Do They Need a Dog-Sitter?

The Obamas are getting a dog!!  I mean, we knew that already, but now they're really almost getting a dog.  And Michelle Obama can't believe the amount of attention the future First Dog is generating.

Why not? I wonder.  Everyone loves puppies.  Even if you're a cat person, you still probably feel a little "awwwwww" run through your heart when someone mentions how two little girls who wanted a puppy for the longest time are finally getting a dog.  A best-friend-forever to run around with, roll on the floor with, shout and bark and make a wonderfully loud ruckus with, and to curl up with on cold, dreary days when nothing seems to be going your way.  

The idea of a new dog for the Obama girls lets me relive my own favorite dog moments.  I remember standing in the pound peering through cage after cage, searching for a dog that "looked right."  I remember calling everyone I knew in the first grade to let them know that I HAD JUST GOTTEN A DOG!  I remember the long walks, the one-sided heart-to-heart discussions, the endless games of fetch and the games where I fetched and Maizie watched.  

Everyone needs a dog, in my opinion.  Okay, I realize that not everyone likes dogs, some people are allergic to dogs, and some people just can't stand the thought of walking it and feeding it and cleaning up its messes.  Cats could substitute, I suppose.  Maybe.  But imagine, wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone could count on the unconditional love that a dog provides?  If everyone had someone to listen to them without ever complaining or getting bored?  If everyone had to learn the give-and-take aspects of a close relationship, as in, you rub my tummy and I'll gaze adoringly into your eyes as you keep talking.  Or, you feed me every day and give me a treat now and then, and I'll meet you at the door after school with my tail wagging so hard that I wiggle with excitement.  

Yeah, everyone needs a dog.  It's a responsibility-teaching, stress-relieving, happiness-making commitment.

That's why I'm so excited about the First Dog.  I admire the Obamas immensely and think they have two of the cutest, most well-behaved girls on the planet, but I think that their life is about to get 100% better with a dog.  I just hope they aren't too disappointed that the best dog- Maizie- is already spoken for.