First Family's Dog Breeder Passes Away at 72

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| Print | By Jo Singer | July 30, 2009 11:11 AM

For those dog lovers who are avid followers of the life of our "First Dog", Bo Obama, I just learned some sad news today. Martha B. Stern, Bo's breeder and a passionate Portuguese Water dog lover, passed away at the age of 72, on July 21.

The Portuguese Water dog enthralled Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Stern when they first encountered them at the 1980 Westminster Kennel Club dog show, according to the "Houston Chronicle". President of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America in talking about Mrs. Stern said, "She was a longtime breeder and had a fine reputation."

Photo of Bo Obama credit: Alex Brandon, AP
30-Bo Obama Dog.jpg One of the nine puppies born at Martha and Arthur Stern's Texas Kennel, "Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs" was given to the First Family, by Senator Ted Kennedy to fulfill a promise made by President Barrack Obama to his daughters when he was on the campaign trail.

Senator Kennedy also owns three Portuguese Water Dogs who were bred by these outstanding breeders. Shortly after Bo was selected by Senator Kennedy, Mrs. Stern made a rather humorous prediction for the highly energetic puppy. She said, "He's going to be a little gentleman, believe me -- until he sees that fountain. He'll be splashing around and saying, 'Where's the fish? Where's the fish?' We're expecting great things of that little fellow."

Bo, however is doing beautifully in his relatively new "digs", enjoying a loving and forever home in the company of his very famous family, romping and playing at the White House, and of course privy to all the interesting and fascinating events happening there. Sometimes I wish I could trade places with him to be on top of all the breaking news.

For anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family requests that donations be made to the Portuguese Water Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 203, Parker Road, Pa, 19457-0203, or directly to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, N.C. 27617-3901.

Reputable and prudent breeders work diligently to improve their breeds, don't you agree? Leave a comment and let us know how you feel.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (262) , Breeds (11) , Dogs (66) , Obama (2) , Politics (11) , Portuguese Water dog (3)

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Vicki July 30, 2009 3:36 PM

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Stern. I am sure her reputation as a breeder of these wonderful dogs is excellent. I hope other breeders will follow her expertisein breeding these wonderful K9's

Skylark July 30, 2009 5:28 PM

Sorry, Jo, but while I certainly think that Bo is a beautiful dog and a wonderful breed, I can't imagine why anyone should be interested in knowing that his breeder has passed. Just my personal opinion.