It's been five grueling months for those that have been waiting with bated breath to learn the identity and the arrival of the next First Dog.
That moment could come as soon as tonight, a "source familiar with high-ranking Washington pet owners" told WBBM-AM.
During then-President-elect Barack Obama's address in Chicago's Grant Park on Election night, Obama told his daughters, Sasha and Malia, "You have earned the puppy that is coming with us to the White House."
Immediately, the question being tossed around was what breed would be invited into the White House.
It was reported that the Obamas were looking at a labradoodle, but other sources said that Malia was more interested a "goldendoodle," a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
Ultimately, First Lady Michelle Obama told People magazine that the First Family had settled on a Portuguese Water Dog. And a rescued one, at that.
President Obama has said the family's new dog will be in place when he returns from abroad -- that's slated for Tuesday night.
Increasing speculation, a source told WBBM-AM that the Obamas are getting a Portuguese Water Dog, and that the dog is expected this week.
To recap, here's what we know:
- The Obamas are getting a dog.
And here's what we don't know:
- It may be a labradoodle.
- It may be a goldendoodle.
- It may be a Portuguese Water Dog
- It may be a purebred.
- It may be a rescue.
- It may arrive Tuesday night.
- It may not.
- It may be a male.
- It may be a female.
- The dog ... (wait for it)... may have already been in the White House "a couple of Sundays ago."
- It may be a gift from Sen. Ted Kennedy, but when contacted, a spokesman told WBBM-AM, "This would be news to us."
Sen. Kennedy is a proud owner of two Portuguese Water Dogs. One of them, Splash, is a published children's book author. Honest.
We'll keep you posted.
