A History of Presidential Pets: Welcoming Dogs Back to the White House
With Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, the tradition of having pets in the White House is joyfully restored. Biden is bringing his two German Shepherds, Major and Champ, to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Notably, Major is set to become the first rescue dog to reside in the White House, marking a heartwarming milestone in presidential pet history.
The absence of a pet during Donald Trump’s presidency broke a long-standing tradition cherished by many Americans. Now, as Joe Biden prepares to take office in January 2021, the return of dogs to the White House signals a return to normalcy and a continuation of this beloved custom. Joe and Jill Biden’s decision to bring their two German Shepherds, including a rescued one, reflects their values and commitment to animal welfare.
Meet Champ and Major: The Newest White House Residents
Champ, one of President-Elect Joe Biden’s German Shepherds, is no stranger to the White House atmosphere. He joined the Biden family in 2008 when Joe Biden became Vice President under Barack Obama. Jill Biden had promised to get him a dog if they won the election, so Champ has been a cherished member of the family for over a decade. He’s returning to Washington D.C., where he had visited his human dad in the White House, and will live there himself now.
Major’s story is particularly inspiring. The Bidens fostered him from the Delaware Humane Association after Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017. In 2018, they officially adopted him, making him the first rescue dog to be owned by a modern-day president. Major’s presence in the White House will undoubtedly raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and the love that rescue animals can bring to a family.
Happy #InternationalDogDay from Major and camera-shy Champ! pic.twitter.com/haKhxniUYd
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 27, 2019
Let’s put dogs back in the White House. pic.twitter.com/7pBihksfXT
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 1, 2020
The Obama Years: Bo and Sunny Bring Joy to the White House
Before the Bidens, Barack Obama and his family also shared their White House experience with canine companions. During his 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, promised their daughters, Malia and Sasha, that they could get a dog if they won the election. True to their word, the Obamas welcomed a Portuguese Water Dog named Bo into their family in 2009.
The choice of a Portuguese Water Dog was strategic, as the breed is considered hypoallergenic, addressing Malia’s allergies. The Obamas had initially hoped to adopt a shelter dog, but Malia’s health concerns made it necessary to find a breed that would not trigger her allergies. Bo quickly became a beloved member of the Obama family, capturing the hearts of the nation with his playful personality.
In 2013, Bo gained a little sister when the Obamas introduced Sunny, another Portuguese Water Dog, to the world. Sunny’s arrival further enlivened the White House, providing companionship for Bo and adding even more joy to the Obama family’s White House years. The two dogs were often seen accompanying the Obamas on walks, attending official events, and generally bringing a sense of warmth and normalcy to the presidential residence.
The Bush Dynasty: A Legacy of Presidential Pups
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, brought a whole pack of furry friends to the White House. His English Springer Spaniel, Spot Fetcher, had already experienced White House life, having been born to George H.W. Bush’s dog Millie during his presidency. Spot holds the distinction of being the only White House pet to live there during two non-consecutive presidential terms.
Sadly, Spot passed away in 2003 at the age of 14 after suffering a series of strokes. The Bushes also had two Scottish Terriers, Barney and Mrs. Beazley. Barney was the primary First Dog, known for his appearances in the annual White House Christmas videos. He lived at the White House for nine years before retiring to Texas with the Bushes after George W. Bush’s presidency ended.
The Bush family’s love for dogs was evident throughout their time in the White House. The presence of these canine companions brought comfort, companionship, and a sense of normalcy to the presidential residence, reminding the nation that even the most powerful figures in the world cherish the simple joys of pet ownership.
Bill Clinton’s Companions: A Dog and Cat Under One Roof
When Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary Clinton, and their daughter Chelsea moved into the White House in 1993, they brought with them a unique addition to the presidential pet roster: a cat named Socks. Socks was a stray cat adopted by the Clintons when they lived in the Arkansas governor’s mansion. The black and white feline quickly became a beloved member of the First Family, capturing the hearts of Americans with his playful antics.
During Clinton’s second term, a new pet joined the Clinton White House: Buddy, a chocolate Labrador retriever. Bill Clinton got Buddy in December 1997, a month after winning re-election as President. Buddy was named after Bill’s late great-uncle, Henry Oren “Buddy” Grisham, who was one of the 42nd president’s main role models growing up.
The dynamic between Socks and Buddy was often a subject of media attention, as the two animals reportedly had a strained relationship. Despite their differences, both Socks and Buddy played a significant role in humanizing the Clinton presidency, reminding the nation that even the most powerful figures in the world have pets that they love and care for.
George H.W. Bush’s Millie: A Presidential Pup with a Lineage
Millie, an English Springer Spaniel, was a beloved member of the George H.W. Bush family. Born in 1985, when George H.W. Bush was Vice President under Ronald Reagan, Millie made the move to the White House when Bush won the 1988 presidential election. During her time in the White House, Millie became a celebrity in her own right, even “authoring” a book titled “Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush.”
In 1989, Millie gave birth to a litter of six puppies, one of whom, Spot, went on to live in the White House again when George W. Bush became president. Millie continued to be a loving companion to the Bushes after they left the White House, living with them at their Kennebunkport, Maine compound. She passed away at the age of 12, leaving behind a legacy of love and companionship that is fondly remembered by the Bush family and the nation.
The tradition of presidential pets is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals. These furry companions bring joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to the White House, reminding us that even the most powerful leaders in the world appreciate the simple pleasures of pet ownership. As Joe Biden prepares to welcome Champ and Major to the White House, we eagerly anticipate the continuation of this cherished tradition and the positive impact these dogs will have on the nation.
