First dog dreams

Reportedly, the Obama transition organization has the e-mail addresses of 10 million people.

Make that 10 million people and one dog.

“Hello Baguette,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Obama-Biden Administration.”

That was the cheery, informal response from the initial inquiry on behalf of my foster dog, Baguette, about applying for a job online with the Obama administration. The transition team took an inclusive spirit by inviting job applications online. Why not apply for one of the top key posts: family dog?

President-elect Barack Obama had said that the most e-mails he had received during the campaign had to do with his family’s plan to acquire a dog after settling into the White House. Surely the competition for the post of family dog must be fiercer than that for Secretary of State.

The initial inquiry noted that Baguette had been thoroughly vetted and that she would not bite reporters, an important quality since the current president’s dog, Barney, had just been the subject of many a news story for doing just that.

The transition team responded with a link to the actual job application. Here we go:

Honorific title: Ms.

Most recent job and title: Foster dog with Bedford Humane Society. Job responsibilities include serving as BHS ambassador.

How many people have you managed? One (And she does that quite well, too. I can say that as one of her three references).

Specific position that interests you: Household dog, which includes communicating comfort and joy, being an ambassador for the administration, and providing security.

Additional information: I would be a team player, who would help form a more perfect family union and ensure domestic tranquility.

Political affiliation (for reporting purposes): Independent (have you ever met a beagle?).”

Baguette’s attached resume also shows a well-rounded applicant:

“Manage the mental health of the household human by providing snuggling services. Good temperament. Willingness to share abundant affection. Have a sense of humor and spirit. Am very sociable, love to meet new people. Very athletic: enjoy jogging, hunting, and jumping. While playful by nature, can add an air of gravitas to a situation when appropriate. Also am a very good listener and can provide unique perspectives on all issues. Have some international experience: my beagle/basset heritage has given me an affinity for all things English and French.”

Compensation requirements: Food, shelter, rules, affection and exercise.

Life philosophy: Know what you want, and go for it (editor’s note: as in food being held in a human hand).

The application submitted, the tone from the transition team became more formal.

“Dear Baguette,

“Thank you for submitting your application to serve in the Obama-Biden Administration. We will initially be focused on the most senior positions in the Administration. If you do not hear from us for several weeks or months, please do not think that we have lost your information.”

So far, Baguette has heard nothing else regarding her application. She is, however, receiving periodic e-mails from transition leader John Podesta, with videos showing discussions on the transition process or discussion of issues such as health care. The e-mails always solicit feedback from recipients.

Baguette hasn’t responded yet. She’s more into discussions about food supply safety or protecting the environment. She does have a word of warning though:

“Don’t wait too long, Mr. Obama. No matter what your title, I’m still pounding the pavement. I’m going to make a great addition to a family who offers me just the right compensation package.”