Another Texan Takes Up Residence in White House

Another Texan has taken up residence in the White House.

The 6-month-old Portuguese water dog that the Obama girls are naming Bo was bred in Wise County in the town of Boyd, Texas.

A statement Monday from the American Kennel Club says the group congratulates the Obama family on the anticipated arrival of Bo, whose registered name is Amigo's New Hope. AKC says Bo was bred by Art and Martha Stern, who run Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs in Boyd, about 35 miles northwest of Fort Worth.

Bo's mother, Penny, still lives in Boyd with Art and Martha. The couple has been raising Portuguese Water Dogs for more than 20 years.

Stern said the Obamas should expect a very energetic, curious dog.

"He'll be picking up everything you lay down on the floor, and investigating everything you're doing, and putting their nose everywhere they shouldn't," Stern said laughing.

President Obama made a promise to his two daughters on the campaign that he'd get them a dog. But the type of dog has been a closely held Washington secret. Stern said she's been in on the biggest secret in Washington for a few weeks.

"My mother is just flabbergasted, because I didn't tell her," Stern said. "My mother's 93 years old and I didn't
tell her and so she found out yesterday and she's going 'What are you talking about?'"

Bo is a gift from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who has several Portuguese water dogs. AKC said Bo is a littermate of Kennedy's puppy, Cappy.

Stern said Bo was originally bought by another Washington D.C. family, but the pet wasn't getting along with another dog. Instead of sending the dog back to Boyd, Texas, Stern said Senator Kennedy's wife intervened.

Stern said she doesn't allow her dogs to go to a rescue if an owner has a problem with the dog. She said no matter how long after the dog has been with a family, they can always return it to her for a good life.

Stern said when Ms. Kennedy called her and told her she was giving the dog to the Obamas, she was excited. 

"But I couldn't say anything. I was sworn to secrecy," Stern said.

On the Net:
http://www.akc.org/poll/special/presidential.cfm
http://amigopwd.home.att.net