Place your vote for favorite presidential pup

Who cares about the tanking economy, war in the Middle East, or key cabinet appointments? The Obama family's domestic agenda is topped by the need to pick America's Next Top Dog to romp through the halls of the White House.

Barack Obama's final campaign promise - "Sasha and Malia ... you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House" - figures to be one of the first he fulfills.

Obama has ordained that the First Pet has to be hypoallergenic and come from a rescue group or shelter.

And it should only bite pesky reporters on command, unlike Barney Bush, the Scottish terrier, who - in a fit of temper after last week's election - broke the skin on a reporter's finger.

Ruh-roh, the new prez doesn't want that kind of attention.

So, we're going to help the Obamas out. Several local rescue groups are nominating their top candidates to become the next First Pet. See their pictures, read their campaign pitches, and vote for your favorite contender at gazette.com.

Maybe you'll even find your new best friend while you're there.

Local pet rescue groups said they were heartened when the Obamas expressed their desire to adopt a rescue dog.

"We're very excited about it," said Lauren Fox of Colorado Springs All Breed Rescue & Training. "And I hope he doesn't go with just a regular poodle. There are some other, lesser-known hypoallergenic breeds. Poodles are kind of boring and they have the reputation as froufrou dogs. They're not a froufrou family."

The history of presidential pets stretches back to George Washington's many dogs. There's even the Presidential Pet Museum in Virginia. And when you're in the Oval Office, it's hard to find someone to trust.

"If you want a friend in Washington," Harry S. Truman once said, "get a dog."

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CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0226 or bill.reed@gazette.com

READ THEIR BIOS BELOW AND VIEW THEIR PICTURES HERE. THEN VOTE IN THE COMMENT FIELD ON THE DOG PICTURE OF YOUR CHOICE.

PET BIOGRAPHIES

Sunshine, Mariah's Promise

My name is Sunshine, and I'm a 10-month-old American staffordshire terrier. I got my name because I bring brightness and light to everyone I meet. I am already spayed, micro-chipped and I've never met a stranger -- two-legged or four-legged.

As the first pet, I would be a symbol of survival despite discrimination.

Because of my breed - some people would call me a pit bull - I have faced negative stereotypes my entire life and learned to overcome. My former owners live in a restricted area where prejudice abounds, and my kind isn't allowed. So, I'm ready to take my fight to the White House, to show everyone that I'm full of love instead of aggression, and that you can't always judge a dog by its fur.

Sampson, Dreampower

I am a 6-year-old chocolate Lab who would be an ideal first pet. I'm an honest, fun-loving, all-American dog. I would specialize in breaking the ice with foreign diplomats at the White House because I am an expert at easing tensions. I would definitely indulge in the massive lawns of the White House, but would never bite a reporter!

Max, All Breed

I'm Max, a young, German shorthaired pointer mix. I know how to have a good time, and I can't wait to hit the ground running on the White House lawn. I'm about 65 pounds, so people can't miss me. And I've already been snipped, so no worries there.

You know, after a hard day's work as the leader of the free world, there's nothing like a game of tug-of-war or catch-me-if-you-can to lighten the mood. Just consider me the Secretary of Lighthearted Fun. Your girls should be big enough that I won't knock them over too much.

Louie, Safe Place

My name is Louie and I am a 9-year-old, neutered, male lhaso apso. Did you know that from DNA they can tell that my breed is one of the 14 most ancient? My honorable ancestors were interior guard dogs in monasteries in Tibet, and I think my skills would translate well to the White House. We are very alert and have keen hearing, and we are generally a little suspicious of strangers but very loyal to our human companions. And frankly, a lot of the politicians who walk into the White House are suspicious characters.

Despite my noble lineage, I have fallen on hard times. My owner - who was only in his 30s - died and left me behind. Then, when I went to live at my grandparents' house, I was attacked by a bigger dog. So, the stitches from that scrape are yet to come out.

If anyone needs a dose of change, Mr. President, it's me.

Hildi, Dreampower

I am a 3-year-old boxer, staffordshire terrier mix. I have had a very rough young life and I was down and out when I came to Dreampower. Now, I am happy, hopeful and ready for a change! Because of this my keepers at Dreampower believe I embody the epitome of the American spirit. No matter what comes my way, I stand up proud and hopeful for the future. If I were first dog I would make sure the President always remembers to protect and fight for the American people. I would take care of the first family and enforce courage during the stressful times. I would also fight for tolerance for all! This includes staffordshire terriers and other dog breeds out there who have gotten a bad rap. Equality for all!

Digby, All Breed

I'm Digby, a brave, fun-loving, shih tzu looking for a new home. I like to play and I love to snuggle. I am also very curious and love to explore. I get along with anybody, so I think I'd fit right in with the first family and the hubbub of the White House. I occasionally like to mark things, but who doesn't?

Charlie, Humane Society

Hi, my name is Charlie, and like every American dog, I have a story to tell. I'm a very sweet 8-year-old cocker spaniel mix who was abandoned at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region because my owners lost their home and couldn't take care of me anymore. When I came in, I was scared, homeless, and my coat and nails were so neglected that I was in pain. And for a little while there, as I waited alone in the "night drop" kennels at the shelter, it seemed like things could only get worse.

But this is America, and I'm a dog, and thanks to those two facts, I never lost my hope. The staff and volunteers at the Humane Society gave me love and groomed me, and just the fact that someone would care about my needs made me feel so much better. Then they told me that some guy with a funny name, Barack Obama, had just been elected President and that he needs a dog for his kids. That made me really excited, because I think I'd be an awesome dog for a family with kids his daughters' ages. Plus, they said that this guy was all about hope, and hope is pretty much all I have to go on right now. Also, like President-Elect Obama, I have a funny name (well, for a girl dog), and I have kind of big ears too!

So what I want to ask you is, can I find a loving home with the Obama family? Yes I can!

Can I make the Obamas happy by giving them love, companionship and kisses? Yes I can!

Can I be a best friend and comfort Malia and Sasha when they feel sad? Yes I can!

Can I heel by President Obama's side while he leads the free world? Yes I can!

Can I be the best dog the Obamas have ever owned? Yes I can! Yes I can! Yes I can!

Um, and one last question... Can I have a little bed right in front of the presidential fireplace? I like to be nice and snuggly-warm when I nap.

Feisty, Safe Place

Hey, over here! I am talking to you! My name is Feisty (fitting, huh?) and I am a 9-year-old spayed female rat terrier. Actually, I have a very sensitive side, as a very outgoing lap dog. Not only do I like laps, I also get a kick out of walking and playing. And that lawn at the White House looks real nice. You can count on me for a good time. And, Barack, I can tell from your choice of that Rahm Emmanuel guy that you like a watchdog with a little spunk.


Otto, Pals Forever Animal Rescue

My name is Otto and I am a min pin/manchester mix. I think I should be the dog chosen to go to the White House because I am looking forward to running that house and all the people in it. Also I am just waiting for a reporter to try to pet me. I have a surprise for him. I dont mind at all if my owners tell me what to do, in fact Im a happier dog if they keep me with them and are ready to tell me what they want. I will protect them too. I am a neutered male and I am only 2 years young.


Wrigley, Mill Dog Rescue Network

Wrigley is a 8 week old female Goldendoodle who would love to be adopted by Sasha & Malia. Although Wrigley was rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri, a state that went to McCain, she is happy to be currently in the blue state of Colorado. Wrigley's fur is hypo-allergenic, meaning that even with her allergies, Malia will have no problems walking and taking care of her. Like Obama, Wrigley came from a meager background, and is anxious at the possibility to become the first dog.

CONTACT THE ORGANIZATIONS

Mariah's Promise Animal Sanctuary, 719-687-4568 / 719-651-4733

Dreampower Animal Rescue, 390.7838, www.dreampower-arf.com

Safe Place Colorado Pet Rescue, 359-0201, www.safeplacepets.org

Mill Dog Rescue Network, 888-495-DOGS, www.milldogrescue.org

Pals Forever Animal Rescue,

Colorado Springs All Breed Rescue, 964-1974, haveanicedog.org

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 473-1741, www.hsppr.org

Are you a rescue group that would like to nominate your own candidate? It’s not too late. Send us a picture and story ASAP at bill.reed@gazette.com.