Obama girls to get pet after election

Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama has reportedly told his two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, that the family will get a puppy after November — no matter the electoral outcome. (His rival, John McCain, already has a bustling menagerie, including English springer spaniel Sam, Yorkshire terriers Lucy and Desi, mixed-breed Coco, Oreo the cat, two turtles named Cuff and Link, a ferret, three parakeets and more than a dozen saltwater fish.)

The American Kennel Club has come up with a list of hypoallergenic breeds for the Obamas. Cast your vote for the bichon frise, Chinese crested, poodle, soft-coated wheaten terrier or miniature schnauzer at www.presidentialpup.com by Aug. 19. In turn, an irked Best Friends Animal Society has launched the rival www.obamafamilydog.com to encourage the candidate to adopt a shelter dog. "For a candidate focused on 'hope' and 'change,' adopting a homeless pet is the right choice for the Obamas," said a Best Friends representative.

As for your pooch, he can give a candidate endorsement at www.PetsVote.com.