Major, first shelter dog, will take his first steps at the White House
This tradition appeared in 1800 during the first American election of the President, John Adams: the President brings with him a dog to the White House. This custom has always been respected and strongly publicized thereafter. Moreover, during his election campaign, Joe Biden on Instagram posted photos of his dogs wearing his colors, mentioning "I may be a little biased but I think Champ and Major would make great First Dogs" . All American presidents have not broken the rule, with the exception of two of them: Chester A.Arthur (1881-1885) and Donald Trump, who confided "not having time to take care of an animal" . Since 2017, no pet has crossed the entrance to the White House.
Joe Biden will revive this tradition to which Americans are very attached to "man's best friends" and in particular to those in the White House. The new President of the White House already has two dogs: Champ (12 years old) and Major (2 years old). In 2008, Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States, adopted from a breeder his first German Shepherd, Champ who already knows the place, having accompanied his master to meet the former President of the United States Barack Obama (2009-2017). In 2018, to keep his daughter, Ashley, company, he visited D H A (Delaware Humane Association) Adoption Services and fell in love with a second German Shepherd, Major. This puppy was taken in in a terrible state by this shelter, with his five brothers and sisters, who had been exposed to dangerous toxins.Cared for and back on his feet, Joe Biden does not hesitate to adopt Major.
Major is the 2nd dog to be saved from a sad fate
Although he is the first shelter dog, he will be the second dog, whose start in life was uncertain, to enter the White House. Indeed, the 36th President Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) had taken in Yuki, a stray dog found in a gas station on the national holiday of Thanksgiving. In a way, Yuki was "pardoned" by President Lyndon B. Johnson, as is the tradition that day for the Thanksgiving turkey.
On Joe Biden's inauguration day, January 20, 2021, Champ and Major will therefore take their first steps in the official residence, the White House.