheltering community are thrilled that the President-elect has, through his public statements, raised awareness about the issues of pet overpopulation and homelessness. We are particularly appreciative of their desire to consider a shelter dog.   

As with every family considering adoption, the Obama’s have unique needs to be taken into account. They deserve the opportunity to choose a dog in their own way, and in their own time. All of us who have adopted a dog know it is a meaningful experience in the life of a family, and we hope the spotlight they are under as First Family-elect doesn’t compromise that experience in any way. We are certain the Obama’s will approach this important family decision with care and deliberation, and trust they will make an excellent choice. If they adopt a dog from WHS, that will be a wonderful thing. If they adopt a dog from another rescue resource, we will celebrate the adoption of a dog, no matter the organization the dog is from.

Perhaps WHS can best be considered as a resource in helping the family, and particularly the girls, with training and socializing their new companion with the guidance from professional  trainers from our WHS Behavior & Learning Center. It is always an important undertaking to integrate a dog effectively into the family and household, and we have some of the best professionals in the field to help with that transition. We stand ready to offer ongoing support and behavioral training to help get their new companion off on the right paw.

Comments

[Debbie Loves Dogs]

I personally have rescued 2 dogs myself from local shelters because too many people give on dogs because they don't train them properly.