Puppy Biden, Take 2

by Stephanie Ernst · 2008-12-21 09:36:00 UTC
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As many of you have probably heard by now, Joe Biden will be adopting a second dog--from a shelter. I don't harbor any delusions that the specific conversation here had any influence on that decision, but the general widespread public outcry from animal rights and welfare groups and individuals surely had an impact. Let's be clear that I'm thrilled Biden is planning to bring a second dog into his home and that he's going the wiser, kinder adoption route this time, and I give him credit for the decision.

That said, I still like what Doris Lin of About.com had to say about the interview with George Stephanopoulos in which Biden made the announcement:

What's missing from the interview is any hint of an apology or sign of regret over the puppy mill purchase. Stephanopoulos' comment gave Biden the perfect chance to respond to the public, but instead of addressing the issue directly, Biden ducks. You can watch the video at Stephanopoulos' blog.

While adopting a shelter dog is a good move, in no way does it makes up for purchasing the first puppy from a puppy mill. Biden says that they've always had two dogs, so he could have adopted two dogs from a shelter.

. . . it might have been too late to stop that sale, but it's never too late for an apology. Biden's animal-friendly positions have been lauded within the animal protection community, so his actions send a strong message to the public. I just wish he would admit his mistake.

Stephanie Ernst wrote the original Animal Rights blog at Change.org until December 2009. She can now be found at Animal Rights & AntiOppression.
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