Of course ....

Being that all anyone wants to talk about is President-elect Obama's dog-to-be; let me join right in. That way I don't have to talk about the important things going on like Robert Malley.

We have had the "mutt like me" stuff and the hypoallergenic focus groups - so when I say this - I just about decided to become a hermit.

I've got nothing against 3-legged dogs ---- for the last three years of her over 13 year life, my wonderful dog and first child had more meds than both of my parents combined. The last year, I had to pick her up - so I won't fault lov'n sick dogs.

It is the visual that is so disturbing. At first, I thought this was going to be the First Dog - but when you read this story, you realize it isn't the case.

Jana Kohl reached out to Barack Obama as far back as 2005 regarding dog adoption and her larger campaign to end puppy mills. It was then Barack Obama promised Dr. Kohl that he would indeed adopt if he was to get a dog for his children. Obama is featured in a compelling and stunning portrait with Baby (who is hypoallergenic), Kohl's 3-legged rescue dog and puppy mill survivor, in the book A Rare Breed of Love (Fireside, Simon and Schuster). Jana Kohl reached out to Barack Obama as far back as 2005 regarding dog adoption and her larger campaign to end puppy mills. It was then Barack Obama promised Dr. Kohl that he would indeed adopt if he was to get a dog for his children. Obama is featured in a compelling and stunning portrait with Baby (who is hypoallergenic), Kohl's 3-legged rescue dog and puppy mill survivor, in the book A Rare Breed of Love (Fireside, Simon and Schuster).

When it comes time for a dog, there are plenty of 3-legged dogs if he likes them he could adopt that don't look so, well, French.

Because, as all good leaders and successful men do, VADM Harvey continues to attempt to mentor me towards offering solutions - so to try to meet the standard he has defined for me; here we go.

We have plenty of American breeds and mixes to choose from like this, this, this, this, and this. If you want to be all sappy about it, I know there are plenty of these around from Where the Red Fern Grows.

A dog says a lot about its owner. Nuff said. Go American. Rescue if you can - all of these have rescue organizations. Just don't have that expression on your face when you get a picture taken. It isn't Presidential.

One last note for President Elect Obama. As I have said, I actually think you are a fine fellow - I just don't like your policies and world view. As a dog lover though - thanks for the mutt comment. Breeders have ruined so many lines of dogs. Nice way to use the bully pulpit - small, but good - and it doesn't hurt your image, even amongst us clingers.