Dogs are definitely getting more political these days. (Or at least their owners are.)  It seems our dogs can get us to do just about anything.  They want to sleep on the bed?  We move over.  They whimper and give puppy dog eyes?  We give them treats.  Bark at the door?  We let them out.  So how far does the dog’s influence go?  For some people, it extends into giving their dog a political voice.

Owners and their politically-minded dogs have a wide range of products to choose from.  They can support their favorite presidential candidates with items from several Etsy sellers.  I have been inspired to sell dog bandanas bearing the slogans, "Barkers for Barack", "RePUPlicans for McCain", and "Canines for Clinton".  AutumnLeavesJewelry creates custom dog tags for Barack fans.  Dogs looking for a less subtle way to speak their mind can opt for the full t-shirts from alfieandrex with the logo, "Dogs 4 Obama", emblazoned on their back.

The messages move beyond the upcoming presidential election.  An intelligent dog would probably appreciate a "Smarter than the President" bandana available from makeyourdogsmile's shop.  Peaceful pups are the perfect candidates for the "Another Puppy for Peace" shirt created by Blackflag317.

Have a dog who is afraid to speak his mind?  Never fear!  Dog-owners can wear their pets’ opinions as well.  Campaign buttons abound in thedogcoatlady’s shop for every breed from Boxers to Westies.


These buttons are not limited to dogs, either.  Cats and even ferrets can speak their mind vicariously through their owners.

Want to support your dog’s opinion but not sure which party your dog would endorse?  Take this quiz from squidoo.com to quickly determine your dog’s political leanings.

Republican vs. Democrat: Is your dog a donkey or an elephant?
Republican Pets:
1. They bark at passing neighbors and traffic; home security is very important to them.
2. Their ears perk up when Fox News comes on.
3. They are a big spender at the local pet store.
4. Strongly believe pet matrimony should only occur between two cats or two dogs.
5. Believe in the 2nd amendment right to bear teeth and claws.
6. Are for electric border fences for the yard.
7. Want national ID tags for all pets.
8. They advocate for the pet tracking chip — you can never have too much security!

Democrat Pets:
1. They want universal veterinary care for all!
2. They want their treats for free.
3. They socialize with all breeds at the dog park.
4. They prefer their owner uses biodegradable poop bags.
5. Are very concerned with the rising rate of pet food.
6. Have the young puppy and kitten vote locked.
7. Want an end to the war of dogs vs. cats once and for all.
8. Think of Ralph Nadar as the dog catcher.

Once you know where your dog falls, you can register him to vote at mypoliticalpet.com, a "non-partisan, informative, free website dedicated to your pets and the latest political news."  There you and your dog can connect with pets from across the nation and discuss the latest political issues.  You can also monitor important animal issues including keeping pets out of labs and the dog and cat fur prohibition act.

When you consider the fact that elected officials make decisions that can affect the lives of pets, it doesn’t seem so far-fetched to let your dog influence your vote.  After all, it is not just your world, it’s your dog’s, too.

Now I have to wonder, would my dog influence the way I vote?  I don’t know…I guess it would depend on what she was wearing at the time, and of course, where she bought it.

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