A dog for P-Noy

We got an email from Bong Natividad, president, Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI).  In his letter he shares his ideas on what kind of dog would make the best companion for President Benigno Aquino III. Let me share with you excerpts of the letter:

“The world witnessed the search for a dog for then-newly elected US President Barack Obama and his family. And after six months, the White House opened its doors to Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, as the newest US presidential pet which is seen as perfect playmates for Obama’s two daughters.”

“Now that the Philippines has at the highest position in the country a certified bachelor, a first in the country’s history, looking for that perfect presidential dog is just as interesting.”

“’For a person like our president, whose hobbies are considered very masculine, a sporting dog would be appropriate because of its rather masculine attitude and stance.”

“Labrador Retrievers are friendly and versatile and can be perfect as P-Noy’s newest best friend. Labrador Retriever also has a reputation as a very well-mannered dog. It is also a good family dog, even with children of all ages. This particular characteristic is ideal as P-Noy has young nieces and nephews like Josh and Baby James, both sons of P-Noy’s sister Kris.”

“Given P-Noy’s hectic schedule as head of state, a Labrador Retriever is a breed of dog that patiently waits for his owner, and approaches him with much love when he arrives.”

“The Labrador Retriever is best known for its great temperament, making it suitable for therapy work. A dog is usually perceived to have that ability to make their people friends feel at ease every time they go near them and hug them. A hug from a Labrador Retriever may be what P-Noy exactly needs now that he is trying to make the country a better place to live in.”

“Nothing else but a yellow Labrador Retriever. Yellow has been the color best associated to the Aquinos’ colorful political careers.”

* * *

Natividad’s choice for a dog for President Aquino is an interesting one.

Let’s see.

All the Presidents’ dogs:US Presdent Barrack Obama with Portuguese Waterdog Bo; President George W. Bush with Scottish Terrier Barney and President Bill Clinton with Labrador Retriever Buddy

US President Geaorge W. Bush was partial to Scottish Terriers. Well-known are Barney and Mrs. Beasly. President Bill Clinton arrived at the White House with his cat Socks. It was only later in his term that he was gifted with a Lab whom he called Buddy.

Although, I do agree with Natividad that a Labrador Retriever would make a great pet for  President Aquino, I also have my own suggestions as to what other breeds may be suited for the President.

Let me add to choices for pet dogs that P-Noy might want to consider, I am of the mind that the President might do better with a medium or smaller sized dog. This way the doggie companion can keep the President company inside his house or out. Here are my four suggestions:

A Miniature Schnauzer is a very friendly lap dog. Unlike the Labrador Retriever the Schnauzer is smaller and can stay inside the house with the President during his lonely nights. Schnauzers like to cuddle if you allow them, and they also know when to keep a comfortable distance if that is what their human prefers.  I own a few Schnauzers and I must say that they are very good with kids. And, since they are Terriers they like to run and jump as much as kids do.

A Scottish Terrier is another good choice. When I was first introduced to the breed I was  told that Scotties like to be an only dog. They are also fiercely loyal to their humans. And, loyalty is one thing that a president truly needs. I guess it explains why Scotties were the fave choice of President Bush.

The Scottie is such a great-looking dog and it always has such regal bearing; there is nothing soft or weak about the Scottie.

A Schnoodle is one of the best designer-breed dogs. It is a mix between a Poodle and a Mini Schnauzer.

The Poodle is one of the most intelligent dogs and it is a great companion for kids and adults alike. So, if the Schnoodle gets the best temperament of the Poodle and the Schnauzer it is truly a winning combination in a dog.

An Aspin to promote everything that is truly Pinoy. The Aspin (Asong Pinoy) is gaining a steady and loyal following of its own. After all, we must be proud of what is truly our own. If President Aquino had an Aspin it would maybe even pave the way further for the recognition worldwide of a truly Filipino dog. That would be a truly a great accomplishment.

* * *

I know P-Noy has to listen to so many people who give him all sorts of advice. I hope he won’t mind if I share with him why I think it would be good if he had a dog.

Dogs listen with all their beings — there is nothing better than a really sympathetic listener. A dog will snuggle right up to you and hang on every word you say. Surely a good listener is hard to come by. People always have so much to say and have so little time to listen. Best of all, doggie companions don’t ask questions, they just listen. 

Dogs make you feel special all the time — how much more fun can it be to have a doggie who is always so happy to see you no matter what the world or anyone else thinks of you. It doesn’t matter if you left hours ago or five minutes ago, a dog’s reaction is always the same. They act like they haven’t seen you forever.

Dogs are all heart, and their hearts are all yours — did you know that dog is God spelled backward? It could only take a great God to know that we need dog companions. For a doggie companion it does not matter what we do to them, they are always there for us.  Even if the President is such a busy person that he might forget about his dog, or even neglect him — doggies somehow find it in their hearts not just to forgive, but to love unconditionally. The love that a doggie companion showers on us never changes no matter what.