Predictably, there are mighty strong feelings expressed about the selection by the Obama family of a puppy from a Portuguese water dog breeder. Today I give you the floor and feature your feedback to yesterday’s blog about the Obama family’s pick for “First Dog.” Here are a few comments representative of the torrent of reaction we’ve received thus far.

Thank you for preserving the animal protection movement's ability to continue to work with the Obama administration by your measured response to them acquiring their dog. I am sure you have felt every emotion I and others have felt. I've shed tears in the past few days about the loss of opportunity. I feel heartbroken. But your response is preserving the potential that exists for animals through President Obama. Thanks for putting the animals first, as always. —Susan

I love the optimism with which this blog is written. Every small success counts. It fills me with energy for the next challenge, rather than despair about what did not happen. Bo is also (mostly) a black dog and I understand they are sometimes the most difficult color shelter dogs to find new homes. —Susan Heublein

I agree with you Wayne. Just like with many issues, while we may ask for the moon, we at least usually get a star or two. We all must look at the bright side and thank Obama for at least going the extra mile in not buying from a pet shop or puppy mill. —pjb

I was very disappointed when it wasn't a shelter dog. I have done so many rescues over the years I know how many don't have a happy ever after. Who better but the President of the U.S. to adopt a shelter dog to live in the White House? I thought how awesome, then it didn't happen. Sure I was bummed ... but after reading this was a second-chance dog it did make me feel a bit better. I do wish Bo of course much love, and those two beautiful little girls many happy days with their new best friend … he is adorable. —Jane Holloway

The fact that Bo is a "second-chance" dog from a reputable breeder is still good karma. I'm sure the Obamas scoured shelters and rescue groups before coming to this decision but were unable to find a dog that would be the best fit in the family, especially when one family member is allergic to animal dander. We should praise them for doing their research and exploring all their options on this as the decision wasn't impulsive, which is what ultimately leads to so many animals being given up at shelters. —Shannon

While I hold out great hope that President Obama will be a friend to animals, I am bitterly, bitterly disappointed in the First Family's decision not to adopt a shelter dog as promised. A quick search on Petfinder reveals numerous Portuguese water dogs in rescues and shelters who need homes—including Pepper, who is right in Washington, D.C. If I can find these dogs within seconds, why couldn't the White House? The president has squandered the perfect opportunity to set a great example for the American people about the importance of shelter adoption. For shame. —Joan McKenna Van Rijswijk

I am angry and I emailed my disappointment to him. Out of the millions of dogs in shelters, not one could accommodate his daughter's allergies? Sorry, I don't buy it. The issue of homeless and shelter animals is very important to many people and he needs to realize this. He had an opportunity to set an example and he wasted it. I no longer trust him. —Diane Gallagher

You neglected to mention that the Obamas have said they felt bad about not being able to find a Portuguese water dog in a shelter and are therefore making a donation to one instead. —Dawn

I was extremely disappointed, but not surprised, to hear that President and Mrs. Obama decided to get a purebred dog from a breeder. They missed the opportunity of a lifetime to set an example and rescue a homeless dog. Instead, they took the easy way out. If President and Mrs. Obama had adopted a dog from a shelter, that act alone would have sent thousands of his loyal fans looking to emulate his every move to a shelter looking to adopt a dog. Just as it did when Oprah adopted her latest dog from a shelter. Thousands of her fans followed suit. What will follow now, unfortunately, is a wave of Portuguese water dog buying, followed unfortunately by Portuguese water dog dumping when they are no longer wanted. Nothing changes unfortunately. It is a very sad day indeed for all dogs on death row. —Tia Mills

I understand the hope that the Obamas would bring a rescue dog into their lives. I am a huge proponent of pet adoption, especially given the number of dogs that are euthanized ever year. However, that said, I don't think we can be too hard on the Obamas. Responsible breeders, such as the one they purchased Bo from, are not responsible for the overpopulation of dogs in America. As one dog rescuer pointed out (he was on Oprah, but his name escapes me), "we never get their dogs." These breeders breed selectively and rarely and, on occasion, when a dog like Bo doesn't fit into the family, they require that the dog be returned to them so they can ensure he finds a suitable forever home, and isn't abandoned or worst. Although it would have been wonderful publicity for animal shelters, I believe the Obamas still made an ethical and responsible choice when picking the new First Dog. —BA