The Obamas Pick a Pet. Throughout their fathers twenty-two month campaign for president, Malia and Sasha Obama begged their parents for a dog. Finally, when their father became the 44th President of the United States, he rewarded their patience and good behavior in his victory speech Malia and Sasha will get their new puppy.PWould the girls choose a Foxhound like President George Washingtons? Or a chocolate Labrador Retriever like the Clintons? Maybe a shelter dog? Finally, on February 25, 2009, they decided to look for a Portuguese Water Dog to move into the White House. Art rendered in watercolor, gouache, and pencil.