‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House
Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
Let past politicians tell it, dogs are presidents’ best friends. And as President-Elect Joe Biden prepares to transition into the White House in January 2021, his two German Shepherds — Major and Champ Biden — will paw their way in, too, possibly hanging out in all the favorite spots where former President Barack H. Obama’s dogs — Bo and Sunny — used to be. But what makes Major especially interesting is he’s the first rescue dog to make it into America’s home.
According to Delaware Humane Association’s Facebook page, Major was adopted in November 2018 after the Bidens had been fostering him. He joined their other dog, Champ.
First there was Champ
Seeing a German Shepherd tapping his way around the White House brings a level of normalcy back to the presidency — considering a historical tradition of presidents having pets. It’s also pretty cool to know that Joe Biden got the OK to get a dog right around the time Sasha and Malia Obama did. While former President Obama made his announcement about a family pet onstage during his 2008 Victory Speech in Grant Park (Chicago), Dr. Jill Biden (and upcoming First Lady) gave her husband the OK to get Champ after Biden had been vetted as VP in 2008. She even taped pictures of different dogs on the back of the seat in front of Biden on his campaign plane, according to Town & Country, so he could get ready for his new four-legged gift. Then Major joined the family 10 years later.
Then there was Major
Obviously it’s always a heart-warming moment for dog lovers to see pups running around or posing for photos on social media. But in this case, it’s more than just Joe Biden with a couple of German Shepherds. Their decision to choose their second dog the way they did is also significant. Major’s background should remind potential dog owners about why it’s a good idea to foster dogs (to know whether you’re fully equipped to keep them long term) and adopt rescue dogs. (Champ was from a breeder.)
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According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million of companion animals end up in U.S. animal shelters nationwide — every year. There are only slightly more dogs (3.3 million) as there are cats (3.2 million). Oddly, this is good news because, in 2011, the number of dogs entering shelters was 3.9 million.
For a variety of reasons, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized — 670K dogs per year. Of that number, 620K are stray dogs. For dog lovers who simply don’t have the time, energy or consistent finances to house a dog, there are always opportunities to donate to ASPCA so they can help take care of homeless dogs until a permanent home is an option. Or, maybe you’re “the option.”