Pets are back: Biden's dogs settle in at White House
The patter of paws is being heard in the White House again following the arrival of President Joe Biden's dogs, Champ and Major. The two German Shepherds are the first pets to live at the mansion since the Obama administration. Major burst onto the national scene last year after Biden broke his right foot while playing with him at their home in Wilmington, Delaware.
Dogs were brought in after the First Family settled down
"The first family wanted to get settled before bringing the dogs down to Washington from Delaware," said Michael LaRosa, spokesperson for First Lady Jill Biden in an official statement after the dogs were brought to the White House.
Dogs are enjoying themselves in their new home
The Bidens adopted Major in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association while Champ joined the family after the 2008 presidential election that made Biden Vice President. Champ is enjoying his new dog bed by the fireplace and Major loved running around on the South Lawn. The dogs were heard barking outside near the Oval Office on Monday as Biden signed an executive order.
Any dog can live the American dream: Delaware Humane Association
Last week, the Delaware Humane Association, from where Major was adopted, co-sponsored an indoguration virtual fundraiser to celebrate Major's journey from shelter pup to the First Dog. More than $200,000 were raised for the association. "Major is the first shelter dog to ever live in the White House and barking proof that every dog can live the American dream," the association said.
A cat to arrive soon at the White House
The Bidens had promised to bring the dogs with them to the White House. They plan to add a cat, though no update on the feline's arrival was shared on Monday. White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, predicted that the cat will dominate the internet when it arrives. However, Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, a self-described germaphobe, had no pets at the White House.
'Pets soften the political image of leaders'
Pets not only provide companionship to the presidents and their families but also humanize and soften their political images, said Jennifer Pickens, author of Pets at the White House. Further, pets also serve as ambassadors to the White House. Pickens added that she hoped the Bidens' decision to bring a rescue dog to the White House might inspire others to adopt.
The history of pets at the White House
President Theodore Roosevelt had Skip, a short-legged Black and Tan mongrel terrier. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had his beloved terrier Fala. More recently, George HW Bush's English springer spaniel Millie was featured in The Simpsons and Hillary Clinton's pets, dog Buddy and cat Socks were featured in a children's book. Bo, a dog, joined the Obamas. Later, fellow Portuguese water dog Sunny arrived.
Other pets at the White House that made news
Calvin Coolidge, 30th US President, had a raccoon, Rebecca. She was given to the family by a supporter who suggested the raccoon be served for Thanksgiving dinner but instead she got a collar with the title "White House Raccoon." Other notable pets are Amy Carter's cat, Misty Malarky Ying Yang, and Caroline Kennedy's pony Macaroni. The Kennedy family also had a rabbit, Zsa Zsa.
