Joe Biden’s Inauguration as the 46th President of the United States (POTUS) turned a new leaf in the chapter of the Oval Office for many reasons, including the welcome of two Dogs of the United States (DOTUS).
The White House had no DOTUS for four years and now has two German Shepherds—Champ and Major. These DOTUS, or First Dogs, also mark another historic first, as Major, 2, is the first shelter dog to live with a president at the White House. The Bidens adopted Major in 2018, while Champ, 12, lived with Biden even when he was the Vice President of the United States.
There is news that a COTUS (Cat of the United States) may also be very well on the way. Regarding this, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “The cat is going to dominate the internet whenever the cat is announced and wherever that cat is found.”
When Donald Trump was POTUS, it was the first time in over 100 years that a president lived at the White House without a pet. Trump had addressed this point at a 2019 rally, saying, “I wouldn’t mind having one, honestly, but I don’t have any time. How would I look walking a dog on the White House lawn?” Former POTUS Trump also said that having a dog would feel “a little phony” to him. POTUS Barack Obama, Trump’s predecessor, also had two pets—Sunny and Bo, both Portuguese water dogs.
The Bidens wanted to settle in at the White House before welcoming Champ and Major. First Lady Jill Biden shared photos of the arrival of both DOTUS, with the caption reading, “Champ and Major have joined us in the White House!” The Office of the First Lady said that Champ makes himself at home in his dog bed by the fireplace, while Major enjoys running across the South Lawn of the White House.
Social media was thrilled with the arrival of Major and Champ at the White House. To welcome the First Dogs, users shared photos of their rescue dogs, shelter dogs, and dogs in general.