Obamas to hold off until spring on First Pup

Despite widespread interest in the future First Pup, the Obamas will wait until spring to adopt a pet, according to his transition staff.

Aides are quick to point out that Obama is not reneging on a promise. When he and his wife Michelle first agreed to let Malia and Sasha have a dog, it was always on the condition that the adoption take place in the spring so they wouldn't be housebreaking the puppy in the winter.

Malia, 10, reportedly wants a "goldendoodle," a golden retriever-poodle hybrid that isn't recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club. Michelle Obama favors a rescue dog but has said any adopted pet must have a hypoallergenic coat because of Malia's allergies.

No decision has been made on the kind of puppy, but America has already given the family plenty of advice. Obama's transition office has been deluged with e-mails and phone calls from people offering their input on the dog's breed and whether it should come from a pound.

Even the Tribune's editorial board weighed in on the matter, urging the public to quit barking out orders.

"We got to pick the president," the editorial said. "Let Sasha and Malia pick the puppy."