First pup Bo a DOT insider

I hope by now many of you have seen the photos of Bo, our nation's First Pup, posted on the White House blog. Truly a cute and energetic addition to the thriving Obama household.

Turns out that young Bo has ties that lead right here to DOT and a similarly energetic but more mature Portugese Water Dog named Pooka, owned by DOT's own Janet Forsgren.

Follow me if you can: Bo was born of Penny, who lives on Martha and Art Stern's farm. Penny was born of Pooka, who also was bred by the Sterns until Penny herself was of breeding age. At that point, Pooka, Bo's maternal grandmother, came to live with Janet.

Yet another example of the strong ties between this agency and the White House.

Janet tells me that 9-year-old Pooka is a loyal dog and great companion with "the waggingest tail east of the Mississippi." Apparently Janet's parents, George and Jane Rice of Williamsburg, have made a habit of taking her Portugese Water Dogs home with them when they visit, and they are now taking care of Pooka and Janet's first PWD, Cosmos. If you know them, please don't tell them that Janet now has a 3rd PWD named Taylor, also from the Stern farm.
 

In fact, when word first hit the streets that President Obama was looking for a hypo-allergenic family dog, Janet's dad, George Rice, suggested to Janet that she call the Sterns and have them tell Senator Kennedy to recommend to the Obamas a PWD from their farm. She hesitated, but the Kennedys were already out in front of the idea. Bo is indeed a gift from the Senator.

No matter whose idea, we at DOT welcome Bo to the Administration and wish the Obamas all the pleasure and warmth a dog can bring to a home.
Bo (courtesy of Pete Souza and White House Blog)

Comments

[Tom H.]

Dogs rule! Thanks for the photos...

[John]

Being a dog lover I know how much joy they will bring to the White House.

[Auckland Building Inspections]

I live on a farm in the South Island of New Zealand and actually have a German Shepard and a Portugese Water Dog as house pets. They both get on brilliantly together.

[Dave R. - Shakeology]

Beautiful Dog! My next door neighbor used to have one and Seeing the wonderful photos here brought back some great memories of playing with Otis (dogs name) in their back yard.

[Johnny Lukas]

Ohhhh very cute

[tips to getting pregnant]

I like this dog. It believe this dog must have gov protocol.

[Ed T - Truth About Abs]

We had one a few years ago and believe it or not, but they actually made excellent guard dogs. Yeah, crazy but they really are very protective and have nothing but love for children.

[Gabrielle]

How sweet! Love seeing cute Bo on here.

[Explow]

I love dogs. I love famous people. hence, i love famous dogs!