UPDATE:
Turns out, Major might not be the first rescue dog in the White House after all. Lyndon B. Johnson’s dog Yuki was actually found by his daughter at a Texas gas station. So while Yuki didn’t come from a shelter, it’s certainly a very special rags to riches story worth sharing.
The win for President-elect Joe Biden won more votes than any other candidate in history. However, another historical fact that President-elect Joe Biden’s win also put the first shelter dog in the White House. (1,2)
Joe Biden’s Dogs Major and Champ
“Some Americans celebrate #NationalCatDay, some celebrate #NationalDogDay,” wrote President-elect Biden in a tweet prior to his win. “It’s time we put a pet back in the White House.” (2)
He refers to two family German shepherds, Champ, 12, and Major, 2. Major is the first adopted pet slated to settle into the high profile address. This is a fact many applaud, acknowledging the Bidens’ support of animal adoption. A lot of pet owners, including myself, view this as the preferable choice over commercial breeding. (2)
Joe Biden’s Dog Champ Criticized
Although many criticized Biden when he purchased his pet, Champ from a Pennsylvania breeder, the most vocal were animal rights organizations. However, their tune changed when the Bidens adopted Major in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. His new home certainly has a nice big lawn. I wonder if it will suit him? (2)
Joe Biden’s Dog Big News
This is big news for animal welfare agencies who enthusiastically posted the news. Not surprisingly one of the first was the Delaware Humane Association, dubbing Major “First Dog Elect.” (2)
The executive director of the Delaware Humane Association, Patrick Carroll says Major “shows the real possibilities for what could happen for all the great dogs who need homes out there.” (2)
He also recalls adoption day for Major back in 2018. “He [Biden] was very kind and engaging, as he always is,” he says. Although Biden seemed in a rush, he spent an hour at the shelter sharing stories and happily posing for selfies with the staff. (2)
Joe Biden’s Dog On Social Media
Social media shouts approval from pet lovers who applaud a pet once again moving into the White House. Especially excited, WeRateDogs, says: “Both 14/10 would be an honor to pet.” (2)
According to pooch reviewer and creator of the popular canine website Matt Nelson, the Biden campaign provided home photos of Champ and Major. “It kind of was a submission, but it wasn’t like Joe Biden was in our DMs,” he says. (2)
Joe Biden’s Dogs Follow Tradition
Considering a pet in the White House dates back to George Washington, many Americans rejoice the tradition continues. In fact, 30 of the 45 presidents moved in with pets. Mr. Trump was the first US president in a very long time to be dogless in the White House. (2)
Joe Biden’s Dog Good Sign
Meanwhile Biden supporters, Dog Lovers for Joe, produced a 30-second ad featuring black-and-white images of both Republicans and Democrats affectionately embracing their dogs. (2)
