Barack Obama said that when the elections were over, he'd buy his kids a dog. I wonder what sort of dog it will be. It would be wonderful if it was a rescued dog. That would send a really good message, don't you think?

Most US presidents have family dogs. George W Bush has two Schnauzers. He had their portrait painted and it's hanging in the AKC Museum of the Dog in St Louis. Someday, Bao's portrait will hang there, too.

I'm hoping our president-elect will support the Animal Bill of Rights.

Yes, there is an Animal Bill of Rights. It's sponsored by the Animal Legal Defence Fund and you can check it out -- and hopefully sign it to show your support -- at http://www.animalbillofrights.com/

Mind you, it doesn't make animals legal persons. But at least it's a start.