Americans Away From Home

Did you know:

1. Who named the puppy?

Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

2. Why name the puppy Bo?

Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley. The Obama daughters chose the name Bo because of their grandfather's nickname, according to the Washington Post. The Washington Post reported in its online editions Saturday night that Obama's daughters chose the name Bo for the pup because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley. The name for the dog was an apparent reference to the singer "Bo" Diddley.

3. When did Bo arrive?

Tuesday, after the girls came home from school.

4. Why this breed?

The Portuguese water dog was chosen because of Malia Obama's allergies. Bo has a non-shedding coat.

5. How many places has Bo lived?

Bo was born in Texas, lived with a family in Washington, D.C., but had to leave; then he spent a month with a trainer in Virginia. The White House is Bo's fourth home.

6. How much did the Obamas pay for the dog?

Nothing. Bo was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy and his wife.

7. Will the Obamas have to deal with training Bo?

Nope! Ted Kennedy knows how to give a gift! He sent Bo for a month of training with his own personal dog trainer in Virginia before Bo was ready for the White House.

8. Is Bo a rescue dog?

Quasi-rescue dog, according to Wayne Pacelle, chief exec of The Humane Society of the United States.

Bo was given up by his first owner because things didn't work with the family's other dog. His second owners are the Obamas. So Bo never was in a shelter or with a rescue group.

Yes, Bo's a rescue dog:

Bo might be a "rescued" dog, according to Cesar Millan, host of the National Geographic Channel's "The Dog Whisperer" and co-founder of a nonprofit foundation to help abused dogs.

No, Bo's not a rescue dog:

Martha Stern, Bo's breeder, said she does not consider Bo a rescued dog, since owners of dogs from her kennel sign contracts requiring them to return the dog if it doesn't work out.

Katie McCormick Lelyveld, a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama, said the Obamas started their search with shelter dogs. "Because this gift came before their pound search sort of was completed, they made a gift to some of the places they were looking." She added that the Obamas are making a donation to the Washington Humane Society.

The Humane Society's view? Their website says, "Thanks, Mr. President, for giving a second-chance dog a forever home."

9. What are Bo's political beliefs?

Unknown. However, Bo's breeders are Obama fans. They named Bo's litter "The Hope and Change" litter.


10. Who'll walk the dog?

Everyone in the family, including the President. "We all have to take turns walking the dog."

11. Where will Bo dog sleep?

When asked, President Obama said, "Not in my bed."

Carole