Unless you live in your underground bunker, you’re probably aware of a certain election that took place recently in the United States. It featured historic presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as cable news networks with fancy computerized maps, and an abundance of talking heads.

I will admit, I kind of got into the election coverage that saturated newspapers, the Internet and television news programs. However, now that I know who the new president will be come January 20, I have something else on my mind.

Puppies!

It turns out that President-Elect and Mrs. Obama promised their daughters a new addition to the family if they won the election: a family dog! In true democratic fashion, people were even allowed to help the Obama’s decide which breed to choose.

Several presidential dog websites have sprung up, including one sponsored by the American Kennel Club. At www.presidentialpup.com, visitors can read about breeds the family is considering, and make their voices heard by voting for the breed they want to see in the White House.

More recently, animal activists have encouraged the Obama family to adopt a dog from a shelter. And in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mrs. Obama stated that they would indeed be adopting a shelter dog.

Unfortunately for me, Mrs. Obama also said they would wait until life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a little more settled before welcoming a new dog to the family. I guess I’ll have to wait along with them.

What do you think about dogs? Maybe you’re more of a cat person. Even if dolphins are your favorite species, you should consider a career in veterinary and animal care. A college near you might have the perfect program.

The animals will thank you. And maybe you’ll get to spend your whole workday hanging out with puppies!