The Prez's "Bo"

How cool is that? The President has a "Bo", too. Though I usually end up calling Borias "Bo-Bo", out of habit. Trying to break it. Though this Bo is really stirring up some major controversy! 

For the record, I believe heartily in adopting and rescuing pets. However, I am not of the belief that things are always so black and white. Some believe that "responsible breeder" is an oxymoron. It's just not the case. Borias comes from a very, very responsible breeder. I know of many who are as well, who don't breed often, don't do it for money, and even rescue their own breed. They breed for the betterment of their beloved chosen breed. 

Borias comes from working lines. He wasn't bred to look pretty in the show ring (though I think he's gorgeous ). He was bred to fulfill the wishes of the originator of the breed, Capt. Max von Stephanitz, to be a great working dog. From Schutzhund lines. This is an awesome sport, in which the German Shepherd Dog was intended to do, as a test of breed worthiness. Dogs who are suitable for breeding have to be highly qualified first, healthwise, temperament wise, and working ability wise. Now, if everyone breeding followed the stringent guidelines like are in place for working GSD, that would be awesome. 

I don't understand the criticism, when the Obamas were clear that they needed a dog who was compatible with a child with allergies. Plus, he was a gift from a beloved friend. He's altered, and is getting training. All of this is highly responsible and a good example. There are going to be people who want a purebred dog, with certain personality traits. Like I adore GSDs. There's a few other breeds I like, but I can't imagine having anything other than a GSD. 

What I think is horrific, is the amount of people who get puppies through pet stores, or the internet. Like ordering something overnight, getting shipped. Puppy mills are finding new sources of buyers this way. Horrible. Back yard breeders, who just think it's rad to breed their dog to make a few bucks, with no regard to health or temperament, or where the pups are ending up. That bugs the hell out of me. I can't stand reading Craigslist pet ads, or the newspaper. People are charging all sorts of money for cross breeds! Ughhh. 

I just think there's a place for people who continue on with the many wonderful breeds there are, particularly those who have a function. People who do herding with Border Collies, the various Ring Sport breeds and such. Agility people look for certain characteristics, and breed for that. None of this is going to contribute hugely to the pet overpopulation problem. It's a drop in the pan next to the other folks I mentioned above. 

So let's give our President and his family a break here. He did was was right for his family, and looks like he got a great dog. And they gave him a very cool name :)