Biden’s Presidency Brings New Additions to The White House

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Shira Oelsner, Staff Writer
January 22, 2021

Everyone adores the charming company a pet provides you. Whether or not you have a pet of your own, the joy animals give humans—sitting by our side as we work from home, bringing us their favorite toy, or merely pleading for the utmost attention—is unmatched. But what does the idea of pets look like in the White House?

When President Donald Trump’s term came to an end on January 20th, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill were not the sole additions to the White House. Good news for the country’s animal-lovers: furry friends have made their return for the first time since former President Barack Obama left with his Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny, four years ago. 

Trump was the first president in 120 years who did not have a pet with him in the White House. Regarding keeping a pet, Trump said, “How would I look walking a dog on the White House lawn?” He continued that it “feels a little phony.”

The most notable “First Cat” was Bill and Hillary Clinton’s cat, Socks, who lived with them in the White House from 1993 to 2001.

Although the U.S. faces a great divide between Democrats and Republicans, Biden has a far more difficult challenge to take on: unifying the gap between the nation’s dog and cat-lovers. The Bidens have had their two German Shepherds, Major and Champ, for a while now. They received Champ from a dog breeder in 2008 and adopted Major from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018. Major, being the first rescue dog to live in the White House, will get his own “inauguration.” Furthermore, the Bidens recently decided to get a cat. Their two dogs, accompanied by their new cat, Socks, will be tagging along with them on Inauguration Day. 

“Let’s put dogs back in the White House,” Biden tweeted two days prior to Election Day. Considering the unparalleled needs and exigencies of the White House, many previous presidents have had pets, also known as “First Dog” or “First Cat,” to keep them company and receive some love and affection.

As Inauguration Day is approaching, many Twitter users—especially dog owner accounts—are enthusiastic to hear that other animals will be residing in the White House. “I would like to congratulate Champ and Major,” one user said. Another twitter account, WeRateDogs, said “This is Major and Champ… both 14/10 would be an honor to pet,” 

Champ and Major likewise have their own Twitter account created by fans. “Please join us for our big #Indoguration on 1/17/21!” Major added, “I might even wear a suit for the occasion.”

In the past, Americans have regarded the pets belonging to the White House as celebrities. Already possessing a grand scope of fans, Champ, Major, and the Bidens’ new cat will be receiving loads of attention from the public. They are in for a treat.