Walkin' down by NYU, I stroll past a storefront window that makes me do a double-take and get that sudden civic urge to sign up for something. Is it a campaign headquarters for Mike Huckapoo? Or a command center for the first Lady and the Tramp? No, upon closer inspection, it is Wagwear, a grassroots, "get out the leash" organization that targets that most disenfranchised and disinfected body of our electorate: the American dog.

It seems at Wagwear, your pups can get in on the process that picks the president that presides over their providers, making them a key demographic. Mutt Romney knows this, and has already been captured blowing the dog whistle at least once. When he remarked, "Who let the dog's out? ruff ruff" at a recent photo-op, some pundits saw this as out-and-out breed baiting.

The emergence of Wagwear (48 E 11th st @ University) signals a growing backlash to this kind of demadoggery. Here hounds have a powerful advocate on the issues that matter to them: like the sudden rise of houselessness due to the surge in foreclosures that is forcing their owners into apartments that don't allow pets. "Someone has to look out for their needs," says John Edwards, who unfortunately no longer has a dog in this fight. John McCanine addressed a large audience at a recent pup rally with an appeal to conservatives about illegal puppy immigration, "My best friends," he said, "we have got to secure our borders--both collie and terrier."

On the Democratic side, Lassie, who is the first serious bitch to make a run toward the White house and has by far the highest name recognition, is running on her acting experience and her commitment to health care reform. Her plan will require each domesticated animal be enrolled in a health care plan. This is exciting to some, as currently over 99.99% of US dogs do NOT have health insurance.

Bark Obama is also committed to Universal health care, but his appeal stretches far beyond rules. His flair for public barking and his impassioned yelping have inspired millions, who might not otherwise feel their voices matter, to become engrossed in the political process. His campaign has amassed millions and millions of bones, and his ability to unite and galvanize such a unique and historically diverse coalition of support, especially among puppies who have never before been so animated and incentivized, speaks to his potential to break the gridlock in Washington, soothe anti-American sentiment in the rest of the world, and in so doing, restore liberty, prosperity, and more playtime to the American dog's life.

But no matter which candidate you believe in, Wagwear is the place to come and lend your support, put on a t-shirt, roll up your sleeves, get out the leash, and have your paw counted. Super Tuesday Part Two is upon us, as well as the rest of the nation's primaries, and it promises to be closer than ever. So grab your masters, parents, and/or providers, get out to Wagwear, and then get out to VOTE. Because whether it's a slick Mormon conservative, a bellicose but seasoned war hero, the first female celebrity, or the first mixed-breed Chocolate Lab, you will be playing a once-in-a-lifetime roll in making history and changing the future.

wagwear inc.
48 east 11th street
New York, NY 10003
www.wagwear.com