These are the important issues, folks

Best Friends Animal Society recently announced that Presidential hopeful Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have decided to adopt a dog, rather than buy one, after the election.

This decision may have been made based in part upon the influence of Best Friends and their petition, which has lived at the Obama Family Dog website since July 2008, when the Obamas annouced their interest in having a dog. Best Friends also reported at the time that breeders were pushing for the Obamas to buy a purebred animal.

Now Best Friends has offered to help the Obamas find the right dog.

"Whether it’s a mutt or a special breed on their list, we can tap our vast network of shelters and rescuers around the country to help match the Obamas with just the right dog," said Julie Castle, director of community programs for Best Friends, a place where approximately 600 dogs (and 1,400 other animals) call home. "Mixed breeds, purebreds, young, old, big, small, long-hair, short-hair, black, brown, white or any color in between—we can help the Obamas locate the perfect dog for their home."

Also, don't miss Dogtown on the National Geographic Channel. The weekly show will give you a glimpse of the great facilities at Best Friends for homeless dogs, including most of the Michael Vick dogs.