We're not piling on Linda Brown or her Wolf Den Kennel -- the place where VP-elect Joe Biden bought his German Shepherd puppy recently -- but we wanted to confirm something we read about the kennel having lost its ability to register dogs with the American Kennel Club.
Turns out that's not so, although Brown, who also operates under the name Jolindy's German Shepherds in Chester County, Pa., did lose AKC certification in 2006. She regained it in 2007 and is currently in good standing.
Interestingly, Lisa Peterson, a spokeswoman for the AKC, told us that Brown has not registered any litters with the organization this year - meaning that the Biden dog (or the litter he came from) does not currently have AKC certification.
Peterson said that Brown, whose kennel was cited for several violations this month, lost her right to register dogs in 2006 because three of her litters had false certification, apparently listing incorrect parents. Peterson said this was probably a paperwork error.
All this makes us wonder if Biden really cares whether his puppy is AKC registered. Some dog owners do, some don't. But you'd have to presume that he might want his purebred dog to have the proper papers proving his heritage.
The incoming Vice President is getting pressure from groups who believe he should have adopted a shelter puppy - and that Brown might be a less-than-reputable breeder. They also believe that Biden's boss, Barack Obama, should adopt. An Obama dog would do a lot to promote pet adoption if he picks one from a shelter or rescue group.
I still think a mixed breed shelter puppy would make a great First Dog, but in the interests of global goodwill, President-elect Obama may have to consider an offer from Peru.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is not the prettiest canine you'll ever see, but it has a regal history and fits the parameters required by the new president's two daughters, one of whom has allergies.
"They do not cause any type of allergy and are very friendly and sweet," Claudia Galvez, director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Association in Lima, Peru, told Reuters. The association has offered to send a four-month-old male Peruvian Hairless to the Obamas as a gift.
In fact, the Peruvian Hairless is bald except for a tuft of hair that grows on the top of its head. It is sometimes toothless, but is also odorless and doesn't attract fleas. The breed dates back 3,000 years, and its image is sometimes depicted in pre-Hispanic ceramics. It was popular among Inca kings.
I couldn't find any mention of the dog on the American Kennel Club Web site, but it is considered the national dog of Peru.
Could it be the next dog we see prancing on the White House lawn? I still think a shelter dog is the best choice.
What do you think?
President-elect Obama has a lot of work ahead of him, but probably no job is more important at this moment than picking the right family dog.
In his acceptance speech, Obama said his daughters, Malia and Sasha, had "earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House." Even Vice-President-elect Joe Biden said his wife gave him the OK to buy a dog if he and Obama won the election.
A few weeks ago, I wrote that because Malia, 10, has allergies, the Obamas will have a limited selection of breeds from which to choose - the Poodle, Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier, Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer and Chinese Crested are all considered good breeds for people with allergies, although there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. (In August, the American Kennel Club conducted an online poll, and the Poodle was the winner.)
But because the family has chosen to adopt rather than buy - a great decision, one that may lead to more prospective dog owners visiting their local shelters - they might have to look for a mixed breed that produces less dander. Dogs that have short hair and shed very little might fit well, even if they're mixed. A Maltese or Shih Tzu mix would produce less shedding and would seem like a good size for children who are old enough to learn about responsible pet ownership.
Malia has told her parents that she would like a Goldendoodle, a hybrid that is part Golden Retriever, part Poodle. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, it is growing in popularity and is considered a great family dog.
It's not likely they'll find a Goldendoodle (pictured above) at a shelter, but perhaps the Obamas can find a pet that their girls will love - and will encourage others to discover the benefits of rescuing a shelter dog.
One of the things I love about dogs is that they teach us so much - about them, about ourselves, about responsibility.
If we give them love and nurturing, they will respond with undying loyalty. Prisoners at Pender Correctional Institution in Burgaw, N.C., are learning these lessons well, thanks to the Pawsitive Partners Prison Program that allows them to work with shelter dogs.
A new version of the program began in September at Pender, but the North Carolina Department of Corrections has conducted similar programs since 2004, according to a spokesman. There are now 18 state prisons running the programs.
Monty's Home, a canine rescue organization, is working with Pender officials to get the program on its feet. The prison system built kennels, and Monty's Home, through donations, is paying for vet bills, grooming and training.
Five rescued dogs (including the one pictured above) are currently going through eight-week obedience classes with about 10 prisoners, who work daily with the dogs. Once the dogs have completed the program, they'll be available for adoption by area families.
Given the stark, isolated condition of prison life, it's a good bet prisoners are learning a sense of responsibility - and bonding with their dogs.
"The unconditional love of a dog, there's nothing like it," Barbara Raab, founder of Monty's Home, told the Wilmington (N.C.) Star-News.
