Dear President Obama:

I’m sure you’re getting lots of mail these days, and January is sure to be a busy and emotional month for you and your family (not to mention the Nation, the International Community and all those party planners from Pennsylvania Avenue to K Street and beyond!) That’s not what I’m writing about.

Instead, I want to address the issue of that dog you promised to your girls. I’ve been following the family “dog” story closely and I’m hoping you’ll hear me out. I know the AKC thinks a poodle is a good fit for you, and that every breed rescue and community shelter would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to pure bred and mottled-bred dogs. Since my deadline is well before the inaugural events – you may have already selected a dog to bring with you to the new house on Pennsylvania Avenue. But I hope you haven’t -- because moving is a really stressful time for humans – even when we’re moving down the block to smaller digs because we can no longer afford our palatial 920 Square foot 2 Bedroom with one bath for which we paid close to $400,000 just 3 short years ago.

But I digress. Moving is tough – and it’s even more stressful for dogs. Our dogs seem to pick up every nuance in our demeanor and they really don’t like their routines to change.

You, the leader of the free world have an opportunity to be an advocate for pets and their care in your new role. Sure, there may an issue or two world wide slightly more pressing than potty-training a puppy, but let’s not forget that there are more than a few of us who really do believe that you can judge the character of a man by the way he treats his dog.

I implore you to do us dog-lovers proud. Make sure that the dog you bring into your family is a true family pet, not a photo-op when things get tough. Ensure you and the family (and the help you’ll definitely have) are clear on the training rules for the dog so that he’s clear on how to best be part of the family. Personally, I recommend letting him sleep not only in the family quarters but on or near your bed, but that’s not an idea endorsed by my mother, so, it’s really your call on that one.

Your dog will contribute to your family by being part of the family. He or she will need to learn how to be part of your pack and will, as I’m sure you know, require a lot of hands-on time, especially if you get a puppy. The more time you spend socializing and training the puppy, the better for all involved.

Dogs are great at helping us see ourselves without ego or stress. Every single second is a brand new moment for a dog. Have you ever watched a well-behaved dog at a party? For three hours I watched Lacy stare, longingly at the plates being held just above her head by party goers. Did she ever give up? Did she ever say to herself, “this is never going to work, I won’t get a thing,” and slink away? Nope. She made every single moment a moment of hope and dreams and she was content and happy whether she got a morsel of food or not. (yes, I’m guilty, I did “drop” a spot of roast beef as I was cleaning!)

Dogs are meant to keep us grounded, to take us on journeys we never expected and to teach us about patience, compassion and yes, even spirituality. Your dog will be the first dog. The beacon for all the homeless dogs in shelters around the country and the care you give and love you shower on that lucky pet will be a testament to your ability to lead with love and understanding.

Best wishes Mr. President on accomplishing all your goals and visions for a brighter future, I know there will be long, hard days but I am looking forward to your opportunity to reap the benefits of sharing your life with a faithful, loving and always loyal companion!

Dear readers, I have loved writing this column for the past year or so. Dogs and animals are a vital part of my life and without a doubt have given me faith in myself, desire to be compassionate and have modeled for me the behavior I wish to display throughout my life. However, I’m being called to write more extensively on the topics of spirituality, small business and to teach others how to profit from their life purpose, so this is my final Points on Pets column for the Old Town Crier. I’m hoping our paths will continue to cross throughout the area and that you will spend every moment with your beloved animals immersed in joy and laughter!

Peggie

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