First dog ‘top secret,’ says President Obama (but coming ‘soon,’ says Michelle)

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When can we expect a new first dog to trot down the steps of Air Force One?

First Lady Michelle Obama would only say ‘soon ... so soon’ when questioned about the dog’s arrival -- expected any day -- according to the Associated Press.

Today the anticipation over the Obamas’ new puppy grew to a fever pitch in an exchange between the president and reporters:

Q: When is the dog coming?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, man, now, that’s top secret. (Laughter.) That’s top secret.

Q: Exactly.

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, no, no, this is tightening up. Any of you going to be at the Easter Egg Roll?

Q: Oh, yes.

THE PRESIDENT: That’s big. (Laughter.) That’s big. So we look forward to seeing you on Monday. Thanks, guys.

Does this mean we can expect to meet the new first dog at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll? Of course, it looks like the first family will keep us guessing until the last possible moment.

If you believe Sen. Dick Durbin, the dog has already been chosen and has even been in training before taking up residence at the White House. An unnamed source told Chicago’s WBBM Newsradio this week that the pooch is a male Portuguese water dog puppy and it has already visited the White House.

Can these rumors be true? Only time will tell -- but it looks like we don’t have long to wait. In the meantime, if you can’t get enough of presidential pets, check out the Associated Press’ great photo gallery (including the Coolidges’ pet raccoon and Caroline Kennedy’s pony, Macaroni).

-- Lindsay Barnett