The First Family has welcomed a new four-legged family member, a 3-month old German Shepherd, into the White House, while the Biden’s current dog, Major, has moved on to a more appropriate home.
There are now two Commanders in the White House and, as animal lovers, we all know which one will really run the show.
A long-time animal lover and proponent of animal welfare and protection laws, President Biden announced the news Monday via a welcome video posted to Twitter.
Commander, the 3-month old German Shepherd puppy was a birthday gift to the President from his brother James Biden and sister-in-law Sara Biden. The puppy joined the family just as a decision was made to rehome the Biden’s other dog, Major.
After a handful of biting incidents earlier this year, German Shepherd ‘Major,’ who made headlines in January when he officially became the first shelter dog to call the White House home, was sent to Delaware for a “time out” and training. But, when he moved back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it wasn’t long before Major showed he still wasn’t comfortable among the hustle and bustle of government life. It was determined that Major would be much happier in a quieter environment. So, as Commander joined the family in Washington D.C., Major was rehomed with a Biden family friend.
“After consulting with dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and veterinarians, the first family has decided to follow the experts’ collective recommendation that it would be safest for Major to live in a quieter environment with family friends,” Michael LaRosa, a spokesperson for the First Lady said in a statement. “This is not in reaction to any new or specific incident, but rather a decision reached after several months of deliberation as a family and discussions with experts.”
The First Family’s other shepherd, Champ, sadly passed in June at 13-years old.
Commander now joins a long legacy of First Dogs and White House pets. And, now having experienced the realities of living with a reactive dog—and what can happen when a dog’s emotional needs aren’t supported—it is our sincere hope that Commander continues to be a happy, healthy, well-loved member of the First Family.
White House officials said a cat will also be joining the Bidens in January.
