The XX Factor: What women really think.

Did the Obamas only get a puppy because Michelle stays home? ... or, discrimination against working (dog) moms

As the entire world knows, the Obamas recently got a six-month-old Portuguese water puppy named Bo. In an exclusive, I've learned that this might be only because Michelle is a stay-at-home mom.

A friend of mine—who adopted an infant a few years ago, as a working mom—yesterday received this email when she applied to adopt a puppy:

Thank you for your interest in Good Dog Rescue. I'm afraid that our organization's policy on puppy adoptions is very stringent due to the exceptional needs of the pups. They wish for a stay-at-home mom that can help the pup grow. They feel you would qualify for one of our older dogs at least 18 months or older. I'm very sorry to disappoint you, but I hope you understand.

Remember—social workers approved my friend to adopt an infant human. Apparently policies for puppies are stricter. One concludes that, had Michelle O. held a job, Malia and Sasha would have been denied their puppy.

Would a working dad have received this email? Inquiring minds want to know.

How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?

Maybe since this whole presidential dog thing is such a symbolic act, Obama should use it as a teaching moment. It could be a perfect opportunity for him in his quest to convince us of who truly is man's best friend. How better to do that than to name the dog Government! The instructive moments are endless:

"Whose turn is it to feed Government?"   
"Aww, you're getting so big!"   
"Government, you're not supposed to be in there!"
"Someone go chase Government, he's run off again!"

But seriously, I'm starting to wonder if Mr. President realizes that all his promises have price tags. Somebody's not doing the math if they think raising taxes on 2 percent of the wealthy is going to fund a bailout, a whole new health care infrastructure, and push our transition to alternative energy. All this money will have to come from somewhere if not from taxes. Print more? Call China?

Lots of parents don't give in to their kids pleas for pets because they realize they're not prepared for the cost and responsibility involved. I'm starting to feel like it would be nice if our president could show that much restraint.

Poodle Love

Now that the Obamas' commitment to the Portuguese water dog has been thrown into question (apparently the matter is still under debate) I wanted to second Julia's unashamed poodle partisanship—best breed ever, and completely undeserving of the "girly" label the president has pinned on them (unless by "girly" he means awesomely smart, athletic, and friendly, and why shouldn't he?) I also wanted to tell Hanna that my own beloved childhood poodle (who was gray, not apricot) was named nothing other than: Muffin!

"President Picks Apricot Poodle"