Nelson's dog, Arbo, is the president of Labradoodles for Obama.
Greg Nelson was watching TV at the gym on Sunday when Barack Obama told ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos that his family has narrowed down its dog choice to two breeds: Portuguese water dog and Labradoodle. Nelson, a miniature-Labradoodle owner, had an idea.
To generate enthusiasm about the Labrador-meets-poodle mix, Nelson went home and started Labradoodles for Obama. By Monday, he’d purchased the domain Labradoodlesforobama.com, set up a Web site, elected his dog, Arbo, to head the group, and drafted a letter to the Obama family urging them to choose the breed. In the coming days, he’ll add a petition function so readers can add their names to the letter, as well as a blog and a button for donating to the Washington Humane Society. Nelson also plans to place ads in local publications to promote his cause.
Nelson, a marketing and consulting specialist, got Arbo from a breeder a year and a half ago. He’s since fallen in love with the breed, pointing out that Labradoodles “have the demeanor of a Lab and the intelligence of a poodle.” A Labradoodle would be a good fit for the Obamas, he says, because it’s a great family dog and loves being around people. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic—good news for Obama’s daughter Malia, who’s allergic to dogs.
Of course, Nelson also has personal reasons for starting the group: He’s hoping for a doggie play date on the White House grounds. “I own the closest single-family home to the White House on 16th Street,” says Nelson, who calls himself “the President’s neighbor.” “I’d love for my dog to get to play on the south lawn someday.”
President’s Neighbor Lobbies for Labradoodle
Greg Nelson was watching TV at the gym on Sunday when Barack Obama told ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos that his family has narrowed down its dog choice to two breeds: Portuguese water dog and Labradoodle. Nelson, a miniature-Labradoodle owner, had an idea.
To generate enthusiasm about the Labrador-meets-poodle mix, Nelson went home and started Labradoodles for Obama. By Monday, he’d purchased the domain Labradoodlesforobama.com, set up a Web site, elected his dog, Arbo, to head the group, and drafted a letter to the Obama family urging them to choose the breed. In the coming days, he’ll add a petition function so readers can add their names to the letter, as well as a blog and a button for donating to the Washington Humane Society. Nelson also plans to place ads in local publications to promote his cause.
Nelson, a marketing and consulting specialist, got Arbo from a breeder a year and a half ago. He’s since fallen in love with the breed, pointing out that Labradoodles “have the demeanor of a Lab and the intelligence of a poodle.” A Labradoodle would be a good fit for the Obamas, he says, because it’s a great family dog and loves being around people. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic—good news for Obama’s daughter Malia, who’s allergic to dogs.
Of course, Nelson also has personal reasons for starting the group: He’s hoping for a doggie play date on the White House grounds. “I own the closest single-family home to the White House on 16th Street,” says Nelson, who calls himself “the President’s neighbor.” “I’d love for my dog to get to play on the south lawn someday.”
>> All Washingtonian.com inauguration coverage
More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos
Most Popular in News & Politics
A DNC Official Will Run for Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Seat
Want to Search Donald Trump’s Truth Social Posts? A New Site Is Here to Help.
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
FBI Building Now on Track to Leave DC After All, Whistleblower Leaks Texts Suggesting Justice Department Planned to Blow Off Federal Court Orders, and NPS Cuts Leave Assateague Island Without Lifeguards
The Washington Nationals Just Fired the Manager and GM Who Led Them to a Championship. Why Has the Team Been so Bad Since?
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
Kings Dominion’s Wild New Coaster Takes Flight in Virginia
More from News & Politics
Arlington Unleashes Robots on Its Sidewalks
Gayle King on Giving Her First Commencement Speech at UMD
Trump Denies He Doodled Naked Lady for Epstein, Youngkin Visits Iowa, and Dan Snyder’s Old House Got Even Cheaper
Senate to Big Bird: Drop Dead; Trump Orders Coca-Cola to Use Sugar; and We Found Great Taiwanese Lunch at a Gas Station
No, You’re Not the Only One Dealing With DCA Flight Anxiety
“Christ or Chaos”: A Conservative Church With Political Ties Comes to Washington
A Look Inside the Spy Museum’s Long-Awaited Vault Collection
Trayon White Wins Election to Replace Trayon White, Trump Claimed His Uncle Taught the Unabomber, and We Tried Some Canadian Snacks