Obama household gets new addition as Sasha, Malia pick first pooch
Last Updated: Sunday, April 12, 2009 | 6:43 PM ET
The Associated Press
In this undated photo released by the White House, the Obama family's new dog, Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, is shown in Washington. (Pete Souza/Associated Press/the White House)U.S. President Barack Obama appears ready to deliver on another campaign promise — one he made to his daughters on election night back in November.
Obama is about to welcome a new member into his White House household, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog named Bo.
The black-and-white puppy, a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, is expected to make his official debut on Tuesday.
Obama's young daughters are said to have named the presidential pooch in a selection process that was one of the White House's most tightly kept secrets.
"We couldn't be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha," Kennedy said in a release.
"We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls — and their parents — will love theirs, too," Kennedy said.
The Washington Post reported in its online editions that the girls chose the name Bo for the pup because their mother Michelle's father was nicknamed Diddley. The dog's name is an apparent reference to legendary rock 'n' roll singer Bo Diddley.
Obama promised his daughters a puppy during the campaign and repeated his pledge on the night he won, telling them they had earned it after a long campaign.
The Obamas had said their choice came down to either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle — a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever — because they are considered good pets for children who have allergies, as their daughter Malia does.
