She may not be in line for a cabinet post, but that didn't stop eight-year-old Karina Encarnacion from offering her advice to then-democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama about what type of dog to get his daughters. She suggested a Coton de Tulear, a small dog that gets its name from a city in Madagascar. Her dog Murphy is a Coton de Tulear and "is very smart and sweet," she wrote Obama.

Perhaps more importantly, Encarnacion told the President-Elect in her two-page, handwritten letter, that "they do not shed, they are very lovable, small and very soft." She also asked the president "Would it be possible for you to make a law that requires everyone to recycle... And would it be possible to ban unnecessary wars?"

Much to her surprise, Obama took time away from his campaign to reply, writing "Look out for other people, even when it does not directly benefit you; strive to make a difference everywhere you go; and get back up every time you are knocked down." Obama also thanked her "for your kind words, your dog suggestion and for your support. I am impressed with your interest in politics, especially at your young age. I appreciate your idea to make a law requiring people to recycle and to ban unnecessary wars."

Obama also included an autographed photo of himself that the girl had asked for. It's nice to know that there are still people on the national stage who can take time out to consider the advice of a young girl.