Welcome to the White House, Bo

WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- First pup Bo lapped up the love at the White House Tuesday after being introduced officially to America and the world.

The 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, a gift to the first family from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., bounded on the White House lawn, ignoring the cameras as he walked along side of the first family.

"He's got star quality," U.S. President Barack Obama told the press corps recording Bo's first official romp on the South Lawn. "That's a good-looking dog, let's face it."

Turns out Portuguese water dogs like tomatoes, so Michelle Obama's new vegetable garden "is in danger," Obama added.

When he won the Nov. 4 General Election, Obama promised daughters Malia and Sasha that they would be getting a puppy -- and the search was on for a cuddly, four-legged sidekick that was compatible with Malia's allergies to dogs.

Bo, whose black-and-white markings make him look like he's ready to go to a black-tie dinner, created a stir among animal activists who expressed disappointment that the Obamas didn't adopt a pet from an animal shelter. Obama later announced the family would make a contribution to a local shelter.