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Could the First Dog Come From Columbus?

Stefanie Tiso

Story Created: Jan 14, 2009 at 5:59 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 15, 2009 at 6:04 AM CDT

President-Elect Barack Obama says it "has been tougher than finding a Commerce Secretary," but one Fort Benning soldier is hoping to make the Obamas' decision on the pick for first dog a bit easier.

Like any dog, she loves catching the frisbee, bringing it back, not so much. But this two year old Australian Labradoodle could be mom to the next first dog.

“Wrote a letter to the President-Elect asking if he'd be interested in a puppy from her,” said Brian McMurry

Signed and sealed, McMurry sent the letter today. With the Obama's choice for a family dog down to a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog, McMurry's advice, go with the Labradoodle.

“I can't imagine a better selection for a family that's got two young girls. A Labradoodle could match their energy step-for-step.”

As he's seen Maggie do with his own family.

“She's our comedy every day, she keeps us laughing. Having a young baby is not easy, a military life is not easy, we're always moving and the demands are quite strenuous.”

A warrant officer with the third infantry division, breeding is a hobby for McMurry. Maggie is expected to be ready to breed by early February. Her litter due in the spring, right around the time the first family is talking about bringing home a puppy.

“When they reach 8 weeks of age they'd be ready to go home, we'd be happy to deliver one to the White House,” said McMurry.

As for the chance that one of Maggie's puppies will be that first Labradoodle, well could it help that the puppies' dad-to-be just so happens to be from Chicago?

For more information on Maggie and her litter, log onto www.curlsandwetnoses.com.