Letters: Obama Family Dog

ROBERT SIEGEL, host:

Well, one of yesterday's very serious stories about this presidential transition prompted many of you to email us.

MICHELE NORRIS, host:

That story we're talking about is the search for an Obama family dog.

SIEGEL: In his Tuesday night victory speech, President-elect Obama publicly promised his young daughters that they could take a puppy to the White House.

NORRIS: But in yesterday's story, we also heard Mr. Obama's comments from back in May during a family interview when he expressed some concern.

President-elect BARACK OBAMA: When it's cold outside, that's.

Ms. MICHELLE OBAMA (President-Elect Barack Obama's wife): The dog is done.

President-Elect OBAMA: That's the question that we.

Ms. OBAMA: It's a done deal.

President-Elect OBAMA: The dog - the dog is a done deal.

Ms. OBAMA: Kids, you guys are getting a dog.

President-Elect OBAMA: Who's walking the dog? That is what we're concerned about.

SIEGEL: Katie Libowitz(ph) of Knoxville, Tennessee told us that she laughed when she heard that.

NORRIS: She writes, it struck me as funny because during the Clinton years my husband and I were invited to the White House, and as we were walking in one of the staff had Socks, the Clinton's pet cat, on a leash. As president, Barack Obama needn't worry about the rain, sleet, snow or the heat of Washington, there will always be someone to help the girls out if they protest the walking of their pet.

SIEGEL: And a couple of you contributed to the ongoing debate about what kind of dog the Obama's should get.

NORRIS: Julie Edwards from Missoula, Montana offered this: In all the fuss over the next first Fido I have not heard anyone mention what might be the perfect dog for the Obama family, the greyhound. They require minimal exercise, are excellent pets for older children and are loving and devoted. Ms. Edwards continues, and believe me, I speak from experience. I have three wonderful hounds napping at my feet right now.

SIEGEL: Bernie Dia(ph) of Bergland, Michigan weighed in the Obama's plans to adopt a shelter dog.

NORRIS: She writes, I hope it's a promise they keep that will inspire others to do likewise. We need to realize getting a pet is a commitment to love and support a living creature, not an acquisition of property as a status symbol."

SIEGEL: Well, we'll make sure to follow closely all of the developments in what President-elect Obama called a major issue in his press conference this afternoon, developments including this one.

President-elect OBAMA: Our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but obviously a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me.

NORRIS: Well, we look forward to hearing from you. Write to us by going to npr.org and click on contact us at the top of the page.

(Soundbite of "Wicked P")

NORRIS: We'll learn about the man expected to become press secretary for the Obama administration. That's coming up on All Things Considered. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.