Published: November 29, 2008 11:32 pm      

White House dog contest: Favorites include Yorkies, Shih Tzus

The following are excerpts from “Pick The presidential Pooch” essays:



I think the Obamas should choose a Yorkshire terrier as their dog. I think this because I have one and I would not give him up for anything in the world!!!

... My dog is very active, loves adventure, is brave, loyal, clever, and most of all CUTE!!!! They are an awesome dog for kids.

... This dog will be great for the president and his family because they have to travel a lot, and since this breed of dog is very small, it won’t take up much space, and they can take it almost anywhere!

Kiera LoBoi

5th grade

East Side Elementary School



I think the Obamas should get a Lhasa apso because they don’t shed, they rarely bark and they are soooo cute!

I rescued my Lhasa apso seven years ago and she’s been the best dog. The Obamas should rescue a dog because they make the best pets. They are so much more thankful for everything you do for them.

The Lhasa apso dog is from China. They last about 14 years and they are easy to take care of. Their sweet disposition is hard to beat! They are affectionate, obedient and lively. Taking them for walks is the highlight of their day! They get along with other people as well as other animals.

Shay L. Roth, 9

Richland Elementary School



I have selected a West Highland white terrier for the Obama’s White House pet. This tiny dog has white hair about 2 inches long. It has about a 15-year life period. This is pretty long for a dog to live.

The lively little pup is easy to train and loves to play with children any time he gets a chance. ...

The West Highland white terrier is perfect for the Obamas’ White House pet.

Kayla Leventry

East Side Elementary School

I celebrated my 4th birthday on Nov. 5 and my very best surprise was a 3-month-old Shih Tzu puppy.

I named her Bella Rose.

She is so sweet and so much fun. I really love her. She is very friendly and has a calm personality; she hardly every barks. Mom says the Shih Tzus don’t shed. That could be a good point for the Obama girls, since one of them has allergies.

I know that Malia and Sasha are older than me, but I think they would love a little Shih Tzu with their cute little faces and soft, silky fur.

Bella and I race up the yard to Grandma and Pap’s house. I used to win but now Bella almost always gets there first. We really had fun playing together in the autumn leaves.

Grandma and Pap helped me with this essay. I hope that’s OK.

Love,

Ashlyn Reighard, 4

Sidman



I have two dogs. One is a golden retriever named Casey and the other is toy fox terrier named Libby.

Casey ... is 7 years old. You can put your hand on them when they are big. Your girls will love the dogs. They do get big. They are nice, good and do not go to the bathroom in the house. They like people, dogs and animals. I am done talking about Casey. If you get a gold retriever you will love her or him.

Libby ... sleeps with you, sits with you. If you are sick, she will sit or sleep with you. If you have a fireplace she will sit in front of it. They do not get big.

One thing about Casey she plays in the snow!

I want you to get two dogs for your daughters. Because it will be fun!

Tessa Gittings, 8

Colver



If I were to pick the dog for the Obamas I would choose the Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie).

The first reason I would pick the Yorkie is because it has a beautiful coat of fur that is silky and does not shed.

Also, the second reason I would pick the Yorkshire terrier is because even though it is very small, it is a clever, loyal, playful, cute and loving dog.

The third reason I would pick the Yorkie is because they are very caring and will become attached and protective to whoever loves and cares for it back.

Those are all the reasons I chose the Yorkshire terrier as the Obama’s dog.

Kassidi Kabler

East Side Elementary School



Out of all the dogs in the world, I believe you should get a Labrador retriever.

They are sweet, kind and gentle with kids. They come in different colors like black, chocolate or golden yellow. They can be up to 100 pounds and are very playful.

Unfortunately, they chew until they are about four years old, so you will always have to have a toy. ... Sometimes they can get on your nerves, but you got to love them! ...

I have two black labs at home. One is Jack and the other is Max. Jack is almost 13 years old and is still very healthy. Max, our other dog, is almost 2 years old. He is still very playful and chews a lot, while Jack lays down most of the time. It is neat to watch them play together, so maybe you could get two dogs. ...

Holly Chappie, 10

Windber



I believe the Yorkshire terrier should be the dog of the Obama White House. I think this because they shed little to no hair. ... Yorkshire terriers live to be 12 to 15 years old.

The Yorkshire terrier is black and tan. Some have long hair and some have short hair. They are very intelligent and like toys. They are outgoing and friendly to new people. The dog behaves the way the owner trains it to behave. ... This dog likes to spend time with people and loves kids.

This is why the Yorkshire terrier should be the next White House dog.

Hunter Drysal

East Side Elementary School