The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

November 29, 2008

White House dog contest: West Side third-graders make contest a class project


The following are excerpts of essays from pupils in Mrs. Kobal’s third-grade class at West Side Elementary School, Johnstown:



I think the Obamas family should get an American hairless terrier because they are cute, playful, kind. ...

They don’t need grooming. The breed enjoys walking. They know over 200 words. They know very good tricks. They love to play, they are not good with babies. They love the owner. They go outside and do their business. They sleep good with their owners. They are very good listeners.

I know one dog’s name and it is Scooby McGurk.

Your friend,

Kaylyn Bobak



I think you should get a poodle, because if one of your daughters have allergies to dogs you should get a poodle because poodles are hypoallergenic. I also think you should get a poodle because they are cute and cuddly and they listen and like to play a lot. ...

The poodle’s beauty and brains goes with it. ... The poodle’s fancy hair cut is involved as a way to lighten. Great leaders such as Winston Churchill and Grover Cleveland owned poodles. ...

Contrary to what many people believe the poodle originated in Germany not France and the name is derived from Germany where poodles were originally bred to retrieve water found.

I hope you get my dog.

Dezera Lee



I think you should get a pit bull, because I have one and you might be proud of the pit bull because it is quiet and it likes to lay down on soft floors and lick you, too.

I have one. Her name is Risha and she is a love dog. She likes to jump on people, too.

She is a guard dog, too.

Lenoxx Newcomer



I think you should get a golden retriever ... This dog is an energy dog. It has plenty of exercise. ... But they are also rescue dogs that find drugs with their nose.

If you don’t keep them occupied they will try to amuse themselves by eating your entire shoe collection. If you are a good gardener, you will need to be sure to separate where you can contain your dog since golden retrievers love to dig.

They will dig by your shrubs sometimes.

Since golden retrievers are large dogs, you may want to consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. ...

Brianna Richards



I think you should get a Siberian huskie, because I have studied very hard to learn about the Siberian huskie. The huskie has the cutest little eyes. It is from Alaska and my aunt has one. It will obey its owner. It is important to train your dog recently since the Siberian huskie is always looking for signs of weakness. The Siberian huskie eat a lot and if you let it eat when it needs to they can become big and strong.

If you don’t mind a dog that will constantly keep you on your toes then maybe you want to chose this beautiful huskie.

Thank you for reading.

Madelyne Moore



I think you should get a poodle because they’re fluffy and cute but the only reason is it’s pleasant and likes to be with people and by the way they like to bark a lot and their also called the trick dog. A poodle is a family pet. ...

I just think you should get a poodle, but if you don’t want to that’s fine!

Deandre Malcolm



I think you should get a poodle, because the poodle better to play with older kids that are at least 6 years old or older. You would only have to brush their fur every six months. ...

Last week they had a vote for which dog that the Obamas should get to put in the White House and the poodle won! That’s why I picked the poodle!

Love,

Alexis McDade



I think you should get a poodle because if one of your daughters has allergies it is the perfect dog for you because it does not give you the sniffles. Hint: It does like to bark and it likes to do tricks. ...

Poodles are currently the eighth most popular breed of dog registered in the U.S.A.

This is the breed of dog I think you should get.

Sincerely,

Your American

Kara Noel Alwine



I think you should buy a golden retriever for you and your children because they listen to EVERY word you say.

They are also great with children. I just know a lot of facts about them because I had one. Her name was Linsy, but she died in 2006 or 2007. Oh, you might want to buy them a bag of dog food and treats! Here is a list of people food they can eat: Popsicles, bread, ice pops and they like to drink water.



Poem:

Oh President run the nation,

he works a lot to help us

he lives in the White House

and soon he’ll have a dog!

Sincerely,

Your American Friend

Alex K. Harrison



I think you should get a golden retriever. I think you should get one or two because they are the nicest dog I’ve ever known. They are good listeners. They are playful, laughable and loveable. Oh, and they don’t bark that much.

They are good to train and good with kids but they might knock them down. ... Pay special attention to the grooming and their hair. They shed a bit.

Gabby Burkhart



Although adult goldens are excellent family dogs, puppies can be quite mouthy and rowdy. Did you also know that the golden retrievers were originally bred to be working dogs?

If you still feel that this is the breed for you, be sure to look for a good breeder to buy your puppy from, a healthy, good-tempered golden retriever makes a wonderful intelligent companion. This dog breed has a broad skull, which may be why golden retrievers are so intelligent.

Jacob Bakos



I would like you to get a beagle because they are playful.

They are also dogs that don’t grow big. They only grow 13 inches. The beagle has dark eyes, droopy ears and a long tail. The color of a beagle is tan, black, white and orange. It likes to harass the family cat.

I have this dog and he likes to lick and play. They obey commands. Beagles are not picky dogs. ...

Sincerely,

Troy Wills



I think you should get a Lab because they are (not) hard to train and they like to play and sleep with you.

They like water and like hot dogs and they don’t like dog food so much, so don’t let them get loose and their fur is water proof and they don’t care if they get hurt. They’re your friend forever no matter what you do and they love babies and children and parents love the dog so you can relax and sit back and watch TV.

Emmanel H.



I think you should get a rottweiler. You should get it because I had one. They are good protective dogs. They are intelligent. They are devoted to their owners. They are very versatile working dogs. They guard their homes and families.

If you do not treat them well, they will be very mean. If you do, it will be a wonderful, loving dog. If you give them a job he will be happy. Luckily, this breed enjoys learning as long as you use your love and patience.

... I am an expert. This is an awesome dog.

Sincerely,

Your American,

Jeremy Dennison



I think you should get a poodle because it has a busy tail and they are teacher pets.

The poodle is very friendly dog with kids and poodles are mainly girl dogs. The poodle is a very cute dog and you can dress up a poodle. And poodles’ legs are bushy. I hope you pick this letter.

Delano Brown



You should get a chihuahua.

You can train them to go in a litter box. They like to go outside on hot days to exercise.

They learn at a early age to get along with other people. Chihuahuas love to be with kids! They enjoy to live with people by the way. ...

You should really get a chihuahua. If you love them they will love you.

Morgan Mangiafico