White House hopes...

When I took our dogs out this morning, they seemed a bit distracted. They just couldn't quite concentrate, and it wasn't because of the squirrels.

Nope.

It seems they are quite concerned as to the future of the White House: it's four-legged inhabitants, to be specific.

You see, the White House has been occupied for the past several years by two very distinguished, very proud little Scotties: Barney and Miss Beazley.

And as you might know, the Obamas will bring a new dog into the house after the Scotties move on.

While our girls will be quite sad to see such wonderful dogs move out, they are increasingly hopeful that yet another Scottie will be chosen to roam the Rose Garden. Before I left the house today, they provided me with a list to share, noting the benefits of adding a Scottie to the Obama family:

1. Scotties are quite opinionated and tenacious, thus making them valuable advisers to any policy issue that might arise on the Hill.
2. Scotties will keep the White House free of any potential rodent, specifically squirrels, which can be quite pesky. No worries of any mice on the premises when a Scottie is on the lookout.
3. Scotties will dance on command, and can be very adept at breaking any awkward silences that might occur when greeting foreign dignitaries. If any new Scottie needs training, Bella has offered to train them, as she happens to really love to dance. Her favorite song, of late, is "I like to move it, move it" as well as that Indian song at the beginning of "Inside Man".
4. Scotties can go from a day to evening look in mere minutes, requiring very little grooming.
5. Scotties like rope toys and peanut butter. (I'm not sure how this fits in with the whole "White House" theme, but I think Bella and Zoey just wanted to remind me...)

That was the extent of their list from this morning, but I'm sure it's so short simply because they got distracted and thought that they heard a squirrel.

So Obamas, please take these wise words into account when choosing your new pet.

Barney and Miss Beazley, I think Bella and Zoey speak for all Central Texas Scotties when they say that you will be missed.

Until next time...B & Z