The American Kennel Club launched www.presidentialpup.com after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election.

"It's no surprise that presidents and other politicians love their dogs. Dogs give unconditional love and can even help reduce stress levels," added Lisa Peterson of the AKC. "And, from an image standpoint, nothing humanizes a candidate more than seeing him lovingly dote on his pet."

But presidentialpup.com is not without controversy. The Humane Society of the United States President and CEO Wayne Pacelle writes, "The overwhelming view among animal advocates is that the Obamas should go to a shelter or breed rescue group to obtain a dog. With 3-4 million dogs and cats killed in public and private shelters, there are many lives to be saved, and the simple act of giving a home to a dog who might have faced euthanasia would do wonders for the cause of adoption from shelters." Pacelle ends his blog by urging the Obama family "find their match through www.Petfinder.com or www.Pets911.com. Even if they have their hearts set on a particular breed, that type of dog can be found through a shelter or breed rescue group. With a couple of million dogs to choose from, there's every kind of wonderful creature waiting for a loving home, whether mixed breeds, purebreds, large, medium, or small dogs. They're all right there, just waiting for a loving embrace." To read Wayne's blog in its entirety, click here.

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk has sent a letter to Sen. Barack Obama and his family stressing this very point--and urging them to adopt a "pound pup," or Great American Mutt, rather than buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store. Click here to read her letter.

The Obama family may be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but Republican nominee John McCain is ahead of the pack with 24 pets, including four dogs. Therefore, animal lovers may be ready to help him "fetch" the election. According to a recent Associated Press survey,"pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner."

That pretty Poodle featured with this story, Happy 2, is listed at PetFinder.com through Poodle Rescue of Houston. Check out their website, they have many, many wonderful Poodles available for adoption!