Scrappy Underdog

Speaking to People magazine in a Feb. 25, 2009 article, First Lady Michelle Obama appeared to reveal that the family has narrowed down its choices for a White House dog for their children, Malia and Sasha. If all goes as planned, the pup will be adopted in April.

Mrs. Obama told People that the family is planning to go out of town for Spring Break, and should get the dog upon their return. (President Obama had previously mentioned that spring would be better than winter, because the girls might be more willing to walk a dog when the weather is nice.)

It also looks likely that the Obamas will get a Portuguese water dog, perhaps not a puppy, and they would prefer that it be a “shelter dog.”

“The folks we know who own them have raved about them,” Mrs. Obama told People.

However, later in the day Mrs. Obama’s press secretary, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, told the Los Angeles Times that while Michelle Obama likes Portuguese water dogs, “she is only one of four votes,” and no breed selection has been made.

Mrs. Obama also told People magazine that the family hasn’t yet settled on a name for the furry family member. Mrs. Obama said the girls have suggested some “really bad” names so far.