Family learns pooch is half-sister of 'first dog'

[April 21, 2009]  BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) -- It's not every day you learn a member of your household has a relative in the White House. But Julie Quanrud and husband Ric Meixell said they noticed things very familiar about the Obama family's new pet, Bo, the Portuguese water dog.

Quanrud said she was suspicious because the 6-month-old Bo's muzzle is the same as that of their 2-year-old Ruby. And the white markings on Bo's black coat duplicate those of Julius, a full sibling of Ruby.

An investigation determined Ruby and Bo have the same father, named Valkyrie's Dr. Watson Is Here.

So Ruby is a half-sister of the presidential pooch.

Quanrud said Bo is a great choice for the Obamas because of all the attention he will get.

___

Information from: Pioneer, http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.