Politics | 04/10/2009 8:50 am

Joe Biden's Dog Choice Caused Breeder Headache

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

When Joe Biden wanted a new dog last year, he decided on a German shepherd and enlisted breeder Linda Brown to produce the pup. While Brown originally jumped at the chance to help the would-be vice president, she now says she’ll "never, never, never again" work with such a boldfaced name.

As the website Red State reports, news of Biden’s decision brought Brown quite the headache:

Some readers were incensed that Biden bought a puppy from a breeder of pedigree dogs instead of getting one from a pound. Readers also began to make up rumors about Brown’s business calling into question her humane treatment of the animals in her care. One even started a rumor that she had been sued over her treatment of animals in the past — which she had not been.

Then they began to claim that Brown allowed Biden to take a five-week-old puppy from its mother before it could be weaned. This was also not true, according to Brown. She says Biden purchased the dog, was photographed with it, but then left it at the pound for the next three weeks before he took possession of the pet.

Later, Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture investigated Brown for what she calls an erroneous complaint. The breeder then had to fork over $4,000 to a defense lawyer who defended her against the allegations.

It just goes to show you — when it comes to politicians, even the simplest choices, like a garden, can be mired in — or saturated with — controversy. Let’s hope the Obamas’ new dog doesn’t cause such drama.

Read more about: Dog, First Family, Joe Biden, Linda Brown, News, Politics, Scandal

15 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

This woman had to deal with all that just for selling a dog to a prominent politician, imagine what Biden has to deal with every day. It takes a very thick skin to be in politics or else the ability to ignore the garbage.

By DeBúrca obj on 04/10/2009 9:06 am

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I’m an animal lover and bitterly opposed to puppy mills and such. But, really, some animal lovers can be a bit over zealous. Not all breeders operate puppy mills! I’m guessing Joe Biden did not just answer some random ad in the newspaper. There are wonderful breeders out there who breed simply for the love of their chosen breed. One just has to do their homework when looking for a good breeder. I have had a number of rescue dogs and cats and I’m all for that. I have two such cats right now. The dog we currently have, however, is a purebred and came from a breeder. I can tell you that when I contacted this breeder about acquiring one of his puppies, he made it clear that he would not place his puppies with just anyone. I spoke with him by phone twice before he even acknowledged that he had a new litter. He asked me all kinds of questions about my family, whether we had a fenced yard, etc… After we brought our puppy home, the breeder made two follow up calls to see how everything was going. Please, animal lovers, do not paint all breeders with the same brush. You actually do your cause a disservice by doing so.

By Deena B. on 04/10/2009 9:17 am

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Two things:

1) Mistreatment in puppy mill has been a problem for Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania is doing what it can to correct and prevent abuse. If a bad report came in they were right to investigate. If the investigation revealed something that led to charges (not clear in the above story) which had to be dealt with in court something is wrong with either the investigation or the breeder.

2) We need good laws to protect the innocent from online harrassment and defamation.

By E . on 04/10/2009 9:27 am

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I sure wish #2 was possible. As long as you have people screaming about freedom of speech and all, the online harrassment and defamation is going to continue. I’ve seen more than a few posters here on WOWOWOW come pretty doggone close to being abusive themselves, and I can already visualize the argument forming in their minds on THAT issue.

By - Nikki - on 04/10/2009 9:57 am

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Now she knows how Joe "the Plumber" feels! And Sarah Palin too!

By S.J. Morgan on 04/10/2009 10:17 am

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SJ…good point….that’s how it works now days…..

By Libra Lady on 04/10/2009 12:08 pm

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That’s too bad. While I vehemently oppose puppy mills, there are good breeders out there who shouldn’t be vilified with the rest.

Oh, and Biden picked out an adorable puppy!

By Rachel F on 04/10/2009 1:37 pm

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The breeder then had to fork over $4,000 to a defense lawyer who defended her against the allegations.

Welcome to Sarah Palin’s world. That being said, the puppy is cute. I don’t fault Biden for buying from a reputable breeder… some people like a certain breed and temperament. But it would be nice if he could find it in his heart to pick up a friend for his pup, a friend in need of a home from the animal shelter.

By Marjorie C. on 04/10/2009 5:00 pm

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Well said Marjorie. I believe in this woman wanting to help the VP. I also believe she runs a reputable dog breeding place, but I would go to a shelter any day.

By Beth Cornell on 04/10/2009 7:09 pm

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The Obama’s dog can and will cause controversy . The dog must come from a shelter and if it does not - then that person will suffer the same faith as Biden’s Dpg Breeder/

Why compare unwanted media coverage just to Palin and Joe the plumber. ? They are not the only people who receive unwanted or negative coverage.

By starry Nite on 04/10/2009 8:45 pm

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Well the Obama’s dog did not come from a shelter… and the comparison is valid. I feel for all families that are caused unjustified financial harship, pain and agony by those who disagree with their viewpoint, political views just to get pleasure out of disrupting their lives.

By S.J. Morgan on 04/12/2009 10:08 am