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Matt Hickman

Gone to the dogs

Obama chooses Portuguese water dog for the White House. Finally. Now, let's go turn the presidential pooch green.
Thu, Feb 26 2009 at 8:07 AM EST
Read more: ORGANIC PRODUCTS, PETS

UPDATE 4/11/09: Word on the street is that the Obamas' new dog (a Portuguese water dog, the wags tell us) is arriving this week!  I first posted about the White House dog (and how to green it) in January. Here's a quick recap:
 
God bless America; a country that allows a critically panned film about a pet, Marley & Me, to rule the box office for three straight weeks; a country that waits with baited breath over the Obama family’s choice of breed (Portuguese water dog or Labradoodle?) for First Pooch; a country where it's probable that the family dog can have a health insurance plan while its masters go without; a country that has obviously gone to the dogs. 
 
Now that we have the Presidential dog breed situation squared away, what's next? Dog bedding, naturally! Here are a few humble suggestions for the First (or any) family:  
 
Eco Fleece Pet Bed from Trixie + Peanut ($119 – $159)
Trixie + Peanut’s super stylin’, super-soft pet bed comes in three sizes and four different colors. The machine-washable outer slipcover and inner pillow is made from recycled post-consumer plastics; the pillow is stuffed with hypoallergenic “green fiber” filling. 
 
Bozeman Montana-based West Paw Design’s Eco Slumber Bed is made from 85 percent recycled IntelliLoft fiber (made from recycled plastic bottles) and filled with IntelliLoft fiber fill. The bed’s four-patch design will look striking in any modern home. West Paw estimates that in using IntelliLoft for its products, around 198 tons of plastic bottles have been diverted from landfills to date.
Vail Colorado’s Doggyarchy makes four elegant, neutral colored dog beds named after local hotspots: the Boulder Zen (pictured), the Aspen Chic, the LoDo Loft, and the Leadville Iron. The outer bed fabric is made from pesticide-free organic hemp canvas (sides and bottom) and a softer hemp/flax blend is used up top. Inside, the beds are stuffed with organic kapok. Available in four sizes. 
 
Organic Dog Beds from Bella Dogga ($120 - $240)
Bella Dogga’s handcrafted dog beds come in a range of striking, nature-inspired designs   -- the Alfresco, the Meadow (pictured), the Prairie, and the Garden, to name a few -- and sizes. They’re made with organic cotton fabrics and stuffed with super-soft organic kapok.
  
This “fetching” toile print dog bed from Harry Barker (one of many designs) is available in three sizes and five different colors. The machine-washable slipcovers are 100 percent cotton and are azo-free dyed. The beds are stuffed with hypoallergenic filling made from recycled post-consumer plastics. 
 
Hemp Dog Beds from Earthdog ($72 - $128)
Earthdog's line of dog beds come in four whimsical designs/colors: Classic, Paw (pictured), Mystical, and Oh Head. The outer shells of each bed are hand-painted and dyed and are constructed from hemp canvas. The padding inside is recycled poly-cotton and foam diverted from landfills. Ten percent of Earthdog's profits are donated to Kody's Fund, a nonprofit group that supports spay/neuter programs. 

MORE ON MNN:

> Want more eco-dog info? Check out my post about a biodegradable dog house.

> My recommendation for a green dog house for the White House. Although I don't want to get into Ellen's way:

Plus, check back on my blog on Friday ... when I tell you how legendary musician Neil Young is involved with the new White House dog. 

CLOSE link:
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Comments(7)

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Posted By Anonymous - Sun, Apr 19 2009 at 5:42 PM EST

Americas First Dog

Barack Obama is bringing from Europe unique presents
Luxury accessories for America’s First Dog

WOW! All America can see now what will the future presidential dog eat from and where he or she will live. Barack Obama, the president of the USA, is bringing from just finished visit of Europe interesting gifts. Political leaders of European Union prepared for the First American Couple original and witty gifts indeed. On Sunday, Barack and Michelle Obama received in Prague luxury dog.... More

Posted By Kate - Sat, Apr 11 2009 at 4:24 PM EST

More great green ideas - Frou Frou Fido

These are definitely great ideas for pet beds and the like, but don't let the new first dog be a fashion victim! Great clothing and accessories made from 100% recycled materials can be found at:

www.froufroufido.etsy.com

Can't wait to see the new dog and hope for the best! :)

Posted By Windmill Crazy - Sat, Apr 11 2009 at 1:06 PM EST

People Magazine....

says they're bringing the pup home on Tuesday...right after Easter weekend....that dog is going to love the big front lawn!

Posted By Anonymous - Fri, Feb 27 2009 at 10:30 AM EST

So is it a he or she and what name?

Did I miss this info? They couldn't announce the breed of dog and not the sex or name, right?

Posted By Anonymous - Fri, Feb 27 2009 at 12:34 AM EST

I love this Portuguese Water Dog

I'm been a dog lover all of my life [53 years] and have never seen a Portuguese Water dog. My... my... my... just beautiful. Akita's have always been my favorite. I've bred them and have 1 now. I'd love to get one of these Portugese Water dogs in the future after I do more research on them.

Posted By Anonymous - Wed, Feb 25 2009 at 5:04 PM EST

Yay for the Portuguese Water Dog winning!

Don't get me wrong...Labradoodles are great...but I own one of these water dogs & they are the most lovable and loyal dogs you will never want to meet.

Posted By Momof2children - Wed, Jan 14 2009 at 2:21 PM EST

I was reading a bit more about the Portuguese water dog...

...and it really might be the perfect dog for them...friendly, loving, and he will enjoy the grounds of the White House bigtime!

(btw, does the Secret Service walk the First Pups?)

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