On Obama, hypoallergenic dogs, goldendoodles and allergies

Adoption is the only way to go! Do not breed or buy while shelter pets die--at the rate of 4 million per year! There are rescues for every breed, and nearly every breed can be found in a shelter, though you may have to extend your timeline. Mutts are great, too--after all nearly every American has mixed ancestry, why not their dogs!! And there are many ways to live with allergies to animals. I am allergic to cats and dogs, but my husband and I have several cats and volunteer with two animal shelters.

I'm shocked that on Petfinder it's self I see next to Poodle Mix, Golden mix (goldendoodle)!?!?! come on it's a mix pick one. Lets not support the "designer" breeders out there with this, I feel you should change it!
This mix of the two is still gonna shed and have dandur.....enough already with the "doodles"!!! What happend and what's wrong with, mutt, mixed, mongrel or even heinz 57?
I'm so tired of the "designer breeds" and more and more everyday r ending up in shelters and still people feel that it's okay to spend MORE on the mutt than a purbeed? Hum....

Are you going to publicly castigate the Obamas as you have done with the Bidens if the Obama family does not do what your bidding? Your public judging of others is inappropriate, no matter what qualifiers you use.

in response to the post below about pet hair not being an allergy--this is false. it is "pet dander," which is pretty much the same thing as human dandruff, that causes the allergy in most cases.
But that's beside the point. I love Joe Biden but I am very disappointed to find out that he did not adopt.

I am surprised why Malia Obama is not under sublingual allergen immunotherapy that will help her overcome her allergy to dogs. This a common practice in Europe and VERY effective (for other aeroallergens as well)! Dog allergens' are in the saliva not in the hair of the dogs (pets in general) and in a lesser degree to their urine and secretions. Coat is the vessel to disseminate allergens in the indoor environment.
Kind regards
John Galatas, MD
Consultant, Allergy & Clinical Immunology
Athens, Greece

Sometimes the agency that has the pet you want to adopt in a foster home. The foster home eliminates the need to go to shelters and be bombarded by every sort of dog allergin. In our case when adopting our poodle they brought the dog to us. We interviewed with the agency by way of adoption form and then home inspection with the dog. By handling the dog, and interacting with our pooch in our home, we knew it was a good match. Hope the Obama family finds the best pet for their little girl.

I have fairly severe dog allergies but hoped for a companion dog. I faithfully researched breeds and found out the cross mixes such as cockapoo's or any breed with some poodle are NOT as hypoallergenic as a pure bred poodle. My rescued poodle sleeps with me and I think I shed more then he does. I have him groomed every 4 to 6 weeks and wash him weekly with special moisturizing shampoos. Our dog came to us, loving and happy and smart as a whip. He is a miniature poodle, and runs like the wind and is very agile. He's great with kids. I hope the Obama's find such an animal!!!! I located my dog through petfinder.

Dear Obamas, We hope you will consider adopting a cat or kitten for your family as well as a dog. There are several cat rescues conveniently located near to DC. And many cats are easy on allergy sufferers. thanks for wanting to help save a life. CUDDLYCATS.PETFINDER.COM

If Malia tests positive for dog allergies, there are no shots for this. Since she also has asthma, a dog could trigger an asthma attack. It's not so much about fur shedding as it is about the protein in dander, saliva and urine. My husband is severely allgeric to anything with fur and has asthma. He was told by his allergist that ANY dog could give him an attack.

However, with some dogs the coat minimizes the dander's rise to the surface. Also, some dogs have more or less of the protein that makes people allergic (some dogs smell less "doggy" and these seem to be the ones with a lower protein/dander) . It's about finding a dog that will do the least damage (the smaller the better) and keeping all surfaces clean, vacuumed, air filtered, and the dog washed and brushed regularly.

We finally settled on a Havanese --small dog, less dander and great with all ages. My husband can tell when Sophie needs a bath or we need to clean or turn the air purifier on because he gets more wheezy. When Sophie licks him he gets hives! But he loves her to death and lets her lick him anyway.

If the Obama's get a dog, they will need to keep it out of Malia's bedroom. Hardwood floors don't harbor dander like carpet, and steam/hot water heat is better than forced air so the dander is not blown around. The cleaning/remodeling staff will need to be on their toes!

The Obamas should do some weekend doggie sleepovers. That is how we decided on a dog we could live with. Petfinder has some Havanese listed, or they can contact someone at www.havaneserescue.com

I hear that you are interested in a designer dog breed to address the allergen concern. Please consider that these dogs are not recognized as responsible breeding by any reputable kennel club, but are the result of greedy irresponsible breeders, taking advantage of a fad. This breeding trend is only filling our shelters with even more homeless dogs, originally purchased for all the wrong reasions.

Should you choose one of these type dogs, even from a rescue source (which I applaud), the entire country will consider this a mark of approval to continue this irresponsible type of breeding. Please keep in mind the powerful example you will set for the entire world!!

I am sure there are many homeless doges that are of recognized hypo-allergenic breeds, without reinforcing an irresponsible fad.

Thank You,
Susan Madigan
Bakersfield, California

click on this link or type in this link and see the shelter dog that is perfect for the Obama family. He is a dog that is here on petfinder. This is the story that the Atlanta news did on "Howie", a shelter dog available with the Georgia SPCA. http://www.cbs46.com/video/17941229/

The Obamas should be as lucky with their dog search as I was!

I got my dog (a Shih Tzu/Pomeranian) from a rescue 4 years ago when he was 4 years old. He is adorable, very loyal, doesn't shed nor need a lot of grooming (even tho I keep his coat the full length), nor does he require a lot of exercise. He hardly barks, is an easily-manageable 15 lbs., and is so sedate and well behaved that this fall he was invited (by the bride) to attend a country wedding off-leash. He was the only dog there, wore a black bow tie, was very agreeable with everyone, and loved wandering the church and church yard. Of course, I loved having him there (as did the photographer)!

Re: allergies, I've found with my cats that a high-quality canned-food diet (Innova Evo) greatly reduces shedding and dander. My dog is also on canned and dry Evo.

Best wishes to the Obamas and the lucky dog they choose!

Why do you people insist on suggesting a dog that is trying to be a Portuguese Water Dog. .Any Doodle anything can't guarantee hypoallergenic. Just get a PWD. Instead of a freakin' designer dog that cannot guarantee they don't shed. My PWD DOES NOT SHED. NOT ONE LITTLE BIT. They come in all colors. Dark, light, chocolate. They are truly the perfect animal.

Thank you for deciding to adopt a dog for your family. You will find many adoptable pets from which to choose at www.petfinder.com

There are many choices of pets in shelters and rescue organization that are classified as "hypoallergenic" such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, Schnauzers, Yorkies.

I understand you are going to delay your addition until possibly spring. That will allow you plenty of time to research the right pet for your family so you will have a chance at a more successful adoption.

Please do not limit your choices to just puppies. There are many adults that need loving homes as well.