Presenting The First Puppy of the United States
Somewhere in this country a search is being conducted under the strictest cloak and dagger circumstances the search for the Obama first puppy.
The outcome of secret discussions among Obama family members and their closest confidantes isn’t being made public at this time because of national security considerations. The family may already have decided on the breed but isn’t saying anything publicly. The president has made use of the same intensive search methodology for the first puppy as he’s done for his Cabinet appointees.
The president’s search committee is presently scrutinizing the background and demeanor of the new pup. It wants to be certain that the pup would be up to the rigors of life in the White House and the responsibilities of presidential first puppies. The way in which the new pup deals with the mass media is a crucial element in its selection.
In addition, the new pup will have to be approved by the Senate as is the case with all other Cabinet appointees. The Senate hearings might sound something like this:
Chairman: Mr. Puppy, our Senate committee on presidential appointees has reviewed your resume and would like you to state in your own words why you feel qualified to be the First Puppy of the U.S.
First Puppy: I believe I was destined to become the First Puppy. I knew it the day I was napping in my kennel at the dog breeders when three black limousines showed up and Secret Service agents got out. I watched as they had discussions with the breeders and were then sent over to my kennel. They studied me for what seemed to be an eternity as I played with my toys, stuck my nose through the wiring and sniffed their badges to make sure they were who they said they were.
The agents then interviewed the other puppies in the kennel and asked them if I had the right stuff. I didn’t know what they meant at first but three days later when the president’s two daughters paid me a visit surrounded, of course, by tons of Secret Service agents I knew something was up.
The girls entered my kennel and looked me up and down. I recognized them from the kennel TV set and understood that I was being considered for the top doggie spot in the country. Boy, did I then go through my bag of tricks. I rolled over on my back and let them rub my tummy. I licked their faces. I sat on their laps. I fetched, ran through a hoop and even sang a doggy song.
I knew I had them when they began to cry before they had to leave. So, ladies and gentlemen of the U.S. Senate, the love that has been given to me by the first family during our initial meetings is what qualifies me to be the First Puppy. And, of course, I promise to uphold the constitution of the United States.
Chairman: If approved by the Senate, what will be your primary duties as First Puppy?
FP: The most important item on my agenda for the next four years is to see to it that the president’s daughters are happy. I plan to provide such joy to them that they will grow up to be eternal dog lovers and give something back to American puppies. In addition, I will visit dog kennels throughout the country and encourage puppies to grow up to be useful and productive pets. While it is true that not every puppy can become First Puppy of the U.S. there are still wonderful opportunities for U.S. puppies to become part of very important households.
After all, how could humans survive without puppies around the house to make them laugh and bring out their love? That’s our role. And as First Puppy my job will be to make Americans smile, be kind to one another and open themselves up to love and understanding.
I plan to visit our troops overseas and lick every one of their faces. It’s my sworn duty.
Chairman: This is all very well and good but can the American people count on you not to have accidents on the floor of the Oval Office while the president is meeting with a head of state?
FP: I will have been rigorously toilet trained before I set foot in the Oval Office. But can I in turn be assured that while I’m there the head of state meeting with the president won’t have his own accident?
Chairman: Excellent point, Mr. First Puppy-Elect. My final question to you is do you bring this committee any message to us from the president?
FP: Yes, my new owner and his family want to assure the American people that there are other subjects that should be on the minds of Americans than the economy, wars and politics. When I address a joint session of Congress later this year to give my State of the Puppies address I have the president’s assurances that I can reach out to American puppies everywhere and remind them to count their blessings that they were born in the U.S.
American puppies are blessed and my job will be to remind them of their duties and responsibilities. I intend to submit legislation along those lines to a bi-partisan Congress.
Chairman: Thank you for your candor, Mr. First Puppy Elect. I believe I speak for my entire committee when I say that your approval is in the bag. And now it’s time for all of us to join you to nibble on some delicious Alpos.