With too many homeless animals and far too few homes, pet shelters nationwide have clung to President Barack Obama's first post-election press conference in November.

During the session he discussed the family's search for its first dog, which he called "a major issue."

"There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic, but on the other hand our preference is to get a shelter dog, but obviously a lot of the shelter dogs are mutts like me," Obama said. "So whether we are going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household."

Meanwhile Adopt-a-Pet.com has launched MuttsLikeMe.com to help folks find a rescue shelter near them. Shepard Fairey, the artist who made Obama's face an icon of "Hope," has even contributed his artistic technique, turning the American mutt red, off-white and blue.

"Pets are non-partisan!" the page stresses. "Pet adoption is the way to go, and the homeless dogs and cats of our country need positive change too!"

-- Sandra M. Klepach