The American Kennel Club has asked Americans to vote on list of five "hypoallergenic" breeds, and the Best Friends Animal Society wants the Obamas to adopt that dog from an animal shelter, saying that to buy an animal from a breeder would be unethical while millions of animals face euthanasia in animal shelters. Newkirk, President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals , who wrote a letter to the Obamas today, urging them to adopt a mutt and saying, "This country is proud to be a melting pot, and there is something deeply wrong and elitist about wanting only a purebred dog. Every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop takes a home away from a needy animal at an animal shelter, waiting and hoping for a chance at the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Please let us know if we can assist you. Frequently covering animals (and their people) throughout her 15 years at the Times, she’s chronicled the Oakland Zoo’s attempts to hand-raise a baby African elephant; followed the Los Angeles Zoo’s LA-born gorilla Caesar on his trek to a new home at Zoo Atlanta; and interviewed pit bulls at the Laurel Canyon Dog Park.

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