The White House announced on Saturday that Champ, the 13-year-old German Shepherd cared for by Joe and Jill Biden, has passed away.
“He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years,” a message from the President and First Lady said. “Even as Champ’s strength waned in his last months,” they noted, “when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub.”
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A younger dog, Major, will continue to bring canine companionship to the White House. Earlier in the year Major was sent away for a little remedial obedience training (there was, indeed, some dirty business) but returned in late April. The Bidens have made overtures toward adopting a cat, but it hasn’t happened yet. (Winston the cat belongs to Biden’s granddaughter Naomi, so he is not technically a White House pet, even if he is the greatest.)
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Sadly, it was only a little over one month ago that Barack and Michelle Obama said goodbye to a previous presidential pet, the Portuguese water dog Bo.
Maybe Champ and Bo are running for office together in doggie heaven, advocating for chew toys for all.
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