Yes, you can now download an application for your iPhone featuring Bo. You can pet his belly, pet his head and do other realistic things, like make him breakdance. It’s kind of creepy if you ask me. It’s like dog-stalking.

But I guess at least this is going to a good cause. Twenty percent of the $1.99 pricetag benefits the Humane Society of the United States.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Capitol updates: cloned horses. (state capitol)
• Obamas “paws” to show off puppy. (Washington, D.C., page 7a)
• EPA summit tackles issue of bedbugs. (Virginia)
• Scientist claims cloned camel. (United Arab Emirates)
• Dog club offers training. (Oklahoma City)
• Western art gets feminine perspective in local exhibit. (Oklahoma City)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Puppy’s origins raising questions. (Washington, D.C.) (No offense to this story, which questions whether the Obamas dog is a rescue, but there’s really nothing to figure out. The AKC released a statement yesterday naming the dog’s breeders, who live in Dallas. I mean come on, Associated Press reporter. You totally should have read our Pet Show blog entry yesterday!)
• Dogs seized after attack. (Enid)
• Honor will boost stray-pet efforts. (Oklahoma City)
• Art, horse racing come together. (Oklahoma City, page 1d)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

PetFinder.com: “The White House puppy has finally arrived! As Malia and Sasha Obama get acquainted with Bo, their new four-legged friend, everyone at Petfinder.com wishes the Obama family the best. As the No. 1 pet-related Web site in the country and the largest online database of adoptable pets, Petfinder.com has extensive tips and resources for families like the Obamas that are bringing a new pet into their home. Those who want their own White House pup should check out Petfinder.com’s breed directory to learn more about Portuguese water dogs’ traits and characteristics. They can also browse through the 14 adorable Portuguese water dogs and mixes available for adoption on Petfinder.com.”

American Kennel Club: “The American Kennel Club congratulates the Obama family on the anticipated arrival of their 6-month-old Portuguese Water Dog, Amigo’s New Hope, affectionately known as ‘Bo.’ Bo was bred by Art and Martha Stern, long-time breeders who reside near Dallas, TX, and is a littermate of Senator Ted Kennedy’s pup Cappy. The first dog ever owned by the Obama family, as well the nation’s official ‘First Dog,’ this new presidential pup will not only leave a mark on the Obamas’ lives but shine a spotlight on dogs and the importance of responsible dog ownership around the world.”

The Humane Society of the United States: “The Humane Society of the United States 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.”

Stu Freeman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America: “While the PWD is a wonderful family pet, we want to use the increased interest in the breed as an opportunity to educate people about it. We encourage those who may consider adding a Portuguese Water Dog to their lives to do the proper research to ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle.”

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• St. Louis pet group cries foul over prize. (Missouri, Sunday, page 3a)
• Though pay varies, many here earn less. (statewide)
• Churches release sign of new life. (Yukon)
• Questions raised in puppy auctions. (Missouri)
• Zoo’s zebra breaks neck. (Arkansas, Sunday, page 20a)
• Texas war hero helps nab suspects in dog shooting. (Sunday, page 21a)
• Touring production of “The Lion King” goes beyond animated film. (Oklahoma City)
• Film to address dog dealer issues. (Stillwater)
• Zoo animals find ways to celebrate Easter, too. (Oklahoma City, Monday, page 7a)
• Dog Bo to join Obamas. (Washington, D.C.)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

After what seems like a lifetime, the Obama girls finally – FINALLY! – have their dog

President Obama promised his two daughters during the campaign that no matter what happened with the election, they’d get a puppy. For months every dog group in the country – and even some from other countries - told the Obamas what to get. The family announced a few weeks ago they’d go with a Portugese water dog, a breed known to work well with owners who have dog allergies. So after this announcement, Sen. Kennedy gave the girls a pup. He himself owns several water dogs.

I think this choice to give the Obamas a dog was a good one. Yes, Pet Show is endorsing a pet as a gift for the FIRST TIME EVER. The family was getting pressure from all sides, and one of the most important details was whether the family would adopt or buy. A gift eliminates that debate, which probably makes everyone happy in the long run.

Politics aside, look at this dog. He’s hilarious. And whoever put that lei around his neck: genius.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

It seems like the campaign to get the Obama girls a puppy lasted longer than the campaign to get Obama in the White House. But finally – FINALLY – the family has chosen a dog.

The first dog will be a Portuguese water dog.

Our diplomatic relations with Portugal just shot through the roof. The Portuguese love us now!

First Lady Michelle Obama reportedly told People magazine that they chose the breed because it’s good-natured, medium-sized and hypoallergenic. The Obamas will pick up their new pooch some time in April, after they return from a Spring Break vacation.

Some fun facts about Portuguese water dogs:

• They were bred for, surprisingly, water work. They were used to dive for broken fishing net, to carry messages from boats to the shore and to guard boats.
• It has waterproof fur.
• The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983.
• Its coat can be curly or wavy.
• Its the 69th most popular dog breed in America and is climbing the ranks. The Obama choice is likely to draw even more attention to the breed.
• The Top 10 most popular dog breeds in Washington, D.C., are from first to last: Labrador retriever, boxer, golden retriever, poodle, Yorkshire terrier, shih tzu, bulldog, German shepherd, chow chow, pug and cocker spaniel. Maybe the Portuguese water dog will break the Top 10 next year.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• - Getting reins on Obama’s parade. (McLoud)
• - Humane Society offers reward for information on dog’s killing. (Harrah)
• - OU taking nominations for scholarship. (Norman)
• - 10 state dogs promote new lottery game.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

The cat, which was first named India, had its name changed to Willie in 2001 after some complained about the cultural connotations of his original name.

Willie was an 18-year-old female black American Shorthair cat, adopted by the family when their twin daughters were young. When the girls left for college, the cat stayed at the White House, where she died Sunday.

The Bush family also has two dogs. The President’s dog, Barney, is a Scottish Terrier. The President bought his wife a second Scottish Terrier, Miss Beazley, in 2005 as a birthday present.

Newly-elected President Barack Obama is expected to adopt a new dog after he takes office later this month. Obama promised his daughters during the election they could have a dog after the race was over.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

Listen to Pet Show

Vicky Galindo, 8, is a pretty amazing little girl. Her dog, Oreo, was hit by a car this year, and to honor him, she’s raising money to buy two vests for the El Reno police dogs. (This photo shows the two of them together.) She has more than $60 in the bank so far, and she’s got about $1,194 to go.

Dawn gave us some great tips for the new year. Half of them were real. The other half? Dawn is making stuff up.

Here are the big stories we talked about today.

• - Sharks have wimpy bites. What? Yes, really!
• - In case you were wondering, Obama went to the zoo.
• - Pet food settlement money is on the way.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll