White House photo by Lawrence Jackson
The president acknowledged the public and media attention, saying Bo “is a star; he has star quality.” He also told reporters that family members will take turns walking the dog, but that Bo will not be allowed to sleep in the president’s bed.
Along with First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha and Malia were on hand for the introductions as well.
Bo, White House photo by Pete Souza
A photo of Bo, the Obama family dog, was released as part of the official White House blog today. Bo sports a bright Hawaiian lei. The Portuguese Water Dog is a gift to Sasha and Malia from Senator and Mrs. Ted Kennedy.
It looks like the Obama family is getting a Portuguese Water Dog that Sasha and Malia have already named “Bo,” The Washington Post, the Associated Press and The New York Times reported late Saturday night, April 11. The AP said an anonymous White House source confirmed the news.
The dog is said to be a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, or at least from the same breeder the Kennedys got their Portuguese Water Dogs from.
The Washington Post, in what it called a “puppy exclusive,” reported online that the name Bo was chosen in honor of Michelle Obama’s father, who was nicknamed Diddley. Here’s what the Post reported: “The girls named it Bo — and let it be noted that you learned that here first. Malia and Sasha chose the name, because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because first lady Michelle Obama’s father was nicknamed Diddley, a source said. (Get it? Bo . . . Diddley?)”
The article elaborated: “Bo’s a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the White House, he’s got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee.”
The dog, who is said to be 6 months old and previously owned by another family, has yet to arrive at the White House, the official told the Post.