John McCain, Pet Lover, For President
There’s no denying John McCain is an animal lover. With fourteen dogs, six cats, two turtles, three birds, fourteen fish and a ferret, he far surpasses the average number of pets per household. But does this make you more likely to vote for him? I have always connected better with animal lovers – I feel there is something about that bond that can help us become better human beings. However, just because McCain loves critters, does it really mean he is any better suited to run our country than the non-pet owning Obama? McCain is also a supporter for animal welfare according to some sources, which is more good news for pet owners.
It has been said that pet owners are more likely to vote McCain because he is a pet lover. Tell me, dear readers: do you feel more likely to vote for McCain just because he is a pet lover, or do you look past this at the big picture?
Photo of John McCain: Peter Kramer / Getty Images
Comments
absolutely. anyone who loves dogs so much and has a ferret has won my vote.
actually, as a Republican AND an animal lover, this is disappointing to me.
A person who has that many pets can’t possibly give them the love they deserve, especially with the schedule a pres. candidate must have.
I know, there are probably wonderful who keep them in his absence, but then he might as well be running a shelter rather than calling them “his” pets.
Loving animals does not always mean you love people. I prefer most animals to people myself. Do not vote for someone because they have pets, or for the color of their skin, or their sex, or anything else so ridiculous. Vote for the person whose policies you most believe in. Voting is a wonderful priviledge, so do is wisely.
I FEEL SORRY FOR HIS WIFE, DOES SHE HAVE TO COMPETE WITH THE ANIMALS FOR HIS ATTENTION AND
WHY SO MANY ANIMALS AND NO KIDS IN THE HOUSE ?
BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, WHO PICKS UP THE POOP !!
I’m really going back and forth about which candidate to vote for. Typically I vote Republican, but I wasn’t sure this year. Perhaps this is the news I’ve been waiting for to swing me over to the McCain side!
That sounds like irresponsible pet ownership to me. At his age he will likely not live to see all of them to their good future. He cannot give them love and companionship while he is campaigning in other states! It sounds like pet hoarding, which is a mental illness.
Hey people!
Do you all think he lives alone? He has a wife, children and others who help out he and his wife. I know a couple of people who have many pets and everyone does just fine. Just the fact that he would take in all those pets is a good thing in my book.
Ruth sounds judgmental. Political reasoning in that response, I think. I don’t like either candidate so mine is not a politically motivated opinion. You gotta love a dog lover though!! I have three–or is that too many????? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
It certainly isn’t the most important thing in choosing a president, but I do tend to be more trusting of pet lovers. I already plan to vote for McCain because of larger issues, and this just helps to confirm his character for me.
For all of you booing the sheer number of dogs, proclaiming that they cannot possibly have enough love, you are wrong.
While I am not a strong advocate of EITHER choice for president, Mr. McCain surely can have enough love to go around.
Maybe to put this in perspective for y’all…
***My own father came from a family of 17.
His father worked for the railroad and was gone long stretches at a time.
To say that you cannot love ‘in absentia’ does a great disservice to all concerned.
Please find a better argument…
XOXO
Me
~
This, for Ruth (# 6)
WTH are you saying???
“Think” Woman…
Are you really purporting that anyone that might possibly die during their dogs lifetime should not own a pet?
Or are they just irresponsible if they get hit by a bus?
Sheesh.
How do you get “Inside Info” like that anyway?
Please let me know…
Yes, he has a lot of pets, but who is to say he treats them well?
For #11, Anna, Anna, I am 61 and I have thought about my age before I got my most recent pet. While I might get hit by a bus tomorrow, and would leave my beloved dog orphaned, I know I may well not live to be 80 and would not get a puppy at this point. I would get a rescue older dog that I could anticipate seeing through its life. Pet ownership is a privilege, and we owe it to our furred and feathered friends to think of them first.
For anyone who has actually been/worked inside a shelter, they know that as long as animals are being taken care of and loved, it doesn’t so much matter who’s doing it. He gets to see these pets when he can. He can afford to pay for their care. I did think he was irresponsible until I thought through these facts. Yes, it does matter to me if a person cares about pets. The fact that he doesn’t have children, one would have been nice, but that’s understandable too. The fact that he left his wife for a model after he got more rich, now that bothers me.
some of you people crack me up. Im pretty sure he must love animals to have them all.. God knows he takes care of them. Who really cares about his past marrage I think his wife is an outstanding woman and Im sure the both love pets they both donate a lot of time and money to help the disabled and pet shelters.. some of you should read more before you make judgement… whats in your closet?
When do you think the last time John McNasty fed or played with any of his pets ??? How about NEVER !!!!!!!!!! He is a MORON and a POSER, not a real man and certainly not a maverick{James Garner is spinning in his grave} Anyone who would vote for mcsame has probably had a lobotomy.
The reason Obama does not have dogs or other animals is because he will be exposed. Animals know a good person between an evil person. McCain has to be a very good person, not only because of his pets, but he served and protected our country.
First, I don’t think it affects my vote regarding Obama not having a pet. I think it reflects on how he would run our country the fact that he has discipline to wait and is teaching his daughters working to achieve goals instead of giving them everything.
On the otherhand, I don’t dislike McCain but he has a zoo. He has taken it to another level. I guess with all their money they can afford it so it is good that he is taking care of all these animals.
A candidate for presidency of the USA who is a pet lover that has:
14 dogs6 cats2 turtles3 three birds14 fish and a ferret makes him by far a better president for the USA as long as animals dont vote.
Also, been a pet lover that has its own little zoo at home makes him even more elegible for presidency of the USA since he will have more experience to deal with Irak war and the Middle East, and also his experience with pets will help to put an end to the American corrupt polititians involved with Colombian Cartels and world wide narcotrafic.
Plus, due to his vast experience with pets the USA could finally have an excellent political relationship with any French President or frenchs in general, been them so famous for having their dogs eating with them at restaurants and coffee shops.
Hitler loved pets. Ask Blondie.
Carmen, that’s just about the stupidest thing that I’ve ever heard. And who is this “Blondie” person?
I so enjoy the lunacy that masquerades as discourse here. Give me a break…McCain has a zoo and that qualifies him to be President? Remember, folks…George Bush won because, some say, people felt more comfortable having a beer with him. What a way to choose the leader of the free world. As Dr. Phil says, “How’s that workin’ for ya?” Give me Obama’s thoughtfulness in waiting until after the election to give an animal the care it deserves. In the meantime, LOOK AT THE ISSUES, PEOPLE!!!
I would NEVER consider voting for someone because they have pets. He has too many to give them all the love and attention they deserve! I’m sure he has people taking care of them for him but what kind of anxieties do his animals have due to the fact that someone different is taking care of them all of the time? Just because Obama doesn’t have animals doesn’t mean he is not an animal supporter. Actually, he probably doesn’t have any because he is responsible enough to know that as a politician he doesn’t spend a lot of time at home.
Definately voting for Obama,
animal lover Barb
That isn’t really a large number of pets, considering they have 9 houses to distribute them among. I seriously doubt if Cindy and the kids (let alone Gramps himself) do much of the daily work that goes into taking care of pets. Peaple with 9 houses tend to have servants do things like that for them.
I would hope that more thought went into your choice for president than this, such as your right to choice, and what was it… oh yeah… ENDLESS WAR?
That being said, I think the recent headlined articles (this one and the one about Obama that points out his petlessness, ohh, scary!) are way off-topic. Guess I’ll lose the about dogs widget until after the election.
Whether a candidate owns a pet or not, is not important to me. Their track record is important. What they voted for. What they voted against. How many times they were absent during the voting. That’s how I judge whether or not a candidate will get my vote.
BTW, at one time, I had 8 dogs and 4 cats. And they all got along great. All of them had their own food bowl and toys. And of course, they had me. Their mommie. And I loved them just as if they were children. Of course, we had to wait until our income tax return came in to give them all their shots, their heart guard pills, and anything else they needed, so that’s when we made the appointment to get their yearly shots. Now we’re down to 2 dogs and 1 cat. The others died of old age. My back yard is truly a pet cemetery.
Hi Jenna, Blondie was Hitler’s dog, a beautiful German Shepard. Very sad story for people that love pets that is why I do not want to write it here.
Hey #16 txsnafubar,
I’m happy to see that you’ve survived YOUR lobotomy.
You need to look up the definition for the word MORON. I doubt James Garner is spinning in his grave due the fact that he’s still alive and kicking as I write this.
Since you know of Garner’s death, perhaps you’ve graced us MORONS by returning from the future to share a little of your wisdom. By the way, who won the Presidential Election of 2008? Can you also give us next week’s winning lottery numbers?
No, I’m not a McCain supporter but, I want to thank you for the comic relief.
Also, I believe this discussion holds the all time record for number of entries before someone dragged out the name of Hitler to prove their point.
I propose that the brain dead not be permitted to vote in the coming election.
Just sayin’……..
For #13, Ruth,
You have made a point- not a good point, but a point none the less.
I am over 50, and would not hesitate to get another dog if anything would happen to those I already have.
Buses be damned woman, ask yourself can you love the dog the while he lives? Or while YOU do?
‘Tis better to have loved and lost as they say.
Make arrangements for the poor animals placement in your will.
Yes. Pet ownership is a privilege.
No I will not vote for someone simply because he/she has a pet or not.
(I think THAT was the original question in the first place).
I jumped into this discussion to show that people should not judge anyone by the numbers.
Not because I don’t care about the pets.
My point was that sheer numbers do NOT equate with our ability to provide for, and to love.
As human beings- free will and all, we owe it to ourselves (and our posterity) to teach our children about love.
My guess is that you would know no one who would also love your pet should anything happen to you?
For that I am saddened for you.
I see that most people above are saying/reiterating my own thoughts on this matter.
# 27… I am sorry for your backyard.
But everso happy that you had enough love for all your critters.
You Go Girl!
# 29— And I am laughing hysterically at Smarty Pants’ reply!!!
Definitely worth a try at that legislation!!!
hehehe
Sweet Smarty Pants.
Will anyone here get hit by a bus?
Please ask #16 txsnafubar for me…
XOXO
Anna
For Anna #30…of course there are people who would love my dog if I were hit by a bus. But that doesn’t mean I should take on pets who will outlive me assuming my loved ones will take them on. Better I should just give my friends pets as gifts and go and visit them. They would probably have as much of my time as McCain’s pets have of his time.
I think it’s nice that he loves animals, BUT I don’t think that should be the determining factor for his presidency. There are far bigger issues in this country to deal with. Such as the economy. I also think that you have to be careful with animal “welfare” enthusiasts. It’s great that he cares for animals but so many of them go to far, placing ridiculous restrictions on pet owners as well as total breed annihilation. These are things that I as a pet owner think about.
I think it’s great that he loves animals.
I don’t agree with him on the important political issues, so I will not be voting for him.
Thats a surprise, McCain an animal lover!! You know he & Cindy have several adopted children,of all ages, I suspect they are a teaching tool for the children. To LOVE & respect an animal is a great “soother”. I, myself have 7 INSIDE dogs and 1 Bird. I love them to death, I wouldn’t want to be without 2 or 3 Dogs. My Dogs are treated like children, My children are all grown.
As for Voting for McCain, I couldn’t do it, he is too much in Favor of Illegal Immigration..
Yes-animal lovers definitely get my vote-and to hear that he has a ferret-I have two ferrets and they take time to care for-so he is definitely an animal lover-with all those pets he has to be. I am so glad to hear this!!
I am definitely swayed by this information!!!
Even Hitler had a dog. Remember? He poisoned it when he saw the end coming. I’m glad McCain likes animals. However, I believe his concern for human life should rival his concern for animals. “War is not the answer”.
John McCain and his well-to-do wife can easily afford their animals and make provisions for them after the McCains pass away. And their children will not be cheated out of an inheritence because of the pets. There’s enough money to go around.
Personally, I feel being an animal lover is a part of a candidate’s character, but I would not rule out voting for a non-pet-owning pol, especially where both spouses work and have young children.
I’ve heard and read many, many stupid reasons to support a particular candidate for President of the USA, but basing one’s voting decision on the fact that a candidate has a lot of pets is perhaps the most idiotic reason of all. I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of McCain’s affection for pets, but there’s no way I’m voting for him.
McCain has children they are just grown up. If I had the space I would have 14 dogs and a couple of ferrets. I think it is great that he takes care of that many.
You who take into consideration the love for pets at the time of electing a president of the USA have an irreversible brain damage that makes you even more idiotic than the most retarded human been that has ever born in this planet.
If my financial resources were as plush as these people running for candidacy I would have this many pets too. Growing up I had ponies, chickens, rabbits, dogs, ducks, goats, pigs, cows….. NONE of them went without attention.
And we wonder why this country has gone bad… Look most of the comments above…
For heaven sakes!!!!
#17 Janice— So let me get this straight: If we don’t own pets we are evil creatures that fear being exposed??? How about the responsibility of caring for such a pet and the time that is needed to do so. Are you not comprehending that Obama does have a FAMILY and they come FIRST?
Maybe you meant that Obama was evil because he didn’t serve and protect our country. Oh, and I am taking it as a fact that you personally have fought the front lines of the war or did you just call yourself evil too?
And in addressing McCain’s military service: he was given a chance to be released from captivity as a POW, but refused (saying that others that were captured before him should be set free first). Yes that was very noble of him to offer. However, the respect he earned from that quickly vanished as he sold out on America by making that anti-American propaganda confession…
Don’t get me wrong, I know that we all will lie to save ourselves. We are human after all. What bothers me is that he was not okay with leaving prisoners behind in the camps, but he was MORE than okay with leaving Americans behind with his “Confession.”
“Protect” our country? Ha… Only if it was beneficial to him and the second that the going got tough he folded.
Our country right now is in a very unstable situation. It will be extremely hard for whoever takes over the office. They will have to deal with some pretty extreme situations, make major decisions and keep face while doing so.
I don’t know about you, but knowing that one of them for sure is capable of folding under these conditions makes me think twice about giving him my vote…
——————————————-
As for everyone who have changed or will base their vote on this issue: get an appointment set up with your proctologist so that he/she may locate your head.
Seriously… You are looking at someone who might take over on the War in Iraq, our failing economy, swarms of illegal aliens using our money and getting better care than us, and other HUGE issues…
AND YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY OWN PETS?!?!?
Come on people! Wake up and smell the mess that this country is in and you will realize that it is NOT this way because the president is or is not a pet lover…
Grow up, get educated and when you are mature enough to base this election off of what really matters THEN make your stance known…
What’s next? Whether or not they like the color pink???
McCain will win in ‘08! With his nomination, the Republicans will gradually return to the days of Republican environmentalism as evidenced by Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. Obama doesn’t stand a chance and his campaign is slowly falling apart. Hey libs, your candidate didn’t even consider adopting an unwanted animal until he entered the race…talk about political opportunism!
I agree with Mary Lou: It certainly isn’t the most important thing in choosing a president, but I, also,tend to be more trusting of pet lovers. I already plan to vote for McCain because of other larger issues, and this just helps to confirm my decision and his character for me.
I would have serious concerns if a president wasn’t able to love and take responsiblity for a pet. As far as some of the comments that he couldn’t possibly take care of all the animals, I say baloney.
Just wondering, where does McCain live that he is allowed to own 14 dogs? I didn’t think there was a city in the United States that legally allowed more than 8 dogs without a kennel license. So, to the many many people out there who are fighting with animal control for having 4 dogs in a 3 dog limit, take heart. If you were running for President, you could be over the limit too. Maybe this pet issue isn’t really a good barometer for the qualifications of being a good president.
Hey, that’s only two dogs per house. Perfectly reasonable!
He’s a pet lover? His vice presidential pick Sarah Palin doesn’t seem to be much of an animal lover, sadly. She wanted to sue the government to have polar bears taken off the endangered list so she could drill ANWR and more disturbingly, she ran a program in which Alaskans shoot wolves from up above in airplane. She gave them $150 per dead wolf. Awful!
I equate dogs – stupid, aggressive and who poop anywhere without thought of others – with Republicans, and cats – intelligent and clean – with Democrats. Note that McCain appears in this way to be bipartisan, but overwhelmingly out of balance toward Repooplicans. Hence he loses any hope of support from me.
Senator McCain also has a large human family, more than enough to care for all the animals.Small farms (with far greater numbers of animals) are run by single families; what’s the difference? Some people just have to be negative. I guess it is just their nature.
McCain sure picked an animal lover… ha!
I’m sure there’s a logical reason for her support of ariel hunting.
We all know she loves Moose burgers.
I can only assume wolfs killed more than she did hunting, and it pissed her off.
http://www..defendersactionfund.org/newsroom/sarah_palin.html
Evidently, D Nicol is a synonym for moron.
bunnyluv shows how obsessed the left is with class warfare.
Having that many is illegal. Not sure how he hasnt gotten in trouble for that, some celebrities have, including Paris Hilton. It doesnt matter how many houses they have, it’s per household. I used to work on city ordinances and they had those laws. I’m glad he and his famiy like pets though. And he does have kids, they avoid the limelight for the most part but I have seen pics of them a couple times
Let me get this straight; I have no kids — we have dedicated our lives to adopting dogs and cats from shelters, so that makes US evil, SUSAN??
You are like every other judgemental human being who looks at me like I have two heads. Did it ever occur to you that there might not be enough money to properly care for and raise decent human beings who need to be fed, clothed, educated, married off, and kept drug/alchohol free in the meantime.
What are you thinking???
If I did have an endless supply of money, I would open a Scottish Terrier Rescue Rance and hire all my FRIENDS at very high salaries to take care of them and their own Scotties. I suppose that makes me evil too.
John McCain can well afford to hire people to love and care for his numerous pets.
But then, it takes an animal lover to understand another animal lover. That’s why I don’t allow people in my life who aren’t owned by animals.
You are missing out on one of the greatest joys life can bring. Non-judgemental love. Life just doesn’t get much better than sharing a life with my dogs, and my husband who feels the same way.
John McCain all the way; and it wouldn’t matter to me if he only had one dog — as long as he has one. A true animal love realizes — the more the merrier!
This is the ONLY good thing I have heard about him. As an animal lover who has owned ferrets, cats & dogs I still won’t be voting for him. And his VP choice is a woman who hunts animals. This is not the pro-animal choice!
I see PETA is here. Do you have proof that Sarah is hunting dogs, cats and ferrets?
Since you clearly don’t eat meat, fish or fowl, there is nothing I can say in response. No reasoning with PETA people.
I just read an article about Cindy McCain and it specifically says that John doesn’t really like animals; all of their animals are Cindy’s or the children’s. And they stay at the properties that he visits least.
I certainly hope most of you are not of legal age to vote as it doesn’t seem that you take this Election 2008 seriously. it is not a ganme, a popularity contest, an animal lover vs non animal lover it is so much deeper and impotant than that. You r right to vote is a gift, and a responsibility. I am a pet lover, and a voter who does take this election seriously as I can tell a few others who have written here are and I mean A FEW. Where I live many people are losing their homes and having to give up their pets as they move someplace where pets are not welcome or they leave the pets behind because they cannot afford to care for them any longer. This is sad and true and becoming more and more common as more houses get put on the aution block. Perhaps one of the saddest things happening is that people are leaving their pets behind in vacant houses with food (and without) and a note to please find them a home. As a member of a local SPCA this reality is seen and found nearly every mornn when our volunteers go to open the office to find that people have been forced to leave their beloved pets at our door hoping that our organization will help find them a new home. This the reality of this upcoming election and so much more. I do not care how many pets McCain or Obama have or don’t have. I do care about my pet and I would live in my car rather than give him away or leave him behind but desparate times call for desparate measures and if it is between the children and the pet the pet stays behind. I care about my my neighbors and their pets, I love my community and my country. I think we have become a country that is blind and lost…we still have our spirit but it is not as strong as it was a decdae or more ago. We need a leader to inspire us. The USA is not up to another 2 years let alone 4 years of the status quo.. help your fellow Americans, think beyond your own front door and elect Obama.
loveadog’s pro-obama rant shows he hasn’t thought about this election seriously (assuming he thinks) if he’s willing to vote for an inexperienced, racist, radical leftist.
I was already going to vote for McCain and now I have just one more good reason. Thanks
so he picks a VP who sanctions wolf and bear hunts? Sarah Palin sure has no love for animals…I don’t think McCain is as big of an animal lover as you think.
Believe it or not I belong to a pet forum where many folks seemd swayed by whether their candidate is a petlover or not. Mr. McCain needs to have his running mate explain why she put a bounty on wolves in Alaska as this is really a detriment to their campaign. I haven’t researched yet but I certainly hope she had valid reasons.
This makes me like McCain even more!
I HATE DOGS!
Palin is not an animal lover and does not care what the voters think regarding animal rights.
I am surprised to tell you the truth…but he had better keep them away from Palin…she will hunt all of them….What will happen to all his animals if elected President?? Will they all be welcome into the White House??
Um… Does it not disturb anyone else that no one’s voting for him because of how many f***ing PETS he has, but because of the issues he’s going to impose on PEOPLE? Honestly, even though I have a dog and cat and love animals, anyone who’s seriously going to vote for him because he has 50 million animals and supports animal rights is an idiot beyond description.
So what, he has a ton of pets. I still wouldn’t vote for this woman-hating scumbag.
McLame and Failin FTL.
“The reason Obama does not have dogs or other animals is because he will be exposed. Animals know a good person between an evil person.”
Hitler had dogs and he was a great pet owner.
Stop talking out of your ass.
McCain has a litter of children, 13 houses and an avalanche of money, stop talking about he should have children instead, how he’s a hoarder or how irresponsible it is for this guy to have this many animals.
I’m pro-Obama, but stop bitching about McCain. He couldn’t be a bad pet owner if he wanted to be, the press would jump down his throat in instant.
I myself have 2 wonderful dogs and I love my pets, however, just because Mc Cain can lead a dog or 2 by the leash does not mean that he can lead a country. Lets look past pets, race, or money spent on campaigns, he is all for taking away veterans benefits and other programs that out nation needs. Mccain has to belittle Obama to make himself look good.
#17 Janice, You say that because Mccain has lots of pets and served his country that he has to be a good person? Gee, let’s see, Ghengis Khan, Nepolian, and Hitler did too, remember what they did?
Cool!!!!!! If I was old enough to vote I’d vote for John McCain. But I liked him even before I knew he was an animal lover. I love animals. He’s so lucky to have that many pets. I only have 2 dogs. My dog Harley is laying on my chest right now sleeping. Ha ha!
To Susan (36) who says that “war is not the answer”. I have to say that war is sometimes the answer. How are you suppose to make a powerful megalomaniac who wants to control the world (or a large section of it) and doesn’t care what anybody else thinks sit down and talk things over reasonably and back off from his greedy acquisitions of other countries? Do you think that you can slap him on the back of the hand and say, “naughty, naughty!”. Diplomacy & every other effort that can be made should be made. But there comes a time when nothing works except defensive aggression. I’m sick to death of all this preachiness about “war is never the answer” by people who have never known what it is to be threatened with the loss of their freedom, their homes and their lives. I find this to be very strange talk from a people who are enjoying the great freedoms that Americans paid for with their lives during the Revolutionary War & the Civil War, in particular.
If I was HIS wife I would use the dogs as an excuse to keep that OLD CREEP AWAY from me.
McCain: Sam the English springer spaniel, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, Oreo the black and white cat, a ferret, three parakeets and 13 saltwater fish.
I will vote for McCain because of the man that he is over the other candidate. He is honest & forthright. More than Obama can say. But, the fact that he has so many animals does not mean they are not cared for because he is a busy person. If you read the article the majority of animals are fish. So I doubt seriously if any of them are not being cared for. Obama has no animals & his kids have to beg him for one.
As I continued reading these comments I found myself getting more and more upset. Many of you have gotten really NASTY in your comments. What good does that do? Now on to the pet issue.
I have 8 dogs, 4 cats, 1 rabbit, and many fish. I have time for each one of them….They all get attention and love because I make sure I make the time and I enjoy it.
As for Obama not having a pet (I am not an Obama supporter by any means), if you were informed, you would know that his daughter is allergic. When they went to get a dog (unfortunate that it was during his campaign…for appearance maybe?) he had to find one that his daughter could tolerate. In my opinion he should have done it long before the campagin, but just the same the reason is because of his child’s allergy.
Now for McCain….I love the fact that he has given these animals a home. I know the fate of many dogs and cats. Millions are put to sleep every year because they do not have a home, or because the previous owner did not care enough to properly train the animal and ended up giving it up to the animal shelter. Talk about a horrible fate…to die without a home or an owner to love you!!!! If nothing else, McCain is an animal’s hero just for caring enough. Does this make his politics great????…No, But it does show a compassionate heart.
nice work
I strongly supported and voted for McCain, and that was before I even knew he had a strong record on animal welfare issues. I knew his family had a lot of pets, but I never checked out his political record regarding animals before. Now I have an even higher regard for him. Yay McCain!!!!