It's going to be fun having two little girls in the White House. We will be hearing a lot about them and it will help school children relate more realistically to politics. Now we hear that the first item on their agenda is to get a new puppy to take to their new home. Even that decision for our new president will have to be approached with great political diplomacy. There are people hoping he will bring in a shelter/rescue dog and there are people who hope that he will choose a specific breed and give that breed great recognition. Now we are hearing that allergies are a part of the equation and whatever dog it is has to be the most allergy free. That leans toward a poodle or bichon frise. I have had a bichon and know them to be friendly, outgoing little dogs. It would be a good choice. I really lean to a rescue dog. It sends a wonderful message of compassion. There are too many dogs out there that need good homes and are sitting in shelters behind gates waiting for that special someone to give them a forever home. For so many that special someone doesn't come and all hope is dashed.

Last weekend I stumbled on to a very wonderful book for children written by Senator Edward M. Kennedy and illustrated by David Small. It is titled My Senator and Me, A Dog's-eye View of Washington, D.C.. This is a warm and witty book of Senator Kennedy and his dog Splash, a Portuguese Water Dog. Splash had once been a champion show dog in Virginia and had the official name of Champion Amigo's Seventh Wave. This delightful book details a day in the life of Splash, from the moment the alarm clock rings to heading out the door with the Senator to the office. Splash is quite well known on Capitol Hill. He talks about all the monuments he sees from the car windows and going for a ride from the Senate office to the Capitol in an underground tram. Splash describes the discussion between the House and the Senate regarding the Senator's education bill that would improve schools all across the country. It takes kids through the voting process on the bill and gives them an insight on how government works. I highly recommend it as a Christmas gift. Kids can even email Splash at splash@tedkennedy.com As you know, Ted Kennedy is in very bad health right now. It makes me sad for Splash. Dogs are such loyal friends.

Another recommendation I have for a Christmas gift is a pet photo with Santa from Claire Corbin. She will be setting up her cameras for walk-in photos at the Paw Patch on Saturday, December 6th, 2008, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Pictured here is Tiny the Westie, owned by Dr. David Edwards. He came last year and stole the show in his elf outfit. Bring the kids along to be photographed with Santa and their pet. Last year's photos were fabulous. One even featured four dogs! I don't know how she did it but it came out perfect. Come out and see the fun. Pets make you smile.