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Over the weekend we all heard the news about the addition to the Obama White House, the family’s new dog, Bo. A new pet is a special event for any family, especially when the pet is being given a second-chance at a home, like the Obama’s new Portuguese Water Dog. The Obamas are in the unique position of being advocates by example, and their decision to adopt Bo, who had been returned after being adopted by another family, is a good act to follow. But for many pets across the country, their story may not end as happily.

Nationwide, the Humane Society of the United States has been urging Americans to visit their local shelters to adopt a dog or cat and asking lawmakers to get tough on puppy mills, which churn out young dogs that are then sold to unsuspecting animal lovers.

You can help today by going to your local shelter or breed rescue group for your next pet and visiting TheShelterPetProject.org, a new initiative launching this Summer from the Humane Society, Maddie’s Fund, and the Ad Council.

Here’s the press release from the Humane Society of the United States:

(April 12, 2009) – The Humane Society of the United S tates congratulates the Obamas on bringing a new dog, Bo, into their family, and thanks them for taking in a second-chance dog. Bo is a Portuguese water dog who was apparently returned by the family that originally purchased him.

“Americans can follow this positive example by visiting their local animal shelter or breed rescue group, and giving another dog or cat a second chance at a loving home,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “And President Obama can do even more for animal protection through the policies of federal agencies that deal with the welfare of millions of pets, helping us enforce existing animal welfare laws and cracking down on the national shame of rampant puppy mills in America.”

Families, like the Obamas, who are interested in a particular breed of animal or have special circumstances such as allergies in their household, can turn to their local animal shelter or breed rescue group. About one-quarter of all dogs in shelters are purebreds, many surrendered by their owners like the new First Dog.

Three million healthy and treatable dogs and cats are put down every year in shelters across America. These animals are loving, happy and loyal dogs and cats who ended up in shelters through no fault of their own. Yet, at the same time, there are more than2010,000 puppy mills churning out dogs for the pet trade to be sold to unsuspecting buyers.

The unconditional love of a dog can be particularly welcome for a First family as they face life in the public eye and the stresses of the presidential job. Just about every president has had a pet of some kind, and since the Civil War especially, pets have been a fixture at the White House. Most presidents have been dog owners, and more than fifty dogs have occupied its hallowed hallways. Most of the early cats there were “barn hands,” with Abraham Lincoln the first president to bring one indoors.
“We see faddism when it comes to pet-keeping in the movies, and we may see that scenario play out in the case with the First Family’s selection of a Portuguese water dog,” added Pacelle. “There are reputable breeders of these dogs, yet sadly we expect disreputable puppy mill operators to start producing them as well, intent on cashing in on the heightened awareness of this breed.”

The Humane Society of the United States has joined with pet rescue foundation Maddie’s Fund and the Ad Council for a national public service campaign to encourage shelter pet adoption. The “Shelter Pet Project” campaign will launch nationwide this summer, and an advance look a t the campaign is available at www.shelterpetproject.org.